How to Clean Golf Shoes

Caked-on mud, dried grass, and scuff marks don't just make your golf shoes look bad - they actively work against your game. Taking a few minutes to clean them properly after a round is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your investment, maintain performance, and keep your feet comfortable. This guide will walk you through the exact steps to clean any type of golf shoe, helping them last season after season.

More Than Just Looks: Why Cleaning Your Shoes Matters

As a coach, I see a lot of players spend hundreds on the latest driver but completely neglect the equipment on their feet. Your shoes are your connection to the ground, they’re the foundation of every swing. Treating them right isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s about performance and value.

• Better Traction and Stability: The spikes or traction patterns on the bottom of your shoes are designed to bite into the turf. When they're clogged with mud, grass, and debris, they can't do their job. You lose grip, which can lead to slipping during your swing, a loss of power, and inconsistent strikes. A clean sole means a stable base.
• Increased Longevity: Dirt and moisture are enemies of modern footwear. Over time, they break down the synthetic materials, dry out and crack leather, and weaken the adhesives that hold your shoes together. A regular cleaning strips away these harmful elements, preventing premature wear and tear and saving you money in the long run.
• Enhanced Comfort and Health: Wet, dirty shoes are a breeding ground for bacteria and can lead to unpleasant odors. Furthermore, the materials can become stiff and uncomfortable when caked with dried mud. Keeping them clean and allowing them to dry properly preserves the intended fit and feel, which helps prevent blisters and keeps your feet happy for all 18 holes.

Your Shoe Cleaning Toolkit

You don't need a professional setup to get the job done right. Most of what you need is likely already around your house. Having these items ready before you start makes the process smooth and efficient.

• A soft-bristled brush: A dedicated shoe brush is great, but an old vegetable brush or a large paintbrush with soft bristles also works perfectly. Avoid stiff metal brushes, which can damage the shoe's upper.
• Old towels or microfiber cloths: You’ll want a few on hand - one for cleaning with soap and water, and a couple of others for wiping and drying.
• Mild dish soap: A gentle soap like Dawn is all you need. Avoid harsh detergents or cleaners, which can strip protective coatings and dry out materials.
• A bucket or bowl of warm water: Nothing fancy here, just a vessel for your soapy solution.
• An old toothbrush: The perfect tool for getting into tight seams and scrubbing the fine details on the soles and spikes.
• Newspaper or paper towels: Indispensable for the drying process. They absorb moisture from the inside out and help the shoe keep its shape.
• Leather Cleaner/Conditioner (for leather shoes only): If you have leather shoes, a dedicated cleaner and conditioner is a worthwhile investment to keep the material supple and protected.

Step 1: The Pre-Clean Routine (For All Shoe Types)

Before you introduce any water, you want to remove all the loose dirt and debris. This pre-cleaning phase makes the actual washing process much more effective and less messy.

1. Knock 'em Together: Step outside and bang the soles of your shoes together firmly. This will dislodge the biggest chunks of dried mud and grass clippings. Don't be shy here, get the bulk of the mess off.
2. The Dry Brush: Take your soft-bristled brush and give the entire shoe - uppers, midsoles, and soles - a thorough dry brushing. This removes the remaining surface-level grime and dust, setting you up for a much cleaner wash.
3. Remove the Laces and Insoles: Pull the laces out completely. This gives you better access to clean the tongue and eyelets. If your insoles are removable, take them out as well. You can wash the laces and insoles separately by hand.
4. Scrub the Spikes/Soles: Using the old toothbrush, focus on the bottom of the shoe. Scrub in and around every spike or traction nub to clear out any compacted dirt that the bigger brush missed. This is where grip is won or lost.

Once you’ve completed this prep, your shoes are ready for a deeper clean based on their material.

Step 2: How to Clean Based on Your Shoe's Material

Different materials require slightly different approaches. Using the right technique will get them sparkling clean without causing any damage. Most players will have shoes made from synthetic materials, leather, or a knit fabric.

Cleaning Synthetic and Waterproof Golf Shoes

This is the most common type of golf shoe today. The materials are durable and designed to handle moisture, making them the easiest to clean.

1. Create Your Cleaning Solution: In your bucket or bowl, mix a small amount of mild dish soap into warm water. You just need a few drops to create a slightly sudsy solution. Too much soap will leave a film behind.
2. Scrub the Uppers: Dip your soft-bristled brush into the soapy water and gently scrub the outside of the shoes. Work in small, circular motions. The soap and water will lift the dirt out of the material. Pay extra attention to heavily soiled areas.
3. Wipe and Rinse: Take a clean, damp cloth (rinsed in plain water) and wipe away all the soap and dirt from the shoe's surface. You may need to rinse and wring out your cloth a few times to get it all. The goal is to remove any soapy residue.
4. Clean the Laces and Insoles: Drop the laces into the soapy water and knead them with your hands. Use the brush to scrub the insoles if they need it. Once clean, rinse them thoroughly in plain water and set them aside to air dry.

Caring for Leather Golf Shoes

Leather is a natural material that requires a more delicate touch. The key here is to use as little water as possible, as over-saturating leather can cause it to dry out, stiffen, and crack.

1. Use a Damp Cloth, Not a Soapy Brush: Instead of dipping a brush in soapy water, use a damp cloth. Mix your mild soap solution, dip a cloth in it, and wring it out until it’s just damp. Gently wipe down the entire surface of the leather.
2. Rinse Sparingly: Use another clean cloth, dampened with only water, to wipe away any soap residue. Again, make sure the cloth is well wrung out before you use it.
3. Apply Leather Conditioner (After Drying): This is the most important part of leather care. Once the shoes are completely dry, apply a small amount of leather conditioner with a soft cloth. This replenishes the natural oils, keeps the leather soft and water-resistant, and prevents cracking. Work it in with small, circular motions.

Tackling Knit or Mesh Golf Shoes

Knit shoes are lightweight and breathable, but their fabric-like construction can absorb stains more easily. You need to be gentle to avoid snagging the material or pushing dirt deeper into the weave.

1. Spot-Treat First: If you have specific stains, it’s best to address them first. A solution of one part distilled white vinegar and two parts water, dabbed on with a cloth, can often lift grass and dirt stains. Test it on an inconspicuous area first.
2. Gentle Cleaning: Use the same mild soap and warm water solution. However, instead of a brush, use a soft cloth or a sponge for the main cleaning. Press and blot at the fabric rather than scrubbing vigorously. If you must use a brush, choose a very soft one (like an old, soft toothbrush) and be extremely gentle.
3. Avoid Soaking: Never submerge your knit shoes in water. They act like a sponge, and getting them fully waterlogged can damage their structure and take forever to dry, potentially leading to mildew. Just use enough of your cleaning solution to clean the surface.

No matter what type of shoe you have, putting them in a washing machine is a fast-track to ruining them. The tumbling action and harsh detergents break down the adhesives and structural components of the shoe.

Step 3: The Most Important Part - Proper Drying

You can do a perfect cleaning job, but if you dry your shoes improperly, you can undo all your hard work and even cause permanent damage. Heat is the main enemy here.

1. Stuff the Shoes: Take wads of newspaper or a few paper towels and stuff them inside each shoe. Pack them in firmly but not so much that you stretch the shoe. The paper will absorb moisture from the inside while helping the shoe maintain its proper shape as it dries.
2. Find a Cool, Dry Place: Place the shoes in a well-ventilated area at room temperature to air dry. A utility room, garage, or a covered porch is ideal. Leave them for at least 8-10 hours, or overnight. You might need to swap out the paper once if they were particularly wet.
3. The "Do Not" List: This is critical. Never place your golf shoes near a direct heat source. That means no radiators, no vents, no fireplaces, and definitely no clothes dryers. Intense heat will crack leather, melt glues, and warp synthetic materials, destroying your shoes. Also, avoid direct sunlight, which can cause fading and make leather brittle.

Once your shoes, laces, and insoles are completely dry, you can re-lace them and get them ready for your next round. You'll not only look better, but you'll have the confidence of a stable, comfortable base for every shot.

Final Thoughts

Taking care of your golf shoes is a simple discipline that pays huge dividends in performance, comfort, and the lifespan of your gear. Making this 15-minute routine a regular part of what you do after a round will keep your footing secure and your equipment in top shape.

Just as taking care of your gear prevents little problems from becoming big ones, so does having a clear strategy on the course. For those tricky situations where you're unsure how to play a shot - like when your ball is against the collar of the rough or sitting on a challenging sidehill lie - getting an expert opinion can make all the difference. We built Caddie AI to be that instant second opinion right in your pocket. You can even snap a photo of a difficult lie, and our AI will analyze a situation and give you a simple, smart way to play the shot, removing the guesswork so you can swing with confidence.