How to Wash Adidas Golf Shoes

Dirty Adidas golf shoes aren't just an eyesore, they perform poorly, lose their grip, and wear out much faster. Keeping your investment in top shape is simple, and this guide provides the exact steps needed to properly clean any pair of Adidas golf shoes, preserving their technology and keeping you stable and stylin' for every shot.

First, Know Your Shoe: What Are Your Adidas Golf Shoes Made Of?

Before you grab a brush, it’s important to know what you’re working with. Adidas designs shoes with specific materials for peak performance, and each type requires a slightly different cleaning approach. Most modern Adidas golf shoes fall into one of two categories:

• Synthetic Leather / Waterproof Uppers: This is the most common material for models like the Tour360, ZG23, and Retrocross. These uppers are engineered for durability, stability, and waterproofing. They can handle a slightly more involved cleaning process.
• Knit or Mesh Uppers: Shoes like the Codechaos and S2G often feature flexible, breathable knit materials. While incredibly comfortable, these are more delicate and can be damaged by aggressive scrubbing or harsh chemicals.

If you're rocking a pair of classic, genuine leather shoes, those are a special case we'll touch on later. For now, identify your material, because that will dictate your approach.

Assemble Your Cleaning Toolkit

You don't need a professional cleaning bay, just a few simple items. Having everything ready beforehand makes the process quick and painless. Gather these supplies:

• A bucket or bowl of warm water
• Mild dish soap or laundry detergent
• Soft-bristled brush (a shoe brush or even a soft dish brush)
• Stiff-bristled brush (an old toothbrush or a plastic scrub brush for soles)
• At least two microfiber towels
• An old golf tee or a wooden skewer
• Shoe trees (optional, but highly recommended)
• Old newspaper

How to Clean Synthetic Leather & Waterproof Adidas Shoes (Tour360, ZG23, etc.)

This is the workhorse method that applies to the majority of modern Adidas golf shoes. Their durable, non-porous uppers are built to withstand the elements, and in turn, a good cleaning.

Step 1: Prep Work – The Dry Brush and Knock-Out

Before getting them wet, remove all the loose, caked-on stuff. Take your shoes outside and knock the soles together to dislodge big clumps of dried mud and grass. Then, use a dry, soft-bristled brush to sweep away any remaining loose dirt from the uppers and a stiff brush for the outsoles. Paying attention to this step prevents you from just turning dry dirt into wet mud that smears everywhere.

With an old tee or a similar pointed tool, gently pick out any stubborn rocks, grass, and compacted mud from the traction elements on the sole. A clean outsole is essential for good grip.

Step 2: Remove and Clean Laces and Insoles

Take the laces and insoles out of your shoes. This allows you to clean every nook and cranny and lets the components dry thoroughly. You can hand wash the laces in a small bowl with a bit of soap and water. Just rub them together, rinse, and set them aside on a towel to air dry. For the insoles, a gentle wipe with a damp, soapy cloth is usually enough to freshen them up. Avoid soaking them completely.

Step 3: Wash the Uppers

Create a cleaning solution by mixing a few drops of mild dish soap into your bowl of warm water. Dip your soft-bristled brush into the solution and gently scrub the uppers in small, circular motions. The key here is gentle pressure. You're trying to lift the dirt off the material, not grind it in. For stubborn scuffs or stains, you might need to apply a little more pressure, but always start light. Work your way around the entire shoe, including the tongue and heel.

Step 4: Deep Clean the Midsoles and Outsoles

Now, switch to your stiff-bristled brush (like that old toothbrush). The midsole - the foamy part that often features Adidas' BOOST technology - can accumulate just as much grime as the sole. Dip your stiff brush into your soapy water and scrub the midsole and outsole aggressively. These parts are built for durability and can handle a real cleaning. Pay special attention to the texture of the BOOST foam, as dirt loves to hide in its crevices.

How to Clean Knit or Mesh Adidas Shoes (Codechaos, S2G, etc.)

If your shoes have textile, knit, or mesh uppers, your motto is "gentle." You'll follow the same basic principles as with synthetic shoes, but with a lighter touch to avoid damaging the fabric.

Step 1: Dry Brush and Remove Debris

This is the same as above. Knock the shoes together and use a soft, dry brush to remove as much loose dirt as possible. Be extra delicate on the knit material to avoid snagging or fraying the fibers.

Step 2: Laces and Insoles Out

Same process again. Remove them to get a truly deep clean and allow for proper drying.

Step 3: The "Blot and Dab" Upper Cleaning Method

Here’s where the technique changes. Instead of a brush, use a microfiber towel. Mix your mild soap and warm water solution. Dip the towel in the solution, wring it out so it's damp but not dripping wet, and gently blot and dab at stains on the knit upper.

For tougher spots, you can use a very soft brush (like a baby toothbrush) and light circular motions, but blotting with a cloth is a much safer first step. Aggressive scrubbing can cause the fabric to pill or fray, so resist the urge to go too hard.

Step 4: Same Tough Love for Midsoles and Outsoles

The底 of your knit shoes is just as tough as any other golf shoe. Use your stiff-bristled brush and soapy water to scrub the midsole and outsole clean, just as you would with a pair of Tour360s.

The Critical Final Step for ALL Shoes: Rinsing and Drying

Once you’re satisfied with the wash, this final phase is what protects the shoe’s integrity and prepares it for your next round.

Step 1: The Rinse-Off

Never run your golf shoes under a faucet. That can force water into sensitive areas. Instead, dunk a clean microfiber towel in a bowl of plain, clean water. Wring it out well and wipe down the entire shoe to remove any soap residue. You want to wipe away the suds, not saturate the shoe all over again.

Step 2: The Drying Process – Patience Required

This is where many well-intentioned golfers go wrong. Your shoes should always air dry at room temperature, away from direct sunlight or heat. Stuff the inside of the shoes loosely with crumpled-up newspaper. This is a classic trick for a reason: the paper absorbs excess moisture from the inside and helps the shoe maintain its shape.

If you have them, insert wooden shoe trees once the shoes are mostly dry. Shoe trees (especially cedar ones) are fantastic for absorbing lingering moisture, deodorizing, and, most importantly, preserving the original shape of the shoe.

The Master "Don't You Dare" List: What to Avoid At All Costs

To keep your Adidas golf shoes in prime condition, what you don't do is just as important as what you do.

• NEVER put them in a washing machine. The high heat, harsh detergent, and tumbling action can break down the adhesives that bond the shoe together, especially the waterproof membranes. It will permanently compromise their structure and performance.
• NEVER put them in a clothes dryer or use a hairdryer. Direct, high heat will warp the synthetic materials, shrink knit fabrics, and can cause the sole to separate from the upper. It's the fastest way to ruin a perfectly good pair of shoes.
• NEVER use harsh chemicals. Bleach, abrasive cleaners, or household solvents will discolor and degrade the materials. Simple dish soap is all you need.
• NEVER store them wet in your trunk. This is a breeding ground for mildew and nasty odors. Always let your shoes air out fully after a damp round, even if you don't do a full wash.

A Note on Classic Genuine Leather

If you own a pair of high-end, genuine leather Adidas golf shoes, the cleaning process is mostly the same, but with one critical addition: conditioning. After cleaning and drying, you must apply a high-quality leather conditioner. Synthetic materials are stable, leather is a natural skin that will dry out, become brittle, and crack if its oils are not replenished. Use a soft cloth to work a small amount of conditioner into the leather to keep it supple and strong.

Final Thoughts

Consistently cleaning your Adidas golf shoes is one of the easiest ways to protect your gear and your game. A clean, well-maintained shoe provides better grip, superior support, and simply lasts longer, making it a foundational piece of equipment you can always rely on.

Just like taking care of your equipment boosts your confidence on the course, so does making smarter choices tee-to-green. Having a plan for every shot eliminates doubt and helps you commit to your swing. With our golf coach, Caddie AI, you can get instant, expert strategy for any situation you face, from analyzing a tricky lie to choosing the right club for an approach shot. It’s like having a pro caddie in your pocket, ready to take the guesswork out of your game so you can focus on playing your best.