Golf shoes take a beating round after round. From muddy fairways to damp morning dew, grass stains, and course chemicals, your footwear endures constant exposure that dulls its look and shortens its life. A consistent cleaning routine is the single best habit you can develop as a golfer. Knowing how to clean golf shoes properly extends their lifespan, preserves traction, maintains waterproofing, and keeps them looking sharp.
Most golfers agree on one rule: clean your shoes after every round. This prevents dirt and chemicals from setting in, reduces wear, and makes deep cleaning much easier. Whether you own leather, mesh, spikeless, or white golf shoes, each material needs a tailored approach. Some golfers swear by a quick wipe with a damp towel, while others use advanced tools like water flossers or dedicated cleaning systems. There is even debate over whether machine washing is safe; the answer depends entirely on the shoe.
In this guide, you will learn proven methods used by experienced golfers, including step-by-step cleaning routines, product recommendations, drying best practices, and how to avoid common mistakes that can ruin your favorite pair. You will also discover how to restore yellowed white shoes, protect black shoes with tire foam, and keep leather supple for seasons to come.
Let us get your golf shoes tournament-ready without damaging them in the process.
Post-Round Wipe Down: The Most Important Step
Wipe Shoes Immediately After Play
The single most effective cleaning step happens the moment you finish your round: wipe down your golf shoes with a damp cloth or golf towel. This removes surface dirt, grass, and moisture before they dry and become harder to clean later. One golfer keeps their shoes pristine simply by cleaning them after every round, while another insists that shoes should be wiped clean with a wet cloth after every round.
Use a microfiber or terry towel dampened with water. Focus on the uppers, midsoles, and around the cleats. This quick two-minute step prevents stains and protects materials from long-term damage.
Brush Off Loose Debris
After wiping, use a soft-bristled brush or the brush attached to your golf towel to scrub the soles and sides. Pay attention to the grooves between the spikes; this area traps dirt and course chemicals that can rot stitching and degrade adhesives over time. A stiff nylon brush or old toothbrush works well here.
Removing course chemicals after each round is crucial for preserving thread and leather integrity, according to experienced golfers.
Remove and Air Dry
Let your shoes air dry indoors, away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Never toss them in the trunk of your car, as high temperatures break down glue and materials. Loosen the laces slightly to allow airflow inside.
If your shoes are damp, stuff them with newspaper to absorb moisture. Replace the paper once it has soaked. Once dry, insert cedar shoe trees to maintain shape and reduce creasing, especially in leather models.
Clean by Material Type
Leather Golf Shoes
Use Saddle Soap, Not Magic Eraser
Leather requires gentle care. Avoid Magic Erasers on leather uppers; they are abrasive and can strip the finish over time, leaving dull, uneven spots that reveal the unfinished leather underneath. Instead, use saddle soap or a dedicated leather cleaner like Meguiar’s Gold Class Leather Cleaner or Jason Markk.
Apply the cleaner with a soft cloth or brush, then wipe off with a damp towel. Follow with a leather conditioner or mink oil twice a year to keep the material supple and prevent cracking.
Deep Clean Seasonally
One golfer rinses off heavy grime in the shower, brushes between spikes, and sponges the uppers. After drying with newspaper inside, he applies leather treatment. This seasonal deep clean keeps leather shoes performing and looking great for years.
Mesh and Fabric Uppers
Hand Wash with Mild Soap
Mesh shoes handle moisture well but trap dirt. For a deep clean, remove laces and insoles, then soak in warm water with a squirt of Dawn dish soap. Use a soft brush to scrub the fabric. Avoid hot water, as it can weaken adhesives.
Rinse with a cold, damp cloth to remove soap residue. Never flood the inside.
Machine Wash with Caution
If your mesh shoes are non-leather and spikeless, they may be machine washable. Use a mesh washing bag or pillowcase, cold water, and a gentle cycle. Add a small amount of laundry detergent.
Never use the dryer; heat melts glue and warps materials. Air dry only, with newspaper inside to absorb moisture. One golfer has used this method for years on Adidas, Nike, and Skechers golf shoes with great results, reporting they come out looking virtually like new.
TPU and Synthetic Uppers
Wipe with Damp Cloth
TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) is durable and water-resistant. After each round, wipe with a damp cloth. For deeper cleaning, use mild soapy water and a soft brush.
Avoid harsh chemicals or bleach, which can degrade the material over time.
Soles and Midsoles: Remove Scuff Marks
Magic Eraser Works Best
For scuff marks, grass stains, and dirt on rubber soles and midsoles, Magic Eraser or generic melamine sponge is the top choice. It lifts grime effortlessly without damaging rubber. Wet the sponge slightly, then scrub in circular motions. This method works especially well on white midsoles. Generic versions perform just as well, so there is no need to buy the branded product.
Scrub Between Spikes
Use an old toothbrush with warm, soapy water to clean the area around the cleats. One golfer turns shoes upside down in a sink with running water and a few drops of Dawn to flush out debris.
For spikeless shoes, a plastic bristle brush works well on the traction pattern.
White vs. Black Shoe Care
Fix Yellowed White Shoes
White golf shoes, especially models like FootJoy Flex, often yellow from sun exposure. To restore them:
- Dilute bleach with water at a 1:5 ratio.
- Scrub the uppers with a soft brush.
- For stubborn yellowing, soak in the washing machine on the coldest cycle for 20 minutes.
- Air dry in the shade; never in direct sunlight.
Alternatively, use Wesley’s Bleachwhite, a harsher product recommended for soles, especially Adidas Boost material.
Shine Black Shoes with Tire Foam
For black shoes that have lost their luster, tire foam is a game-changer. Apply with a microfiber cloth, then buff lightly. It restores deep black color and adds a subtle shine, making shoes look brand new.
Avoid using tire foam on white or colored shoes.
Machine Washing: Yes or No?
When It Is Safe
Machine washing is acceptable only for non-leather, spikeless, mesh, or synthetic shoes and only if the manufacturer does not prohibit it.
Follow these rules:
– Remove laces and insoles.
– Use a mesh bag or pillowcase.
– Cold water, gentle cycle.
– Minimal detergent.
– Never use the dryer.
One golfer has successfully washed spikeless trainers this way for years with no issues.
When to Avoid It
Never machine wash leather shoes, shoes with leather soles, shoes with waterproof membranes (such as Gore-Tex), or shoes with glued components.
Risks include glue melting (soles may detach after a wash), loss of waterproofing, and interior breakdown affecting glue, insoles, and stitching. As one experienced golfer put it, washing machines are for clothes; the damage they can cause can be quite alarming, especially to your wallet.
Drying: Do It Right
Air Dry Only
Always air dry golf shoes. Never use a dryer, heater, or direct sunlight. Heat warps materials, melts glue, and causes white shoes to yellow.
Use Newspaper and Shoe Trees
After cleaning, follow this drying method:
- Stuff shoes with newspaper for 30 to 40 minutes to absorb moisture.
- Remove wet paper.
- Insert cedar shoe trees while shoes are still damp to maintain shape and reduce odors.
Some golfers use fans to accelerate drying; just keep shoes at least three feet from the airflow.
Storage and Long-Term Care
Use Cedar Shoe Trees
Store golf shoes with cedar shoe trees at all times when not in use. They absorb moisture, prevent creasing, and maintain shape, which is especially important for leather shoes.
Avoid Car Trunk Storage
Never leave golf shoes in your car trunk. Summer temperatures can exceed 140°F (60°C), which breaks down adhesives, softens rubber, and deforms materials.
Store in a Cool, Dry Place
Keep shoes in a closet, golf bag, or garage shelf, anywhere cool, dry, and well-ventilated. Ensure they are completely dry before storing to prevent mold and mildew.
Best Cleaning Products and Tools
Must-Have Cleaning Supplies
| Product | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Magic Eraser | Soles, midsoles, white shoes | Avoid on leather uppers |
| Dawn Dish Soap | General cleaning | Gentle and effective |
| Simple Green | Deep cleaning soak | Use 24-hour method for best results |
| Saddle Soap | Leather cleaning | Safer than Magic Eraser on leather |
| Tire Foam | Black shoes | Adds shine and protection |
| Mink Oil | Leather conditioning | Apply twice per year |
| Wesley’s Bleachwhite | Yellowed soles | Harsh; use with caution |
| KIWI Neutral Shine Sponge | Preventative coating | Apply before play |
Essential Tools
- Soft-bristled brush for uppers
- Old toothbrush for spikes and tight areas
- Microfiber towels for drying and polishing
- Cedar shoe trees for shape and moisture control
- Shoe horn to protect the heel counter
- Compressed air to remove loose dirt
- Water flosser as an innovative cleaning tool
Expert Cleaning Routines
After Every Round
- Wipe with a damp cloth.
- Brush soles and spike areas.
- Air dry with laces loosened.
- Store with shoe trees.
Monthly Deep Clean
- Remove laces and insoles.
- Scrub with appropriate cleaner (soapy water for mesh, saddle soap for leather).
- Use Magic Eraser on soles.
- Wash laces separately.
- Dry completely before storing.
Seasonal Maintenance
- Deep clean thoroughly.
- Condition leather with mink oil or leather nourisher.
- Reapply waterproofing spray.
- Polish if needed.
- Inspect cleats and replace if worn.
Special Situations
Muddy Shoes
Let mud dry completely before cleaning. Brush off loose dirt, then proceed with wet cleaning. Wet mud can smear and damage materials if scrubbed too soon.
Yellowing from Sun
Prevent yellowing by applying Scotch Guard when shoes are new. Store shoes out of sunlight and avoid drying them in direct sun.
Restoring Stiff or Cracked Leather
If leather feels dry or cracked, clean with saddle soap, then condition with mink oil or a rich leather conditioner. Repeat every few months.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Magic Eraser on leather uppers, which causes finish wear
- Machine washing leather shoes, risking glue failure and waterproofing loss
- Drying in direct sunlight, which causes yellowing and material breakdown
- Storing shoes in hot trunks, which accelerates aging
- Over-tightening cleats, which can strip threads
- Skipping post-round wipe down, allowing dirt and chemicals to set in
Pro Tips from Golfers
- Use a shoe horn every time to protect the heel counter
- Rotate two pairs of shoes; this doubles lifespan and allows proper drying
- Apply Crepe or silicone spray before playing for easier cleaning
- Set up a garage cleaning station with sink, brushes, and fan
- Try a water flosser filled with hot water to blast out grime
- Use a power washer on soles only, then wipe with Magic Eraser
- Consider a Boot Buddy device, which cleans shoes in 10 minutes with minimal effort
Frequently Asked Questions About Cleaning Golf Shoes
Can I put my golf shoes in the washing machine?
Only if they are non-leather (mesh, synthetic, TPU, spikeless) and the manufacturer does not warn against it. Use cold water, a gentle cycle, and a protective mesh bag. Remove laces and insoles first, and never use the dryer. Leather shoes should never be machine washed.
How do I clean white golf shoes that have yellowed?
Dilute bleach with water and scrub, or use a product like Wesley’s Bleachwhite. For stubborn yellowing, some golfers combine scrubbing with a 20-minute cold washing machine cycle. Prevention works best; apply a protective coating before wear and avoid prolonged sun exposure.
Is Magic Eraser safe for all parts of the shoe?
Yes for soles, midsoles, and fabric areas. No for leather uppers. Magic Eraser will wear away the finish over time, revealing the unfinished leather underneath.
How often should I clean my golf shoes?
Wipe down after every round. Deep clean every few weeks to monthly, depending on usage and conditions. Condition leather a few times per year.
What is the best way to dry golf shoes?
Air dry in a shaded area or indoors. Use newspaper to absorb initial moisture for 30 to 40 minutes, then insert shoe trees while still damp. Never use a machine dryer or place shoes in direct sunlight.
Should I use a shoe horn?
Yes, always. It protects the heel counter, preventing damage that can cause improper heel fit, blistering, and overall discomfort.
Key Takeaways for Cleaning Golf Shoes
Cleaning golf shoes does not have to be complicated. The key is consistency. Wipe after every round, deep clean monthly, and condition seasonally. Match your method to the shoe material; leather needs saddle soap, mesh can handle gentle washing, and soles love a Magic Eraser.
Avoid machine washing leather, never dry shoes in direct sunlight, and always store them with cedar shoe trees. With the right routine, your golf shoes will look better, last longer, and perform at their best round after round.
Now grab your brush, pull out the laces, and give your golf shoes the care they deserve.
