What's The Best Way To Clean Golf Shoes?

Golfing is a lot of fun, but for many, taking proper care of their gear isn't. From making sure you have everything you need in your bag to keeping your gear clean, there is a lot you need to do to be ready for a round of golf. If you are having trouble keeping your golf shoes clean, here are some tips that should help you.

Cleaning Golf Shoes

When you finish a round of golf, chances are your shoes are going to be fairly dirty. Your shoes can pick up sand, dirt, and mud while you golf, which makes your shoes look bad and they can even become harder to clean the longer you leave these foreign materials on your shoes. This is why most golfers recommend taking the time to clean your shoes after each round of golf, whether you play 9 or 18 holes.

The good news about cleaning your golf shoes is that it's usually fairly easy. If you have leather or synthetic leather golf shoes, you can clean them with a combination of soap and water. Many golf courses will even have a spot where you can wipe your shoes to remove all the large dirt and debris before you proceed with any manually cleaning.

It's important to note that you don't want to leave your golf shoes wet for too long. After you clean your shoes, make sure you dry them off properly immediately. Leaving your shoes wet can cause damage to both the inside and outside of the shoe, which can affect the way your shoes fit in the future. If your shoes do end up getting too wet, you should stuff them with newspaper and set them aside for a day or two to make sure they dry completely, before wearing them again for another round of golf. 

Cleaning Mesh Golf Shoes

Cleaning leather or synthetic leather golf shoes is a breeze, but things get a little more complex when you're cleaning shoes with a mesh upper. Mesh isn't smooth like leather is, which means it absorbs more dirt, it's harder to clean, and you have to be careful about what you use to clean it.

The best way to clean mesh shoes is to fill a sink or tub with warm water, combined with soap or laundry detergent. Simply let your shoes soak in the soapy water for a while, then take a soft-bristled brush and gently scrub away any spots where you can see dirt and grime present. When you're finished, use a wet cloth to remove any soap residue that might be left over on the shoes, and then give them a day or two to dry out completely.

Keeping Your Shoes Clean

To help golfers get the most out of their equipment, we recommend following a few simple tips to help keep your golf shoes clean. While not necessarily a matter of cleanliness, the first thing you need to do is make sure you're putting your shoes on properly, so you aren't damaging the heel of the shoe.

If you're golfing in the rain, make sure you take your shoes off as soon as you're finished and begin drying them off. The longer you let your golf shoes stay wet, the more likely they are to develop a bad smell or have damaged leather. For badly soaked shoes, you may even consider using a blow dryer on a low setting to dry them a little quicker.

Even if you're not fully cleaning your golf shoes after every round of golf, you should still wipe them down with a moist cloth to remove excess dirt and mud.

Golf Shoe Storage Tips

Storing your golf shoes properly is also important if you want to enjoy every round. You should keep your golf shoes on cedar shoe trees to prevent odors, and to keep the shape of the shoe consistent. You should also have a shoe bag for safely transporting your shoes in your vehicle, when you're heading to the golf course. Finally, make sure you aren't storing your shoes in the car permanently, as excess heat can cause them to deform and not fit your foot properly.

As much fun as it is to play a round of golf with a few buddies, there's some work involved, too. You should clean your golf shoes after every round of golf if you want to keep them in the best shape. As long as you follow these tips, your golf shoes will look and feel great for many rounds to come.