Home » Misc » How to take care of basketball shoes
How to take care of basketball shoes
How To Clean & Care For Your Basketball Shoes
Skip to content
As a basketball player, you know how important your shoes are. Discover what you can do to help increase the longevity of your pair with these tips.
You know that feeling you get when you open up a box of new basketball shoes? You lift the lid and remove the paper barrier to reveal the fresh footwear lying inside. They are crisp and perfect with stuffing that evokes the way they’ll look on your feet. They even have a certain smell of newness. Don’t you wish they could stay that way?
Players wear their shoes to practice, to games and even around town, but how can you keep them looking and feeling the way they did on day one?
Consider the following tips to keep your basketball shoes clean and in shape longer.
STORE THEM RIGHT
After a game, you might be stuffing your shoes deep into your gym bag, in a hurry to head out for some fun with your teammates and friends.
But leaving them in your gym bag for an extended time can cause them to lose their shape, putting a lot of pressure on the seams. It can also lead to a buildup of odor, since they can’t air out properly.
Instead, you should store your shoes in an open room or closet with plenty of airflow after wearing them. This will allow them to dry out before your next use. Once they’ve had time to dry out, store your shoes in their original box, rather than on your bedroom floor where they are easily vulnerable to getting kicked around or tripped over.
To help keep your footwear even more fresh, try using a shoe deodorizer, which can come in solid form or an easy-to-use spray.
You may also consider having a couple pairs of basketball shoes and rotate them between games, giving each pair more time to dry and less time in active use.
WEAR THEM ONLY ON THE COURT
The cardinal rule is to never wear your indoor shoes outside.
Doing so can cause your basketball shoes to lose both grip and color faster. If you avoid exposing them to the elements, they will likely last much longer.
By only wearing your shoes on the court, you can keep them cleaner as well. That means less wear and tear and less work for you to maintain them.
KEEP THEM CLEAN
If you want to keep your shoes in tip-top shape, regular cleanings are essential.
You should, at the very least, clean them after every game. Why? It can reduce general odor, help prevent loss of traction by removing debris from your tread, and keep your basketball shoes from deteriorating by reducing grime that can wear down your tread.
First, as general warning, don’t put your shoes in a washer or dryer. You should also avoid completely immersing them in water. Use these steps as a guide to properly wash your basketball shoes:
Remove excess dirt using a soft-bristled shoe brush or tooth brush to clean the sole on the outside of your shoe.
Mix warm water with just a drop of laundry detergent (or, if leather, a specialty leather cleaner). Apply a small amount to a sponge or soft cloth to clean dirty areas of the shoe.
Remove your insole and clean using a water/detergent mix.
Rinse excess soap off of the shoe and insole using just water on a second sponge.
Air dry your shoes at room temperature. You shouldn’t leave your shoes to dry in the sunlight or use direct heat (like a hair dryer).
Basketball shoes are one of the most important pieces of equipment you own, so it’s important to take care of them. If you keep your shoes clean and in good shape, it should help keep your footing firm and your appearance crisp and sharp.
Related Articles
How to Take Care of Basketball Shoes
Basketball is a challenging game, and we know you are working your fingers to the bones for achieving optimum performance; however, you are not alone. The basketball shoes affixed to your feet are working equally hard, as a result of which they lose their span-new charm.
Nevertheless, fading in terms of looks is not the only issue; constant hard work by shoes also affects how you play. This is because dirt erases the sole treads, resulting in you slipping and tripping during the game. To avoid the consequences, taking good care of your basketball shoes is as vital as maintaining your playstyle.
However, shoe maintenance is not as easy as it sounds. The process is detailed and requires proper understanding as well as potent maintenance products. In a nutshell, taking good care of your shoes is investing time cleaning them and keeping them in good shape.
Consider the following guide to keep your basketball footwear in tip-top shape.
Top 4 Ways to Take Care of Basketball ShoesWear Them Only on the Court
The most effective thing you can do in order to maintain your basketball shoes is to prevent any harm from happening to them in the first place. We understand that your basketball shoes look spectacular and you can’t resist wearing them everywhere you go but restricting shoes to the courts only is a wiser habit.
The more often you take the shoes along with you, the more chances are of them getting dirty. Furthermore, frequent usage will also cause more wear and tear, and since basketball shoes are expensive, it’s best to keep them only for the court to extend their life.
Store Them Right
After finishing an intense basketball game, most people hurry to head back to their homes, quickly stuffing their basketball shoes inside whatever bag they get. Here’s where your basketball shoes face a potential risk of weakening their seams.
Additionally, stuffing shoes inside the bag might lead to a smell buildup since the sneakers can’t air out correctly. Instead, it is recommended to take your shoes in hand. If you think this way, they are more vulnerable to get hit; use some breathable bag to bring them home safely but free them as soon as you reach.
Once you get the shoes out, make sure to keep them in an open room or a closet with good ventilation. This way, the sneakers will dry up, and then you can safely place them in their original box. To help keep your basketball shoes even more smell-proof, try a shoe deodorizer.
A shoe-deodorizer comes in a spray bottle or sometimes solid form. They are sprinkled or kept into the shoes to eliminate nasty smells via their fragrance formula. You may also consider alternating sneakers between games, giving each pair less time in active use and more time to dry.
Utilize For Its Specialized Purpose Only
As said above, if you don’t restrict wearing your basketball shoes everywhere other than just on the courts, its power can considerably decrease. Similarly, utilizing a shoe somewhere where it is not designed to perform can ruin its ability.
For instance, if a pair of shoes built to perform on smooth courts is instead employed as an outdoor basketball shoe pair, it will undergo severe damage, ultimately withering before its time. This is because most indoor basketball shoes are made explicitly for hardwood or marble courts only and thus can not bear the harshness that outdoor courts render.
Hence, it is suggested not to use indoor basketball shoes on uneven surfaces. Likewise, confusing the use of high-tops with low-tops or the other way around may also weaken the shoe’s structure. If you are already aware of the high-top vs. low-top duel, good for you, but if not, then it’s essential to know that both are designed to serve different purposes.
Still, if utilized incorrectly, they’ll not be able to bear the pressure and might spoil soon. Therefore, if you want to take care of your basketball shoes, do mind what niche it best suits, and then wear accordingly.
Properly Clean Your Basketball Shoes
At the very least, basketball sneakers should get a cleanse after every playing session. Maximum sanitization and scrubbing will prevent bad odors and stains from settling permanently into your shoe skin.
Conducting regular cleanings also helps prevent loss of grip provided by treads beneath the shoe outsole by removing dirt. First, as a general warning, avoid using a dedicated washer and refrain from immersing the entire shoe in the water.
The steps listed below will demonstrate how to clean your basketball shoes properly:
Before starting with anything else, first deal with the rubber outsole. To make this happen, a soft bristle brush is the most preferred choice of most basketball players. If not a dedicated brush, then you can even make use of a spare toothbrush around you. Start scrubbing the tread pattern lightly to remove all debris.
Soft scrubbing is recommended so that the bristles don’t end up scratching the rubber outsole. At this stage, no chemicals or water are required. You also use a toothpick in place of a brush to better clean all the crevices.
After removing all the debris stuck between your shoe tractions, you need to untie the laces and pull them out to wash them separately. Laces can be washed in whatever way you scrub your clothes. Along with the laces, remove all insoles for deep cleansing of the shoe’s inside and the detached insole as well.
For the insole, making a detergent solution is the most common practice amongst players. You can also soak inner soles in a mixture of white vinegar and water for in-depth cleanse against germs and odor. Once all is done, air dryer at room temperature. Avoid direct sunlight.
Though most people start scrubbing their shoes directly with liquid, it’s advised to brush the main body and wash it. Effective brushing will remove all fine specs of dirt that will discolor the shoe; otherwise, if dissolved in water.
Next, mix a small amount of mild detergent or not-so-harsh shoe cleaning fluid in warm water until bubbles form. Dip a soft cloth in the mixture and gently wipe the stains on the shoe skin.
Gently scrub with a plain old toothbrush or a soft bristle shoe brush for hard-to-reach crevices and stubborn smudges. Finally, wipe off all soapy content and leave the shoes to dry naturally. Avoid intense heat and direct sunlight.
Do’s and Don’ts of Cleaning Your Basketball Shoes
Don'ts
Always clean your shoes before storing them.
Do not wash your shoes in a washing machine or dryer.
Remove all the dirt stuck in the traction grooves with the help of a brush or toothpick.
Do not immerse the entire shoe in the water.
Brush off any dust or dirt particles from the shoes before exposing them to water.
Do not scrub any shoe part with too much pressure.
Always air dry.
Do not use too much heat to dry the shoes or their insoles.
Wash the laces and inside soles separated from the shoes.
Do not expose shoes to direct heat.
Gently scrub using a clean and soft cloth.
Do not use chemical solid detergents, bleach, and alcohol on the shoes
Things to Consider: How to Buy the Best Basketball Shoe Cleaning Product
You probably have already spent hundreds of dollars to own the right basketball shoes, and you would want it to last a long time; thus, investing a little more in dedicated shoe cleaning products is a good idea. However, it would be best to be careful with a few aspects before finally buying something for the shoes you are determined to take good care of. They are:
Know the Shoe Material
Cleaning the shoes involves tidying up the particular material it is made of. Before starting to clean your shoes, knowing what material your shoes are mostly made of is crucial. This is because different materials tend to work with different types of shoe cleaners. The table below briefly demonstrates what cleaner fits best with different materials.
Material
Suitable Cleaners
Leather
White Vinegar and Water Mixture, Saddle Soap, Gentle Oils,
Patent Leather
Greasy Substances
Alcohol, Saddle Soap, Gentle Oils,
Rubber and Fabric
Alkaline Mixtures like Saddle Soap and Detergent, Gentle Oils
Mind the Composition of Cleaner
While different shoe materials fit with different chemical compositions, what they all have in common is that none can bear harsh chemicals. Hence, before purchasing any cleaner or using an existing one, make sure its composition is light to mild. Otherwise, you’ll end up spoiling the shoe’s longevity rather than excelling it.
Look For Gentle Brush Bristles/Scrubbers
Brushing is a necessary part of your shoe cleaning processing. Without effective brushing, wearers can not remove dust particles that may mix with moisture and cause stains. Similarly, scrubbing is non-avoidable too.
For effective brushing and scrubbing, shoe owners require soft yet potent products. For instance, the brush bristles should be delicate enough not to damage sensitive shoe skin but strong enough to take stains out.
Recommended Products
Product
Visual
Where to Buy
Pink Miracle Shoe Cleaner Kit
Deadstock Los Angeles Shoe Cleaner Kit
Elite Sportz Shoe Deodorizer and Foot Spray
Jobsite Boot Scrubber
Tide To Go Instant Stain Remover
The Pink Miracle Shoe cleaner is one of the most popular leather, suede, fabric, and canvas Shoe cleaner amongst casual and professional players. All you need is to drop a little bit of the solution on its stiff brush, and it would do the grime and grit removing magic for you.
PROS
Effective for leather shoes
Non-toxic, mild formula
Strong bristle brush
CONS
Stains suede material
The kit is a perfect all-in-one option with which players don't need to get in the hassle of purchasing many products. Along with a shoe cleaner that is usable on almost all types of materials, including leather, vinyl, cotton, and knit, this kit comes with two brushes, a soft microfiber cloth, a refreshing shoe deodorizer, and stain repellent spray.
Though the Deadstock kit is the best all-in-one shoe cleaner set you could lay your hands upon, in case you aren't satisfied, the brand offers a 100% money-back guarantee.
PROS
Made of premium quality natural ingredients
Economical
100% money-back guarantee
CONS
Not good for suede
The Elite Sports Deodorizer is not just a usual shoe freshener but also the best anti-bacterial spray you'll find in town. The solution inside the spray bottle consists of 7 essential oils and 11 botanicals to fight against foot odor, bacteria, and dry feet.
PROS
Made of high-quality natural substances
Shoe freshener also acts as a moisturizer for heels
Refreshing peppermint smell
CONS
Small bottle for the money
Don't want to get into the hassle of brushing the outsole of shoes with brushes and toothpicks? The Jobsite Boot Scrubber has got you covered. It is an all-in-one shoe scrubber/scraper that can be fixed to your doorstep. Place your feet along with the shoes into the scrubber and give a few strokes for the brush bristles to dust off all that's stuck in the shoe treads.
PROS
Durable welded metal frame
Firm bristle brush to tackle shoe bottom as well as sides
CONS
Too narrow for wide toes box shoes
In search of a miraculous stain remover? Tide To-Go Instant Stain Remover Pens is a great stain vanishing solution that, whenever rubbed on stains, will wipe even the most stubborn spot on the shoe. All you need to do is carry 2 to 3 strokes on the smudges that diminish your basketball shoe's charm and let Tide do its work.
This pack of three allows you to keep one inside your court locker, in your pocket or bag, and one at home, so you don’t have to worry about the next time you dirty up your most-loved pairs.
PROS
Effective on most stains
No spills or messes
Affordable
CONS
Not practical for more significant stains
Unpleasant smell
Final Word
Basketball shoes are a player’s only weapon on the court, and they need to be taken good care of. It is easy to skip on your shoe care routine, especially if you haven’t yet encountered any issues, but constant shoe upkeep is vital to the longevity of your shoes.
You should take out time for your basketball pair at least once a month, but that can be more depending on what surfaces you play on and how often you play. The crux, however, is that there is more to the tidying process than just simple brushing and scrubbing.
It is the additional steps, such as proper storage and drying methods, and believe us; it’s all worth it for keeping your favorite pair of basketball shoes in good shape for years to come. For an even better shoe care routine, you can use dedicated cleaning solutions like those discussed above.
The one we like the most is the Deadstock Los Angeles Shoe Cleaner Kit, a perfect all-in-one organic cleaning solution for every player.
How to care for basketball shoes?
Shoes are an important part of our wardrobe. It not only complements the chosen style, but has a direct impact on our health and well-being. After all, the wrong shoes are the key to the onset of spinal diseases. How important is the choice of basketball shoes. And not only shoes, but also improper care of them in this sport can lead to serious injuries of the whole body. We have put together some useful tips for you on how to0005 how to care for basketball shoes .
Training is very tiring not only for your body but also for your legs. The body reacts to intense loads simply by sweating. Sweat soaks into clothing and can adversely affect our skin if not removed in time. The same thing happens with the legs. Sweat soaks socks, which in turn are in a favorable environment for the development of bacteria. Bacteria develop and become the cause of unpleasant odor and diseases of the feet. There is a very simple way to avoid this: change your socks after each workout and always dry your shoes.
Considering the fact that the basketball shoes are made from a special material that absorbs moisture, the drying process is even more important. It is better to dry shoes in a well-ventilated room at room temperature, without the participation of heating devices of any kind and direct sunlight. When drying, do not forget to stretch the insole and open the sneakers as much as possible so that moisture evaporates with the least resistance. This method is the easiest and most correct, but not the most convenient.
Two workouts a day and you won't have time to dry your sneakers in a ventilated room. What to do? We recommend using a special dryer, this heating device does not harm your sneakers, and therefore you can safely use it. The drying temperature is 50 degrees, which allows you to significantly speed up the process and remove moisture from your shoes as much as possible.
How to properly clean basketball shoes
Sneakers, like any shoe, need to be cleaned periodically. And if your sneakers can be easily thrown into the washing machine, leaving this question to her, then this cannot be done with basketball shoes, otherwise you will simply throw them away.
The basketball shoe contains different types of materials, this must be taken into account during the cleaning process. It is enough to clean leather and rubber with a brush and soapy water. Textiles - with a dry brush, and for nubuck and suede it is better to purchase special sprays. After the cleaning process is completed, apply special protective sprays to the product, which will help your shoes last longer.
We've talked about two important parts of basketball shoe care: drying and cleaning.
It's important to remember that your training shoes don't have to be casual. In other words, if you play sports in one shoe, wear the other for walks. Otherwise, the dust that settles on the surface of the sneakers and other elements of the external environment, in the bends of the sole, can cause very serious injuries during training or play. Spend the extra cash but buy a second pair of shoes to wear to and from your workout.
We wish you professional growth and may your shoes last a long time!
Like this:
Like Loading...
Written by Fashion-side Category: Sports shoes Tagged with basketball shoes
How to care for Nike basketball shoes: the essentials in a nutshell
Fashion
Sports shoes became an essential element of street style a dozen years ago, but their first purpose - sport - has not gone away. If you bought Nike basketball shoes like Zoom KDX, Kobe A.D. NXT or even classic Jordans, it is very important to take care of them properly - otherwise the shoes may not survive even one game season. Do you need it?
Basketball Shoe Care
1. Whether it's the Nike Zoom LeBron Soldier or the Jordan Super.Fly 4 PO, basketball shoes are for basketball. Do not wear shoes for training and playing outdoors and vice versa. Firstly, it wears out faster (due to the difference in sole materials for street wear and for the site), and secondly, a dusty sole increases the risk of injury on the site.
2. Socks are not only for hygiene (although for it in the first place in our case), but also to ensure that your feet and shoes are in good condition after intensive training. If you have two practice sessions a day (usually in the morning and evening), change into different shoes in between and let your basketball shoes dry. And carry a couple of sets of clean, dry socks in your bag - it’s both more convenient and hygienic to practice in them, because fungi are a very sad thing.
3. Do not soak or machine wash shoes. It is not designed for this: it can easily ruin even the coolest Nike models.
4. Nike basketball shoes that get wet for any reason, it is important to dry them naturally: without batteries, hair dryers or other sources of heat. Stuff them with paper (it will keep its shape + absorb moisture faster) and leave them indoors where they will not be exposed to direct sunlight. If necessary, replace the moistened newspaper with a new one a couple of times.
How to care for leather basketball sneakers?
All-leather models or sneakers with leather inserts are recommended to be treated with special wax. Treat at least 1 time per week. Do you also work outdoors? Daily clean the surface from dust and dirt with a soft cloth, and then carry out the treatment.
Do not rub the leather with brushes, especially those with hard bristles, as they can damage and accelerate the wear of the material. It is important to store sneakers in a dry place, protected from direct sunlight, so that the skin does not dry out and crack over time.
To help keep your basketball shoes even more smell-proof, try a shoe deodorizer. 
They are: 
Hence, before purchasing any cleaner or using an existing one, make sure its composition is light to mild. Otherwise, you’ll end up spoiling the shoe’s longevity rather than excelling it. 
All you need is to drop a little bit of the solution on its stiff brush, and it would do the grime and grit removing magic for you.
It is an all-in-one shoe scrubber/scraper that can be fixed to your doorstep. Place your feet along with the shoes into the scrubber and give a few strokes for the brush bristles to dust off all that's stuck in the shoe treads.
For an even better shoe care routine, you can use dedicated cleaning solutions like those discussed above. 
The same thing happens with the legs. Sweat soaks socks, which in turn are in a favorable environment for the development of bacteria. Bacteria develop and become the cause of unpleasant odor and diseases of the feet. There is a very simple way to avoid this: change your socks after each workout and always dry your shoes. 
The drying temperature is 50 degrees, which allows you to significantly speed up the process and remove moisture from your shoes as much as possible. 
In other words, if you play sports in one shoe, wear the other for walks. Otherwise, the dust that settles on the surface of the sneakers and other elements of the external environment, in the bends of the sole, can cause very serious injuries during training or play. Spend the extra cash but buy a second pair of shoes to wear to and from your workout. 
Do you need it? 
