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 Clean Your Shoes in 6 Easy Steps. Nike.com
How to Clean Your Shoes in 6 Easy Steps. Nike.com
Product Care
Periodic cleanings will keep your shoes looking (and smelling) their best. Here’s how to clean your shoes without damaging them.
Last updated: October 4, 2022
5 min read
Time Required
30 min
Estimated Cost
$20
Supplies
Dish Soap
Baking Soda
Magic Eraser (Optional)
Leather Conditioner (Optional)
White Vinegar (Optional)
Tools
Shoe Brush
Toothbrush
Soft Clean Cloth
Suede Brush (Optional)
It’s tough to keep your shoes pristine without cleaning them regularly. The minute those new sneakers come out of the box, you’ll want to wear them outside — where they’ll pick up dirt, mud, scuffs, and stains.
To ensure peak performance of your sneakers over time, we recommend proper care and maintenance, including cleaning. Before you get started, place your shoes in a shoe tree or fill them with crumpled newspapers to help retain their shape during cleaning. Then, get to work.
These tips will help you keep any sneakers and running shoes fresh and clean in just a few easy steps.
How to Clean Your Shoes Step by Step
1.Use a Dry Brush
Remove loose dirt from the outsole, midsole, and uppers using a dry, soft-bristled shoe brush. No shoe brush? No problem, an old toothbrush works fine.
2.Make a Mild Cleaning Solution
Mix warm water with a small amount of mild laundry detergent or dish soap.
For white and lighter colored shoes, you can also make an effective cleaning paste by mixing equal parts baking soda and water.
3.Hand Wash the Laces
Remove the shoelaces and apply a small amount of the mild cleaning solution to them. Massage the laces with your hands, rinse, then dab dry with a soft cloth.
4.Wash the Soles
Apply the mild solution to a soft-bristled brush, toothbrush or a wash cloth. Clean the outsole and midsole thoroughly, taking your time to clean every part of the soles. Dry with a soft cloth.
Note: If you need to wash your insoles, remove them first and clean with your solution, making sure to give them time to dry before putting them back into your shoes.
5.Wash and Blot the Uppers
Use the mild solution and a soft-bristled brush, toothbrush, or a soft damp cloth to clean the uppers. Take your time and don't scrub too hard.
When you're satisfied with the look, use a dry microfiber towel or soft cloth to blot and lift as much soapy moisture and dirt as possible. Repeat if necessary. Try to avoid drying by rubbing as it can wear down the shoe fabric or spread any remaining small bits of dirt.
6.Air Dry
Air dry your sneakers at room temperature. Always allow your shoes to dry completely before wearing them for your next workout or activity. For most shoes, it should take at least 8 hours to fully dry.
Be sure to brush off loose dirt with a shoe brush or toothbrush before you wash the shoe with a cleaning solution.
Special Considerations for Different Materials
Following these basic cleaning steps will ensure clean sneakers, but certain fabrics and materials may need a little extra TLC. Here’s what you need to know about using cleaner for different types of shoes.
How to Clean Leather Shoes
Leather shoes stain easily, so it’s important to clean them regularly. In addition to using a dry brush and mild dish soap solution, you may want to use a Magic Eraser or leather conditioner to remove stains. Don’t scrub the shoes too hard, or you could damage the leather.
How to Clean Suede Shoes
Suede is notoriously difficult to clean. If you notice water marks, scuff marks, dirt or stains, it’s probably time to give your suede shoes a proper cleaning. Use these recommended tricks and special tools to get the job done. Here’s how.
Use a suede brush or towel to wipe away surface debris, working in the same direction as the material rather than going against the grain.
Use suede rubber (or a pencil eraser) to rub away any marks on the surface of the shoe.
For stubborn stains, use a cloth dipped in white vinegar to scrub the fabric in alternating directions.
How to Clean Knit Shoes
Nike Flyknit shoes provide flexible support where you need it most, but the fabric is delicate and requires care when using cleaner. Create a mild, soapy water solution with soap that doesn’t contain chemicals. Never use bleach or other harsh cleaning products, since they can damage the material. Take a clean cloth and rub the solution in the same direction as the knit.
Shoe Cleaning FAQs
Can I Wash My Shoes in a Washing Machine?
Most shoes should not be put in a washing machine or dryer. The delicate materials may get beat up in the wash cycle, and heat can deform your shoes.
How Do I Clean My Insoles to Reduce Shoe Odor?
From time to time, it may also be necessary to clean your insoles. To do so, remove the insoles and use the same cleaning steps for the outside of your shoes. Be sure to air dry them completely before putting them back in your shoes. If odor persists, you may want to replace the insoles. Replacement insoles are available at most sporting goods and shoe stores.
What if My Shoes Are Still Dirty After Cleaning?
If you’ve followed and repeated the cleaning steps above and your shoes still look dirty, they may have taken too many trips up the court, cuts across the field, or laps around the track. It might be time for a new pair of sneakers.
How Often Should I Clean My Shoes?
Your cleaning schedule depends on how often you wear your shoes and where your feet take you. Aim to clean your shoes every two weeks or whenever they start to look dirty. Regular maintenance reduces cleaning time.
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How to wash basketball shoes without consequences?
Each of us has different life situations in which we don't know what to do. And if these are certain life decisions on which a lot depends, then you can understand a person. But if this is a domestic issue, then there is already a flaw in the person himself.
For example, if a person does not know how to properly wash shoes, then only he is responsible for the consequences. You must remember and understand how to solve everyday problems. The issue of washing shoes is especially relevant for those who are directly involved in sports. Today we will talk about how to properly wash basketball shoes, how to prepare them for washing, and what to do if you want your shoes to last you as long as possible? This will be discussed in our short but interesting review.
And also note that you can easily buy LeBron basketball shoes at the lowest prices right now. To place an order, just follow the link. There you will find a large selection of quality shoes at an affordable price.
In general, first you need to determine whether your specific version of shoes can be washed? In order not to guess, but to know for sure, you need to carefully study the label on the tongue of the sneaker. This label carries information about the possibility of washing, about the temperature regimes of washing, and so on. If you can wash shoes, then the next step should be to prepare the shoes directly for the cleaning process.
Initially, check if there are any extra parts and elements in the sneaker. Has a coin rolled into the sneakers, are there any solid particles of debris? In fact, these items can harm not only the sneaker, but also the washing machine, so you need to be as careful as possible in this regard.
The second step is to remove the insole and laces. In general, the insole and laces can be washed separately from shoes with a high frequency. If it is not recommended to wash sneakers too often, then with regard to other elements of the shoe, it is not only possible, but even necessary, with laces and insoles. For example, if you wash the insole, this will significantly reduce the possibility of an unpleasant odor. You can wash the insole with ordinary soap or separately with other items in the washing machine. The laces are removable in order to increase the intensity of water penetration into the interior of the sneakers. Washing your sneakers will be much easier and more efficient.
The third step is to clean the soles of the shoes from sand and dirt under running water. The less sand in the drum, the better. And it’s better not only for a washing machine, the filters of which can become clogged with sand, but also for shoes, the frame of which can get microdamaged. And this is fraught with a change in the appearance of shoes in a negative direction.
Pay attention to the fact that today more and more people are trying to wash sneakers in the machine, but they do not always determine the washing temperature correctly. The ideal washing temperature is 35 degrees Celsius. This temperature will not have a negative effect on the strength of fabric and adhesive joints. Also, washing in this mode will ensure effective cleaning of even the most stubborn stains. One way or another, but we hope that this version of the shoe will provide you with a comfortable and pleasant toe. You also learned that washing sneakers in a typewriter is not so problematic. You just need to follow the recommendations and advice.
We would also like to remind you that you can buy LeBron basketball shoes today. To place an order just click on the link.
Read also
How to wash sneakers: reviews and experiences of athletes
When using sports shoes regularly, arm yourself with care knowledge. One of the most common questions from our readers is , can sneakers be washed?
Manufacturers of sports shoes do not recommend machine washing. It is advised to clean with a brush and ordinary soap. Detergents contain a variety of surfactants, sodium silicate, salt mixtures, bleaches, and other components that can cope with even stubborn dirt. Their action can be overly aggressive to the materials of the sneakers.
In practice, the method of cleansing with soap brings nothing but frustration and irritation. The sports couple will not be much cleaner. At the same time, spend so much energy that you could more than have enough for a half marathon!
As experience and feedback from our customers show, nothing bad will happen when washing in a washing machine. The most important thing is to follow a few rules.
Consider this before washing your sneakers:
Rinse your sneakers first under running water to get rid of pebbles, sand and other “oversized” dirt.
Remove the laces and insoles from the shoes (provided they can be removed). Laces, in order to avoid falling into the drum, it is better to wash by hand. Let the insoles be washed next to the shoes, but not in it.
Wash at the lowest temperature. The permissible maximum is 40°.
Disable the spin and dry functions (if available). This greatly deforms the shoes.
Use short wash cycles.
Buy a special laundry bag. You can use an old pillowcase instead - put your sneakers inside.
It is recommended to dry sneakers at room temperature.
Reviews and experiences of athletes
Postscript. In order to cover the topic of cleaning shoes with detergents as fully as possible, we have collected discussions from our customers on the topic of washing sneakers.
Denis, created on Mon, 2010-11-22 23:52. From the real experience of an athlete: I advise you to try Persil gel for washing sneakers. First coat them with sneakers. Wait 10 minutes. Then send it to the machine. Was very pleased with the result.
Author Guest, created on Mon, 2010-11-22 23:52. I came up with this method on my own (about using a laundry bag), when my almost new Muzino sneaker got between the lid of the washing machine and the spinning drum, as a result of which part of the sole was cut off, the sneaker was badly damaged, but still served me faith and right (today I bought new ones). After that incident, I only wash sneakers in a shoe bag.
Created by helloshut on Sat, 2011-04-23 23:23. And I wash sneakers along with other sports items. Usually, when the feet are all in the mud, many other things also need to be washed, and after washing under the shower, there is no special dirt visible, so you don’t have to bathe.
Created by darthex on Thu, 2012-05-03 22:46. Washed according to local recommendations. The first time I used liquid soap and washed it in a bag - the result is zero. Washed the wash immediately again. Persil powder without any pouches. - The result is just great. In both cases, I washed at 30 * 30 minutes on a hand wash without spinning.
Created by darthex on Thu, 2012-05-03 22:49. Oh yes, I forgot, the Asics Enduro 7 crosses - they didn’t fall apart and didn’t deteriorate, they look no worse than the new ones, and you can’t distinguish them =)
Author Guest, created on Fri, 2012-08-24 22:58. I wash my sneakers in the washing machine. After washing, like new.
Author Grigoriy, created on Sun, 2012-11-25 13:51. I myself came to washing sneakers in a typewriter. If I run not along the highway, but through forests and fields, where there is an order of magnitude more dirt, then periodically every 1.5-2 months I wash my sneakers in a typewriter. For 700 km in 2 years, it's normal when you wash your sneakers with soap. For large volumes - you need to either wash or change sneakers for new ones, because. call specifically.
Author Guest irina, created on Wed, 2014-10-15 22:05. I just washed my son's Adidas sneakers. Indesit machine. I put it in a pillowcase, threw in an old towel and rug. At first I put it on the "sports shoes" mode. In the middle, the car stopped ... Then I almost got lost - it’s a pity for the car, and the sneakers are not cheap, and in general ... a woman’s panic. But I switched to the short wash mode. Stretched and wrung out, like pretty little ones !!! I only advise you to leave more rags. They are wrung out well, but when washing a bag with shoes, it dangles quite noticeably and rattles.
Here’s how to clean your shoes without damaging them. 
Here’s what you need to know about using cleaner for different types of shoes.
Replacement insoles are available at most sporting goods and shoe stores.
And if these are certain life decisions on which a lot depends, then you can understand a person. But if this is a domestic issue, then there is already a flaw in the person himself. 
This label carries information about the possibility of washing, about the temperature regimes of washing, and so on. If you can wash shoes, then the next step should be to prepare the shoes directly for the cleaning process. 
The laces are removable in order to increase the intensity of water penetration into the interior of the sneakers. Washing your sneakers will be much easier and more efficient. 
You also learned that washing sneakers in a typewriter is not so problematic. You just need to follow the recommendations and advice. 
At the same time, spend so much energy that you could more than have enough for a half marathon! 
