How to Clean Golf Shoes

If you’ve ever walked 18 holes on a foggy morning, you know how your golf shoes can go from slick to sloppy in a hurry. And as a pro who has teed it up at everything from Pebble Beach to Augusta, I can assure you this: cleanliness matters—but it’s far from cosmetic. Clean shoes mean more grip, better comfort, and a smoother swing. Traction suffers when the soles are dirty, while clogged cleats lead to poor footing and increased fatigue. That’s why knowing “How to clean golf shoes” properly is essential. 

Importance of Cleaning Your Golf Shoes

1. Performance

Wads of grass, mud, and sand can end up jammed into your cleats, which can affect your stability and swing mechanics. Traction = balance, and balance = shooting more accurately (up to a point).

2. Longevity

Material degradation can occur quickly by the action of moisture and dust. Keeping it clean prevents cracking, odor, and sole delamination.

3. Aesthetics & Professionalism

Clean kicks mean you give a shit about the game. It’s a small but tangible mark of respect — to your sport, your course and your fellow players.

Also Read: How to Clean Golf Grips at Home

Supplies You’ll Need

So before we get into what steps to follow for cleaning, gather these:

• Soft-bristled brush or old toothbrush
• Soap or golf shoe cleaner (mild)
• A bucket of warm water
• A microfiber cloth or soft towel
• Use a toothpick (or a tea-tree twig for tough crevice dirt)
• Waterproof spray (not needed for leather)

For advanced care:

• Conditioner for leather (for premium shoes)
• Should you need to change spikes, a removable spike wrench (if needed)

Also Read: How to Change Golf Grips

How to Clean Golf Shoes: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Remove Excess Dirt

Knock the soles together after each round to shake off loose grass and debris. Brush off any clumps of dirt on the outsole and cleats.

Tip: This is something you should do before you leave the course! It is difficult to remove dry mud later.

Step 2 Remove the laces, remove your insoles

If it’s applicable then take off the laces and insoles. This helps to have each part aired out separately, thus allowing you to clean every last corner.

Step 3: Clean the Uppers

Clean the upper part of the shoe with a damp towel with some mild soap. For mesh, scrub with a brush in circular motions. When cleaning leather, use as little water as possible and always dry in one direction.

NOTE: Do not soak your golf shoes (especially if they are leather). It deteriorates bonding agents and distorts the material.

Step Number 4: Clean the Outsoles and Cleats

Dip the brush into some warm soapy water and scrub the outsole and cleats thoroughly. Dig stuck debris out using a tee, toothpick, etc

It might be time to check your replaceable spikes if you have them. This is something not many amateur golfers do, but worn out spikes can be replaced with a wrench.

Step 5: Dry Properly

Wipe the shoes with a towel and leave them in the open air to dry in a well-ventilated environment. Keep out of direct sunlight or heaters, which can cause cracking and shrinking.

Pro Tip: Paper in your shoes can assist with absorbing moisture and keeping shape.

Step 6: Condition and Protect

Apply leather conditioner once your leather shoes are dry. It keeps the fabric pliable and prevents it from cracking. Another way is to add a waterproofing spray for more protection from dew and rain.

Specialized Care for Different Materials

Leather

• Use dedicated leather cleaners and leather conditioners.
• Never submerge the device in water.
• It is recommended to polish on occasion for the best shine.

Synthetic

• The better cleaned with water and soap.
• Tougher when things get wet.
• Doesn’t require conditioning.

Mesh/Fabric

• Avoid tearing with a soft brush.
• Air-dry only.
• Avoid aggressive scrubbing.

Also Read: How to Record a Golf Swing

Tour-Based Maintenance Recommendations

• Clean After Each Round: Maintaining is much easier than a deep clean.
• Change the Pair: Giving a pair of shoes time to rest guarantees a longer life of the pair.
• Store in a Dry Bag — Clean your golf bag to minimize transference of dirt.
• Change Spikes Every Year: Or Sooner If You Play On The Reg
• Shoe Trees — They help maintain the shoe’s shape and combat odor.

Caring for your golf shoes has just a little to do with looking sharp—it has a lot to do with your game. As a player that has spent long tournament days relying on clean, good performing shoes, I can assure you that proper shoe care is time well spent.

Your shoes are your foundation from the time you step onto the first tee until the last putt on 18. Treat them well, and they will treat you well in return: perform better, last longer, and add a little style.