Whether you’re training on grass, running laps on the track, or competing on court, your shoes take a beating every session. Mud, sweat, and dust build up fast, and if left unchecked, they can shorten your footwear’s lifespan and affect performance.
Learning how to clean sports shoes properly helps them last longer, stay comfortable, and look good every time you step onto the field. This guide walks you through every stage, from removing dirt to maintaining shape and grip, plus a few insider tips from Team Spirit Sports on keeping all your gear easy to care for.
Key Takeaways
- Clean regularly: A light brush and wipe after each use prevents deep grime.
- Avoid heat: Air-dry shoes naturally to preserve shape and adhesives.
- Replace when needed: Worn treads or soft midsoles can impact performance.
- Invest in easy-care gear: Team Spirit Sports apparel is made to handle every wash and still look professional.
Why You Should Clean Your Sports Shoes Regularly
Clean shoes aren’t just about appearance. They help:
- Maintain comfort: built-up dirt and sweat can cause irritation or odour.
- Improve performance: clean soles grip surfaces better.
- Extend lifespan: regular cleaning prevents premature wear.
- Enhance team pride: clean shoes complete a professional, unified look for every squad.
When you’re investing in custom uniforms and training gear, it makes sense to protect the full kit, shoes included.
Step-by-Step: How to Clean Sports Shoes
Step 1: Remove Dirt and Prepare Your Shoes
Start by brushing off loose dirt, grass, or mud using a soft-bristled brush or an old toothbrush. It’s best to do this when the mud is dry; damp dirt tends to smear instead of lift.
Next, remove the laces and insoles. Cleaning them separately makes the process easier and ensures every part dries properly. For stubborn marks on white soles, a quick wipe with a damp cloth or baby wipe can help pre-treat the area before washing.
Step 2: Choose the Right Cleaning Solution
The best cleaning mix is usually simple and gentle. Combine:
- A few drops of mild detergent or dishwashing liquid
- Warm (not hot) water
Avoid bleach or harsh cleaners, they can damage glue, discolour materials, or break down stitching.
If you’re cleaning white trainers, you can add a small spoon of baking soda and a splash of hydrogen peroxide for extra whitening power. Make sure to test this on a small area first.
For eco-friendly cleaning, try white vinegar and water in equal parts. It’s effective against odour and kills bacteria without harsh chemicals.
Step 3: Clean the Outsole and Midsole
These are usually the dirtiest parts of any shoe. Dip your brush into the solution and scrub the soles in small circular motions. Focus on:
- Tread grooves, where mud and grit collect.
- Edges of the midsole, where dirt discolours quickly.
Rinse your brush occasionally in clean water to avoid spreading grime back onto the shoe.
For heavily caked soles, a toothpick or cotton bud can help get into tiny crevices.
Step 4: Clean the Upper
Different materials need different care:
- Mesh or knit fabric: Use a soft brush and gentle soap. Avoid soaking the shoe, as it can weaken adhesives.
- Leather: Wipe with a damp cloth and a small amount of mild soap. Finish with a clean, dry cloth to prevent water spots.
- Suede: Use a suede brush or eraser, never water. Brush in the direction of the nap.
- Synthetic uppers: These are the easiest, a gentle scrub followed by a quick wipe-down does the trick.
For team shoes with printed logos or coloured panels, avoid scrubbing over prints directly to prevent fading.
Step 5: Wash Laces and Insoles
Place the laces in a small mesh laundry bag and wash them in warm water, or hand-wash using the same soap mixture.
Insoles absorb a lot of sweat, so give them a separate clean:
- Wipe with a damp cloth dipped in detergent solution.
- Sprinkle a little baking soda to neutralise odours.
- Let them air dry completely before reinserting.
If the insoles still smell after cleaning, it may be time to replace them, most brands sell inexpensive replacements.
Step 6: Drying and Finishing Touches
Pat your shoes gently with a towel to remove excess moisture. Then, air-dry indoors or in the shade. Direct sunlight and heaters can warp the sole or cause glue to separate.
To keep the shape while drying:
- Stuff shoes with paper towels or newspaper.
- Replace the paper once it’s damp to speed up the process.
Avoid dryers and hair dryers, they can shrink or crack parts of the shoe.
Once dry, re-thread the laces and put the insoles back. You’ll notice they look fresher and feel lighter straight away.
How to Maintain Shape and Grip
Clean shoes perform better, but keeping them that way takes a little maintenance.
Here’s how to protect both shape and grip between washes:
- Store properly: Use a shoe rack or keep them in a breathable bag; avoid plastic boxes that trap moisture.
- Use shoe trees: They help retain the shoe’s shape and prevent creasing.
- Clean soles often: Even a thin layer of dirt can reduce traction on turf or court.
- Avoid heat exposure: Leaving shoes in a hot car or near a heater can warp midsoles and separate glue.
- Check your treads: If the sole has become flat or smooth, traction will suffer, it may be time to replace them.
A quick post-training brush-off or wipe-down can go a long way in keeping both grip and structure intact.
Read more: How to Wash Sportswear the Right Way: Care Tips For Your Activewear
When to Replace Your Sports Shoes
Even the best-cared-for pair won’t last forever. Most sports shoes are designed for 500 to 800 kilometres of running, or roughly 6–12 months of regular use.
Watch for these signs it’s time for a new pair:
- The tread is worn flat and you’re slipping more often.
- The midsole feels soft or uneven, reducing support.
- The upper fabric is torn or frayed.
- You notice persistent odour or the shoe just won’t stay fresh after cleaning.
- You experience new aches or discomfort during play.
Replacing shoes before they’re completely worn out can help prevent injury and maintain consistent performance.
And if you’re updating your shoes, it’s a good opportunity to refresh your training or match gear, especially if your team’s colours have changed or your uniforms are due for a new look.
How Team Spirit Sports Gear Is Made for Easy Care
At Team Spirit Sports, we believe sports gear should look professional and be easy to maintain. That’s why our custom teamwear is designed with durable, quick-dry fabrics and fade-resistant prints, so it handles every wash and still looks sharp season after season.
Each garment is built to meet the demands of Australian conditions:
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Breathable polyester blends for hot climates
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Moisture-wicking finishes that resist sweat build-up
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High-quality stitching for long-term wear
- Colours and prints that withstand repeated washing without fading
Our goal is simple: to make it easier for teams to look united, perform confidently, and care for their kit with minimal fuss.
Just like your shoes, your uniform performs best when it’s clean, dry, and ready for the next game.
Keep Your Sports Shoes Clean and Game-Ready
Knowing how to clean sports shoes isn’t complicated, but it does take a bit of care and consistency. A few minutes of cleaning after each session helps prevent odours, maintain grip, and keep your footwear performing at its best.
For teams, it’s also part of looking the part, sharp uniforms, clean shoes, and a shared sense of pride every time you step onto the field.
At Team Spirit Sports, we’re proud to support Australian teams with custom sportswear that’s durable, comfortable, and easy to care for, just like the athletes who wear it.
Ready to elevate your team’s look? Explore our range of custom teamwear and performance gear at Team Spirit Sports, built to last, easy to maintain, and made for champions.
FAQs About Cleaning Sports Shoes
1. Can I put my sports shoes in the washing machine?
It’s best not to. Machine washing can break down glue, foam, and mesh layers. Hand cleaning is safer and extends shoe life.
2. How do I get rid of shoe odours?
Sprinkle a bit of baking soda inside your shoes overnight, then shake it out in the morning. It absorbs moisture and odours naturally.
3. How often should I clean my sports shoes?
Every 2–3 weeks for regular training use, or more often if they get visibly dirty or wet.
4. What’s the best way to dry wet sports shoes fast?
Stuff them with newspaper or paper towels and place them near a fan. Avoid heat or direct sunlight.
5. Can I use disinfectant spray on my shoes?
Yes, as long as it’s fabric-safe. Use lightly to avoid damaging the material or affecting colour.