As any basketball freak would tell you, proper care of your basketball shoes requires that they should be cleaned at all times. Not only does clutter on the sole part of shoes impede on the friction necessary to create a bond during the game but it is also lethal on the court. Thankfully, we’re here to share with you some of our best tips for clean shoes.

In this article, we are going to explain to you what we think is the simplest, yet highly effective way to clean your basketball sneakers. Therefore, no matter the type and design of your sneakers – from the fanciest Jordan 1s to regular basketball sneaker types, follow the tips mentioned above to restore their shine.

How To Clean Basketball Shoes

The process of cleaning basketball shoes efficiently is a crucial step in maintaining their functionality and durability. Below is the technique that we consider to be the best method of cleaning basketball shoes, but consumers should note that not all sneakers are created out of the same material. In this section, we shall discuss how to wash synthetics and leather sneakers.

What You'll Need:

Here's a list of items you'll need before you start cleaning your basketball shoes:

• Mild Soap
• Large Bowl
• Shoe Cleaner
• Towel
• Soft-bristled Brush or Toothbrush
• Shoe Protector
• Old Newspaper

Steps:

Follow these eight simple steps to clean your basketball shoes like a pro:

Step 1: Begin with cleaning the soles of your shoes, ensuring that they do not have any stones or dirt on them. Then, take out the laces and put them in warm water mixed with a mild soap. The use of baking soda can give white laces a thorough wash for optimal cleanliness.

Step 2: Take a soft bristle brush and start wiping your sneakers to remove any extra dirt that might be clinging onto the kicks. The objective is to clean off any large parts of mud when it is dry.

Step 3: Take some shoe cleaner in a bowl and add warm water into it as per the direction provided on the label. A product that could be suggested for basketball shoes is Angelus Easy Cleaner.

Step 4: Rub the cleaner to the sneakers with a cloth using mild circular movements. For more profound stains, you may discover that it is most suitable to use the brush whose bristles are soft. A toothbrush might be useful in reaching some of the difficult areas to clean especially those at the corners of the mouth.

Step 5: After washing the shoes rinse them thoroughly with water and then pat them dry with a towel to minimize the amount of soap used and for faster drying of the shoes.

Step 6: Put some old newspapers in your shoes and then let the shoes dry with shoelaces, do not expose them to sunlight or heat.

Step 7: Another layer of protection that might be useful for your sneakers are products such as Crep Protect that prevents them from getting dirty as often. As usual, apply in accordance with the guidelines provided.

Step 8: Leave your basketball shoes to dry again, and then they should be ready for your next game.

By following these steps, you will be able to maintain the cleanliness of your basketball shoes and have a good pair for an extended period. Just keep in mind that some types of materials may need to be cleaned in specific ways, so make sure to find out what kind of cleaning is necessary for your shoes.

What About Other Materials?

If you ever encounter basketball shoes that are made of a material other than synthetic or leather, follow the below guidelines to keep them clean and fresh.

Suede

Cleaning suede is quite a daunting task, but it is achievable. According to Nike, it is advisable to use a suede brush or a towel to wipe off the surface dirt and always in the direction of the leather grain. You can also use a suede eraser to rub out any marks that may be remaining on the surface of the shoes.

Canvas

Even though canvas is not a popular material for basketball shoes it was used for one of the most legendary basketball shoes ever produced – Converse. Cleaning is easier on cotton canvas than suede; the method is the same as that on leather and similar synthetic products. However, in this cleaning process, it is recommended that water should be used sparingly because canvas usually takes time to dry.

If they are made from other materials, do not forget to read the instructions provided by the manufacturer when washing the basketball shoes. Here are the basic tips on how your basketball shoes can serve you longer on the basketball courts.

Things To Avoid Doing When Cleaning Basketball Shoes

There are certain actions that you have to avoid while cleaning basketball shoes to avoid damaging them in the process. First of all, do not use a washing machine or a dryer for cleaning your shoes for the high spin, water, and heat are destructive to adhesives to cause cracking and deformation of shape.

It is also necessary to ensure that you do not leave your shoes near the heater, on the vents, or near other sources of heat or even use a hair dryer to dry them up faster, because excessive heat causes rubber to warp just like leaving sneakers to dry in the sun.

Do not use rubbing alcohol, bleach, scented laundry detergent, or fabric softeners when washing your basketball shoes since they have a tendency of drying out and cracking your sneakers and leave a greasy surface.

Finally, avoid using wired brushes or harsh sponges since they may cause permanent marks on the surface of shoes. As for cleaning, do not scrub the surface with a hard brush or a cloth that has hard particles; instead, use a soft brush like the one used for brushing your hair or a microfiber cloth.

It is during these activities that your basketball shoes are most vulnerable to damage, so it is important to avoid such vices in order to keep your shoes in their best shape for as long as possible.