If you’re someone who loves hitting the court, you already know how important it is to keep your basketball shoes clean. It’s not just about looking good—dirt and grime can mess with your grip, and let’s be real, nobody wants to risk slipping mid-game. Plus, clean shoes just feel better, right? And speaking of great shoes, if you haven’t checked out Vessi yet, you’re seriously missing out. The Vessi weatherproof sneakers are perfect for men and women for everything, even when you’re off the court. 

We’ve got your back with some easy, no-fuss tips to keep your kicks looking fresh and ready for action. Whether you’re rocking a pair of classic Jordan 1s or something a little more cutting-edge, this guide will have them looking good as new in no time.

Alright, let’s get into it. Your basketball shoes deserve some love.

How To Clean Basketball Shoes

Cleaning your basketball shoes is key to keeping them in good shape and making them last longer. The method we’re about to share works great for most synthetic and leather sneakers, but just remember—every shoe is different, so some materials might need a little extra care.

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: Start by getting rid of any dirt or stones stuck in the soles. Then, take out the laces and let them soak in a bowl of warm water with some mild soap. If your laces are looking a little grimy, add a bit of baking soda to help brighten them up.

Step 2: Grab a soft-bristled brush and gently scrub off any loose dirt. Focus on getting rid of the bigger bits of mud and dust while everything’s still dry.

Step 3: Mix up some shoe cleaner with warm water in a bowl (follow the instructions on the cleaner). 

Step 4: Dip a cloth in the cleaning solution and gently scrub your shoes in small circles. If there are tough stains, the soft-bristled brush or even a toothbrush will help get those out, especially in the tricky spots.

Step 5: Once your shoes are clean, use a towel to lightly dry them off and remove any extra soap. This will help them dry faster, too.

Step 6: Stuff your shoes with old newspaper to help them keep their shape as they dry. Leave them in a cool, shaded spot to air dry, away from any direct heat or sunlight.

Step 7: Once they’re dry, spray on a protective shoe spray like Crep Protect to keep them cleaner for longer. Just follow the instructions on the bottle.

Step 8: Let your shoes dry one last time, and they’re ready for the next game!

Keep up with these steps, and your basketball shoes will stay clean and last way longer. Just make sure to double-check the best way to clean the material your shoes are made of—it’s worth the extra effort!

What About Other Materials?

Do you have shoes made of something other than synthetic or leather? Don’t stress—here’s how to handle them.

Suede

For suede, cleaning can be a bit of a challenge, but it’s doable. Nike recommends using a suede brush or a soft towel to gently brush off surface dirt. Make sure to follow the grain of the material. If you’re dealing with tougher marks, a suede eraser can usually take care of them.

Canvas

Canvas shoes are rare for basketball, but they’re a classic—think Converse. Cleaning canvas is easier than suede, but it takes longer to dry. Stick to the same cleaning approach as synthetic or leather, but try not to soak the material since canvas holds onto water.

Things To Avoid Doing When Cleaning Basketball Shoes

When you're cleaning your basketball shoes, there are a few things you definitely want to avoid. First, never toss them in the washing machine or dryer. The spin, water, and heat can mess up the glue and shape of your shoes. Also, don’t try to speed up the drying process by putting them next to vents or heaters or using a hair dryer. High heat can warp the rubber, just like leaving them out in the sun.  

Another thing—stay away from using rubbing alcohol, bleach, or any scented laundry detergents. They can dry out your shoes, crack them, or leave a weird residue. And definitely don’t use wire brushes or rough sponges; they’ll scratch your shoes up. Stick to a soft-bristled brush or a microfiber cloth to clean them gently.  

If you avoid these things, your basketball shoes will stay in great shape and last longer.

Final Thoughts

And that’s it! Keeping your basketball shoes clean doesn’t have to be a chore, and with a little care, they’ll stay looking fresh and ready to go for a long time. Just remember to follow the steps, avoid the common mistakes, and treat them right based on the material. Your shoes (and your game) will thank you!