How To Clean Basketball Shoes?

Shoes are what separate your clean feet from the dirty floor so do them a favour and give them a good clean with a professional shoe cleaner once in a while. Nothing looks shabbier than a brown pair of sneakers which were originally snow white. Taking care of your sneakers properly will prolong their life expectancy and keep your toes and feet fungus free.

Your basketball shoes are designed to look after your feet so return the favour by keeping them in tip top condition. Whether you are playing basketball outside, or inside – there is something to be said about a team of basketball players with clean snow white shoes jogging onto the court. Keep your sneakers looking their best by using the following method:

•  Remove the shoelaces and inner soles form the sneakers. Soak the inner soles in a strong vinegar and water solution. This will kill bacteria and neutralize any lingering odours. Toss the laces into the washing machine or scrub them by hand. Replace any frayed or broken laces.
• Clean new stains before they have time to set in. Wipe away mud smears with a damp cloth on leather sneakers. For canvas or material sneakers you can wait for the mud to dry and then brush it off with a scrubbing brush.
• Create a gentle cleansing solution with washing detergent or dish soap. Avoid harsh or abrasive chemicals such as bleach. Use a cloth dampened in the mixture to wipe away surface stains.
• For more stubborn stains and hard to reach places, you could use a scrubbing brush or a plain old toothbrush with soft bristles. Wipe away any soapy residue with a clean damp cloth and allow the shoes to air dry. Avoid using clothes dryer or any other artificial heat source as this will cause the shoes to shrink or crack.

Can I Wash My Basketball Shoes in the Washing Machine?

This is a tricky question. Your basketball shoes would probably survive a cycle or two in the washing machine but are you really willing to take that chance with a pair of Jordan’s that probably cost more than the machine itself? If you are not particularly attached to the pair of basketball shoes then by all means go ahead and toss them into the washing machine. Just be sure to place them in a bright sunny area to dry properly before wearing them again.

For more expensive shoes, it would be wise to consult the manufacturer’s instructions although they will probably strongly advise against it. If you absolutely insist on throwing them in the wash, try the gentle wash cycle with a low spin cycle and add a few old towels to protect the inner drum of the washing machine against your shoes and vice versa.

Remove the inner soles and shoelaces before placing the shoes in the machine. Now if you really want to walk on the wild side, you could place them in the dryer after washing them but just be sure to put the dryer on its lowest possible setting. It’s probably not best to clean your shoes in this way on a regular basis and we certainly do not recommend doing it to Jordan’s of any size, shape or form.

What Are Basketball Shoes Made Of?

Basketball shoes are designed to be lightweight yet durable with a certain amount of support. These shoes were once made entirely from leather which allowed the shoes to last longer but also made them much heavier. Newer brands are making use of synthetic mesh material to provide the players with the same amount of support as their leather counterparts.

The soles are usually made out of rubber because of its traction abilities on wood and asphalt courts. A number of closures such as zippers, laces and ankle straps help to add extra support and shock absorption for your ankles and knees.

How to Restore Grip on Basketball Shoes?

Basketball players need a good amount of traction and grip on the court and indoor playing surfaces can easily become slippery. Clean the soles of your basket ball shoes often to prevent a build up loose dust and dirt. Debris which is trapped in the soles of your shoes can make them become slippery and loose traction.

There are many different kinds of grip lotions and sticky mats on the market but nothing beats a good old coating of extra strength hairspray for better grip. After removing any trapped debris and dust from the soles of yours shoes, wipe them with a damp cloth and then give them a good coating of hairspray.

This will also form a layer which traps dirt, allowing it to be wiped off easily instead of adhering to the shoe itself. Some players lick their hand or use excess body sweat to moisten the bottom of their shoes. A damp cloth has the same effect but is probably not as manly. If all else fails and you still find yourself slipping and sliding across the court, then it could be time to replace your shoes entirely.