How To Care For Golf Shoes: Keep Them Clean & Waterproof

A quality pair of golf shoes can last for years, but only if you look after them properly. Knowing how to care for golf shoes makes a real difference to their lifespan, grip, and waterproofing. Whether you've invested in premium leather FootJoys or a pair of synthetic Adidas, the way you clean, dry, and store them after each round determines how long they'll actually perform on the course.

At MoreSports, we sell golf shoes from brands like FootJoy, Stuburt, and Under Armour, so we hear the same questions regularly: How do I stop my shoes cracking? Can I machine wash them? Why have they lost their waterproofing after just one season? Most of the time, the answer comes down to maintenance, or the lack of it. A few minutes of care after each round saves you from replacing shoes far sooner than you should need to.

This guide covers everything you need to keep your golf shoes in top condition. From cleaning different materials (leather, synthetic, knit) to reproofing waterproof membranes and storing them correctly between rounds, we'll walk you through each step. You'll also find tips on when it's time to retire a worn-out pair and what to look for in a replacement.

What you need and what to avoid

Understanding how to care for golf shoes properly starts with gathering the right tools and knowing which ones to steer clear of. Using the wrong cleaner or drying method is one of the most common ways people accidentally ruin their golf shoes, often without realising until the leather starts cracking or the waterproofing stops working entirely.

The right tools for the job

Having a basic golf shoe care kit ready means you can clean and protect your shoes thoroughly in under ten minutes after a round. You don't need anything expensive, just the right items for the material you're working with. Leather uppers need different products from synthetic or knit mesh, so check what your shoes are made from before you buy anything.

Here's what to keep in your kit:

• Soft-bristle brush or an old toothbrush for seams and spike areas
• Microfibre cloths for wiping down uppers without scratching
• Mild soap or specialist shoe cleaner (saddle soap works well for leather)
• Leather conditioner for full-grain leather uppers
• Waterproofing spray compatible with your shoe's material
• Cedar shoe trees to hold shape and absorb moisture while drying
• Spike tool for removing and replacing worn cleats

What to avoid

Never put golf shoes in a washing machine or tumble dryer, as the heat and agitation break down adhesives and can warp the sole unit permanently.

Certain products and habits cause far more damage than good. Direct heat sources like radiators, hairdryers on a hot setting, and boot dryers running too high will dry out leather and shrink synthetic materials over time. Keep them well away from your shoes after every round. Bleach-based cleaners and standard household detergents strip the protective coating from uppers and make any waterproofing treatment you apply afterwards far less effective.

Step 1. Clean your golf shoes after every round

Cleaning your shoes straight after a round is the single most effective habit in how to care for golf shoes. Mud and grass left to dry on uppers becomes harder to remove, forces its way into seams, and breaks down protective coatings with every passing hour. Make cleaning a routine before you even put your bag away.

Leather uppers

Start by knocking loose mud and debris off the sole with your soft-bristle brush. Then dampen a microfibre cloth with water and a small amount of saddle soap or mild shoe cleaner, and work it gently into the leather in circular motions. Pay extra attention to the toe box and heel where mud tends to build up most.

Avoid scrubbing too hard on stitched seams, as this weakens the thread over time and allows water inside the shoe.

Wipe away any soap residue with a clean damp cloth and leave the shoe to dry naturally at room temperature before moving on to the next step.

Synthetic and knit uppers

Synthetic materials and knit mesh respond well to a soft brush and plain water, with a tiny drop of mild soap if needed. Avoid soaking the upper entirely, as too much water can degrade the adhesive bonding the sole to the upper.

For knit mesh specifically, brush gently in one direction to avoid snagging fibres or distorting the weave. A barely damp cloth removes any remaining soap cleanly.

Step 2. Dry them properly and stop odours

Once you've cleaned the uppers, drying your shoes correctly is just as important as the cleaning itself. Moisture left inside the shoe is one of the biggest causes of odour, mould, and premature breakdown of the lining material. Getting this step right is a core part of how to care for golf shoes properly over the long term.

Drying without heat damage

Remove the insoles and laces straight after cleaning and let them dry separately. Stuff each shoe with cedar shoe trees or loosely crumpled newspaper to absorb internal moisture and hold the shoe's shape while it dries. Leave them in a well-ventilated area at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and any heat source.

Never place golf shoes near a radiator or use a hairdryer on them, as concentrated heat causes leather to crack and synthetic materials to warp permanently.

Dealing with odour

Bacteria thrive in damp, warm environments, so keeping the inside of your shoe dry is the most effective way to prevent bad odours from developing in the first place. If odour is already an issue, sprinkle a small amount of bicarbonate of soda inside each shoe after drying and leave it overnight. Tip it out before your next round and the smell should be noticeably reduced.

Step 3. Condition and waterproof the uppers

Once your shoes are fully dry, conditioning and waterproofing the uppers is the step most golfers skip, and it's exactly where long-term protection begins to break down. This is a key part of how to care for golf shoes correctly, particularly if you play through wet or cold conditions regularly.

Conditioning leather uppers

Leather needs moisture to stay supple. Apply a small amount of leather conditioner to a clean cloth and work it into the upper in circular motions, covering the toe box, heel, and any creased areas. Leave it to absorb for ten minutes, then buff off any excess with a dry microfibre cloth. Repeat this process every four to six rounds to prevent cracking and surface scuffs from deepening.

Avoid applying conditioner to the sole edge or spike plate, as it reduces grip in those areas.

Waterproofing all upper types

After conditioning, apply a waterproofing spray suited to your shoe's material. Hold the can around 20cm from the surface and cover the entire upper with an even coat. Use the following as a quick guide:

• Leather: a wax-based leather waterproofer
• Synthetic: a silicone-based spray
• Knit mesh: a fabric waterproofer designed for mesh materials

Allow 30 minutes of drying time before storing or wearing the shoes again, and reapply every three to four rounds.

Step 4. Maintain spikes, soles, and fit over time

Knowing how to care for golf shoes extends beyond the upper material. The spikes, soles, and internal fit all degrade with use, and staying on top of each one keeps your footing stable and your shoes performing properly through every round.

Check and replace spikes regularly

Worn spikes reduce traction on wet turf, which affects your swing stability at the point of contact. Use your spike tool after every few rounds to check for any that are loose or worn flat.

Replace spikes before they wear completely flat, as playing on bare threads damages the sole plate and makes replacement harder.

Look out for these signs that spikes need replacing:

• Spikes feel loose when twisted by hand
• Traction feels reduced on wet grass
• Spike tips appear visibly flat or rounded

Monitor sole wear and internal fit

Sole wear on the heel and ball of the foot is normal, but uneven wear can signal a gait issue worth addressing. Check your insole for compression and flatness after every few rounds.

Sign	Action
Compressed or flat insole	Replace with a fresh aftermarket insole
Uneven sole wear	Get your gait assessed by a specialist

Keep your shoes ready for the next round

Knowing how to care for golf shoes properly comes down to building a consistent routine around four simple steps: clean, dry, protect, and check. Each one takes only a few minutes, and together they extend the life of your shoes significantly and keep them performing round after round.

Store your shoes in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight between rounds. Keep cedar shoe trees inside them to maintain shape and absorb any residual moisture. A breathable shoe bag protects the uppers from scuffs and dust without trapping humidity inside.

When it is finally time to replace your shoes, you want a pair built to last through the same level of care. Browse the full range of golf footwear from brands like FootJoy, Stuburt, and Under Armour at MoreSports, and find a pair that suits your game, your budget, and the conditions you play in most.