Ever notice how your basketball shoes start to lose their color after a few games? That initial shine you see out of the box can quickly disappear when dirt and grime build up, especially after a few hard-fought games of basketball. The good news? You don’t have to spend an hour scrubbing. With a few simple maintenance steps, you can extend your shoes’ lifespan, saving you money in the long run.

Ready to keep your basketball shoes looking fresh and performing at their best? Let’s get started.

What You'll Need for Basketball Shoe Cleaning

We’re going to look at cleaning basketball shoes the traditional way and the SneakERASERS way. Make sure you keep the following supplies on hand. 

Traditional Cleaning Supplies

If you prefer the old-school cleaning method, here’s what you’ll need:

• Soft-bristled brush or old toothbrush

• Mild soap or eco-friendly detergent

• Warm water

• Microfiber cloth or towel

• Baking soda (for odor elimination)

• Newspaper or paper towels (for drying)

• Optional extras: sneaker cleaner, suede brush, or toothpaste for white soles

Modern Quick-Clean Solutions

For a faster clean, SneakERASERS are a game-changer. With our 20-Pack of Sneaker Cleaners and a little bit of water, these sponges can tackle tough stains and everyday dirt in minutes. Keep a few in your gym bag for quick touch-ups after practice or games.

Tip: SneakERASERS SOAK is perfect for deeper cleans on mesh or fabric uppers. (We’ll talk about this more later)

How to Deep Clean Your Basketball Shoes (the traditional way)

Deep cleaning your basketball shoes will take time, but it’s worth the effort. Clean shoes mean better grip and better performance. Have you ever cleaned tennis shoes before? The process is pretty similar. 

Step 1: Remove Laces and Insoles

Start by taking out the laces and insoles. This step allows you to thoroughly clean every part of the shoe and helps the interior dry faster. Drop the laces into warm, soapy water and scrub the insoles with a damp cloth.

Step 2: Dry Brush to Remove Loose Dirt

Hold your horses! Before you apply any cleaning solution, use a soft brush to remove loose dirt. Focus on the outsole where grime builds up. This prevents mud from spreading and creating more mess that you don’t want to deal with. 

Step 3: Prepare Mild Cleaning Solution

Mix a small amount of mild soap with warm water. Avoid bleach or alcohol, which can damage the shoe material. Less is more. Too much soap can leave residue that attracts dirt. 

Step 4: Clean the Uppers

Dip a cloth in the soapy water and gently wipe the uppers using small, circular motions. If you encounter stubborn spots, use a soft-bristled brush for targeted cleaning. For white soles, a dab of toothpaste can help restore brightness.

Step 5: Clean Midsoles and Outsoles

Use the cleaning solution to scrub the midsoles and outsoles, where most dirt collects. For white soles, apply a small amount of toothpaste and use a brush to lift stains.

Step 6: Rinse and Wipe Down

Wipe away soap residue with a damp cloth. Leftover soap can attract dirt, so make sure to get into all crevices. Clean it down until the shoe is damp and near-dry. 

Step 7: Air Dry Properly

Stuff the shoes with newspaper to maintain their shape and absorb moisture. Let them air dry in a cool, well-ventilated area. Make sure to avoid direct sunlight, which can crack and fade materials.

Using SneakERASERS for Basketball Shoes

Traditional cleaning methods are great, but they take a long time. What if you need a quick solution to clean your basketball shoes before your next game? SneakERASERS do just this. They are designed to clean your shoes quickly and effectively without the mess. 

All you need is one of our sponges and a little bit of water to activate its cleaning properties. They’re perfect for last-minute touch-ups before and after each game. 

You use one of these every day, and your shoes will stay cleaner for longer. No more rigorous, time-consuming cleaning sessions for your basketball shoes. 

Step-by-Step SneakERASERS Cleaning Process

Cleaning your basketball shoes with SneakERASERS will only take four simple steps. You can do all of this in about thirty seconds!

Step 1: Clean the Outsole First

For scuffs and dirt marks, start with a little bit of water to activate the white side. Swipe until you have a little bit of residue left. Switch to our orange side to help clean up. You can also use the orange side for more sensitive areas of your basketball shoes that need a gentler touch (e.g. if you have leather materials)

Step 2: Clean the Back and Heel Cup

Once you've cleaned the outsoles, move to the heel cup and back of the shoe with the white side. If your basketball shoes have exterior cushioning, use the orange side to clean this area.

Step 3: Clean the Midsoles and Toe Box

Use the white side to target scuff marks on the midsole of your shoe. This is where most basketball scuff marks occur. You can switch to the orange side afterwards to clean up leftover residue.

The toe box might be a little more sensitive. If that's the case, use our orange shammy to provide a delicate finish. 

Step 4: Touch Up the Shoelaces & Uppers (if needed)

For the shoe laces, use SneakERASERS SOAK to lift dirt, sweat, and anything else that got on your strings without damaging delicate materials.

Our recommendation? You should use our SneakERASERS SOAK solution to clean any of the shoelaces used during your physical activities. Running shoes are prime examples. You're going to get a lot of dirt and muck on your laces, especially if you're running in the rain.

For the uppers, if you have any grime stuck here, how you clean will largely deal with the material. If dealing with something like leather, stick to the softer, orange side. If the material can handle tougher cleaning, like rubber, you can use our white side. 

When Should I Use SneakERASERS vs. Other Cleaning Methods?

You should do a traditional clean of your basketball shoes when SneakERASERS won’t be enough to do the job. Usually, this happens when scuff marks, dirt, and other items accumulate over time and are not attended to after each game. 

At this point, you’ll need a stronger solution to combat the problems your shoe is facing. Water won’t be enough to clean your basketball shoes. Opt for our SOAK solution or make your own solution at home (though it might not be as effective)

How Can I Keep My Basketball Shoes Clean Longer This Time?

We have three main tips to follow to keep your basketball shoes cleaner for longer:

1. After each game, use a SneakERASER to remove fresh dirt before it sets in.

2. Let shoes air out for 15-20 minutes after cleaning to prevent odor buildup.

3. Store shoes in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight to maintain their shape and prevent cracking.

What About Leather & Synthetic Shoes? 

Leather and synthetic/mesh shoes can be a bit of a different story. Since you’re dealing with sensitive material here, you want to act with care. Below, we talk about how you should treat leather and mesh/synthetic basketball shoes. 

Leather Basketball Shoes

Leather basketball shoes need specialized care because leather can crack or get damaged if you use the wrong cleaners. With the traditional cleaning method, stick to leather-safe cleaners or very mild soap (pH 6-7) to avoid ruining the material. Fortunately, SneakERASERS work effectively on leather - simply use the white side and you'll get excellent results without worrying about damage.

P.S., it doesn’t just work great on basketball shoes. Try our SneakERASERS when you clean your white leather shoes, too!

Synthetic and Mesh Shoes

Synthetic materials are usually quite durable, but mesh areas need extra attention because they can tear or stretch out if you scrub too aggressively. When using traditional cleaning methods, be gentle around any mesh sections and use a soft cloth instead of a brush. With SneakERASERS, try using our SOAK solution. It takes a little longer (the shoes need to soak anywhere between 2 hours to overnight), but it gets rid of a lot of the dirt and scuffs you’ll get while hooping. 

Maintain Your Shoes, Maximize Your Performance

Your basketball shoes are more than just gear. They’re an investment in your game. Regular cleaning using SneakERASERS combined with the occasional deep clean keeps them looking fresh, performing well, and lasting longer. And with both quick-clean and deep-clean methods at your disposal, you’re always ready to play your best, no matter how intense the game gets.