You just wrapped up a great round of golf, but your shoes are now a combination of muddy soles, grass stains, and dirt that won't budge. At ERASERS, we know shoe care can feel tedious, but we're here to help make it quick, easy, and satisfying. Here’s how to clean your Golf Shoes, the traditional way and the ERASERS way. 

Understanding Your Golf Shoe Material

The first step to cleaning a pair of golf shoes is understanding the material. Are your shoes mesh, or are they something a little firmer, like leather? 

Different materials require different cleaning styles, and understanding the right method for each is key to protecting your shoes long-term, whether you're caring for golf shoes or cleaning everyday shoes made from leather, mesh, or synthetic blends.

Leather or Synthetic Leather

Leather and synthetic leather golf shoes provide durability and water resistance, perfect for wet conditions on the course. However, harsh chemicals or aggressive cleaning can lead to cracks and wear.

Use gentle methods to keep your shoes looking great. For leather finishes especially, it's important to avoid abrasive cleaners or stiff brushes, as these can scratch or dry out the surface—leading to cracking over time. If you’re working with lighter colors, read our guide on cleaning white leather shoes.

Mesh or Knit Uppers

Mesh and knit shoes offer great breathability for hot days, but can easily trap dirt and grass stains.

Clean mesh or knit shoes gently. Harsh scrubbing can damage the material, causing tears or loss of shape. By carefully lifting dirt without embedding it deeper, you'll keep your shoes fresh, clean, and ready for the next round.

What You’ll Need

Having the right tools can make shoe cleaning quick and easy:

• Soft-bristle brush or toothbrush

• Mild dish soap solution (1 teaspoon per cup of water)

• Microfiber cloths

• Shoe trees for drying

For convenience and instant cleaning—especially at the golf course—GolfERASERS are your new best friend. Specially designed for golf shoes, these compact sponges tackle mud, sand, and grass stains without a messy kit. 

GolfERASERS also come with a convenient bag tag tether, making it easy to attach them to your golf bag for quick access during your round. Just moisten and swipe across any markups. No harsh chemicals, no complicated process.

Traditional Step-by-Step Cleaning for Your Golf Shoes

Here’s how to clean your golf shoes the traditional way. 

1. Preparation

First, remove laces and insoles to access every part of your shoes and speed up drying. Use a soft brush to sweep away loose dirt and grass from the surface and soles. Doing this first makes cleaning much more effective.

2. Cleaning Process by Material

How you clean your shoes will depend on the. We’ll be covering leather and mesh/knit shoes. 

Cleaning Leather/Synthetic Leather Shoes

1. Mix 1 teaspoon of mild dish soap with 2 cups of lukewarm water in a bowl.

2. Dip a soft cloth or soft brush into the solution, then gently work it into the surface using small circular motions.

1. Avoid using heavy pressure, which can damage the leather's protective coating.

3. Focus on one small area at a time. If a section is particularly dirty, apply a bit more cleaning solution and let it sit for a minute before scrubbing again.

4. After cleaning, wipe away any soap residue using a clean damp cloth.

5. Allow your shoes to air dry naturally for 24–48 hours, keeping them away from direct heat sources like radiators or sunlight, which can cause leather to crack.

Cleaning Mesh/Knit Shoes

• Prepare a mild detergent solution (similar to the leather method, but slightly less soap to avoid buildup in the fabric).

• Use a soft brush to gently scrub the surface using small, light circular motions.

• Be careful not to oversaturate mesh shoes—too much water can weaken the fabric structure.

• After cleaning, rinse off any remaining soap using a clean, lightly damp cloth.

• Insert shoe trees or crumpled paper towels into the shoes to help them maintain shape while they air dry.

• Dry them fully before wearing again to prevent odor buildup or material sagging.

Quick and Effective Cleaning with GolfERASERS

1. How GolfERASERS Work for Golf Shoes

GolfERASERS offer an innovative, two-sided solution specifically for golf shoes (and even golf clubs). The green side acts more like a scouring pad, perfect for removing larger debris like mud, grass, and sand. The white side is softer and smoothly wipes away scuffs and residual dirt, providing a finishing touch.

(Unlike SneakERASERS sponges, which have a soft orange shammy for delicate surfaces, GolfERASERS are made tougher for on-course conditions.)

Simply add water to activate the cleaning agents—no additional products needed. Quick, easy, and effective, GolfERASERS provide instant results on the course without the hassle of traditional cleaning kits

2. Step-by-Step Cleaning with GolfERASERS

1. Wet your GolfERASER thoroughly.

2. Use the green textured side first for heavy dirt and stubborn grass stuck to the soles and uppers of your shoe

3. Flip to the white side for finer cleaning and removing scuffs.

4. Spend just a few minutes cleaning, then air dry your shoes naturally.

If your golf shoes are mesh or fabric, our SOAK solution will be a better fit for your needs. Just let the shoes sit in and soak (pun intended) anywhere between two hours to overnight. Then, let air dry. 

3. When to Use GolfERASERS for Golf Shoes

Use GolfERASERS anytime your shoes need a quick refresh, especially right after your round. Taking just 2-3 minutes to clean your shoes immediately will prevent tougher stains later on and save you time overall.

Drying and Maintenance Tips for Your Golf Shoes

Proper drying preserves your shoes' shape and durability. Air dry at room temperature (65-75°F), away from heat and sunlight. Insert shoe trees or newspaper to absorb moisture and maintain shape.

After drying, re-lace your shoes and insert insoles. For leather shoes, apply a small amount of conditioner to keep them supple and crack-free.

Preventative Care and Storage

Quickly clean shoes after each round with a GolfERASER to maintain their appearance and prolong their life. Consistent touch-ups will keep you from the eventual deep clean that every pair of golf shoes goes through if they’re not taken care of. 

Store shoes in a ventilated area at moderate temperatures and avoid extreme heat conditions like your car's trunk. Rotating between pairs of golf shoes lets each pair fully dry and recover, extending their usable life significantly.

Clean Golf Shoes = Confident Swing

Clean golf shoes aren't just about the aesthetic. They're about performance, confidence, and feeling your best on the course. At SneakERASERS, we've been there: struggling with messy, inconvenient cleaning solutions. That's why we created GolfERASERS—to give you a practical, effortless way to instantly revive your golf shoes.

By following these simple steps and keeping GolfERASERS handy, you'll enhance your game's foundation and enjoy the small joy of fresh-looking shoes every time you tee off.