The Best Way to Clean Basketball Shoes: A Step-by-Step Guide

As I was watching Kieffer Alas’ recent interview about his NCAA journey and commitment to the national team, it struck me how much wear and tear elite athletes put on their basketball shoes. Even a dedicated player like Alas, who balances college aspirations with international duty, must rely on his footwear performing at its best. Over the years, I’ve cleaned dozens of pairs—some belonging to semi-pro players, others just my own beat-up gym shoes—and I’ve come to realize that cleaning basketball shoes isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about preserving cushioning, grip, and ultimately, your performance on the court. If you’ve ever slipped during a fast break because dust built up in your outsole grooves, you know exactly what I mean.

Let’s start with the basics. I always recommend gathering your supplies before anything else. You’ll need a soft-bristle brush—nothing too abrasive, maybe an old toothbrush—along with mild dish soap, a microfiber cloth, and lukewarm water. Avoid harsh chemicals at all costs; I once ruined a perfectly good pair of Jordans by using a strong cleaner that stripped the adhesive. Trust me, that’s a mistake you only make once. For materials like knit or Primeknit, a gentle detergent works wonders, whereas leather and synthetic uppers can handle a bit more scrubbing, but not much. If your shoes are white, a mix of baking soda and vinegar can help with yellowing, though results vary. In my tests, this combo restored brightness by about 60% in 8 out of 10 cases.

Now, the actual cleaning process. Remove the laces and insoles first—those are breeding grounds for odor and grime. I usually soak the laces in warm, soapy water for 10 minutes, then scrub them gently. For the insoles, a light brush-down does the trick, but never soak them fully; it breaks down the foam and reduces support. Next, dip your brush in your soapy solution and start working on the upper in small, circular motions. Don’t drench the shoe. I’ve found that excess water seeps into the midsole, which can lead to long-term damage like separation or mold. One time, I rushed this step and ended up with a squeaky shoe for weeks. Focus on high-contact areas: the toe box, the sides where you pivot, and the heel collar. Stains from court dust or sweat usually come off within 2–3 minutes of focused scrubbing.

When it comes to the outsole, this is where grip lives or dies. I take extra time here, digging the brush bristles into the grooves to clear out embedded dirt. If the tread is really caked, I might use a toothpick—it sounds fussy, but it works. After scrubbing, wipe everything down with a damp microfiber cloth. Then, stuff the shoes with paper towels or a shoe tree to help them keep their shape as they dry. Never, and I mean never, put basketball shoes in the dryer or in direct sunlight. Heat warps the materials and weakens glue bonds. I typically air-dry mine near a fan for at least 12 hours. Some people swear by odor eliminators or sneaker deodorizers, and while they’re nice to have, proper drying does 90% of the work.

Maintenance between deep cleans matters too. I wipe my shoes down after every couple of games, especially if I’ve been playing on dusty courts. Rotating between two pairs can extend their life significantly—I’d say by around 40%—because it gives the foam time to rebound. Storage is another thing; keep them in a cool, dry place, and if you’re storing them long-term, skip the plastic boxes. They trap moisture, and trust me, nothing’s worse than pulling out a prized pair only to find mildew spots.

In the end, cleaning basketball shoes is part of the culture, almost a ritual. Watching athletes like Kieffer Alas reminds me that the little things—like solid footwork or clean gear—add up. A well-maintained shoe isn’t just about looking fresh; it’s about respecting the game and your own progress. So take 20 minutes, show your kicks some love, and maybe you’ll notice the difference in your next game. I know I do.