How to Clean FootJoy Golf Shoes by Material
FootJoy golf shoes collect grass juice, bunker sand, soil and fertilizer residue in one round, but the correct cleaning method depends on the upper. FootJoy advises cleaning leather and synthetic shoes after each round with a shoe cleaner or mild soap and water, then air-drying at room temperature. Some mesh styles may have model-specific machine-wash instructions, which should never be assumed for leather, waterproof mixed-material or spiked shoes. This guide creates one controlled hand-cleaning path for common FootJoy leather, synthetic and mesh uppers, plus removable laces and outsoles. It keeps soak water away from the interior and protects waterproof construction, finish and shape better than tossing an unidentified pair into a washer.
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Primary reference: FootJoy official golf shoe care guidance. Always check the manual for your exact model.
Quick reference
- Check first
- Identify leather, synthetic, mesh and replaceable-cleat sections for the exact model.
- Upper
- Use FootJoy shoe cleaner or a weak mild-soap solution with controlled moisture.
- Outsole
- Dry-brush grass and clear cleat recesses with a separate soft brush.
- Dry
- Blot, support the shape and air-dry at room temperature with laces removed.
- Avoid
- Soaking, bleach, hard abrasives, forced heat and unverified machine washing.
What you will need
- The exact FootJoy model's care information
- A soft dry shoe brush or toothbrush
- Two microfiber cloths
- Lukewarm water and a small amount of mild soap
- FootJoy-approved shoe cleaner for the upper, if desired
- A bowl for removable laces
- Plain absorbent paper or a shoe tree
- A blunt plastic pick for packed outsole soil
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1: Identify the upper and cleat system
Check the model page, tongue label and visible panels to distinguish smooth leather, coated synthetic material, engineered mesh and suede-like trim. Note whether the cleats are replaceable. A mixed-material shoe should be cleaned panel by panel. Do not apply leather conditioner to mesh or presume that a waterproof shoe can be submerged.
Step 2: Remove laces and open the shoe
Take out removable laces and insoles if the model allows it. Loosen the throat so air can reach the interior, but do not force stitched panels apart. Shake out sand and grass. Wash laces separately in mild soapy water, rinse them thoroughly and set them flat to air-dry.
Step 3: Brush away dry grass and soil
Once mud is dry enough to release, brush the upper, welt and outsole with light strokes. Use a blunt plastic tool around cleat recesses rather than metal that can gouge the sole. Dry removal prevents gritty particles from becoming an abrasive paste when water is introduced.
Step 4: Mix a low-residue cleaning solution
Add only a small amount of mild soap to lukewarm water, or prepare the compatible shoe cleaner specified by FootJoy. Dampen a microfiber cloth or soft brush and wring it so it is wet enough to lift soil but not dripping. Test colored leather, printed synthetic trim or delicate panels near the heel first.
Step 5: Clean leather and synthetic uppers gently
FootJoy recommends shoe cleaner or mild soap and water for routine leather and synthetic care. Work in small sections, wiping seams and flex points without flooding them. Lift residue with a second cloth dampened in clean water. Avoid household solvents, bleach and hard scouring pads that can strip finish or mark the surface.
Step 6: Treat mesh without driving dirt inward
Support mesh from inside with a dry cloth and dab it with the soft brush or damp cloth. Work from the cleaner perimeter toward a stain and blot repeatedly. Do not aggressively scrub snag-prone yarns. Unless FootJoy explicitly identifies that exact model as machine-washable, continue with this hand method rather than guessing.
Step 7: Clean outsoles and inspect cleats
Turn the shoe over and scrub the rubber outsole with the dedicated brush. Clear every drainage channel and cleat recess. If removable cleats are worn, rounded or damaged, replacement is more useful than soaking them in cleaner. Keep dirty outsole water off the freshly cleaned upper.
Step 8: Blot and restore the shape
Wipe away soap with a clean barely damp cloth and blot the shoe. Fill it loosely with plain absorbent paper or insert a clean shoe tree. Do not use printed newspaper against a light lining. The support should preserve shape without stretching a wet upper.
Step 9: Air-dry at room temperature
FootJoy directs room-temperature air-drying. Place shoes where air reaches all sides and leave laces out until the upper, tongue and interior are dry. Do not use a clothes dryer, radiator, hair dryer or hot car. Reinstall dry insoles and laces, then verify cleats are secure before the next round.
Specific cleaning questions
Open a question for a concise answer about stains, odors, safety, frequency, and troubleshooting.