How to Clean and Maintain Your Netball Shoes

Your netball shoes are an investment in your performance and safety on court. Whether you've spent $100 or $250 on your footwear, proper care and maintenance can significantly extend their lifespan and ensure they continue to perform at their best. Neglected shoes not only look shabby but can lose crucial grip and support features faster than well-maintained ones.

In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about keeping your netball shoes in top condition—from regular cleaning routines to proper storage and knowing when it's time to replace them.

Regular Cleaning: After Every Use

The best shoe care happens consistently, not just when your shoes look dirty. Building good habits after every training session or match will pay dividends in the long run.

Immediate Post-Play Care

As soon as you finish playing, take a moment to care for your shoes rather than just throwing them in your bag:

• Remove excess dirt – Use a soft brush or dry cloth to brush off any visible dirt, dust, or debris from the outsole and upper.
• Air them out – Don't seal sweaty shoes in your sports bag. Remove the insoles if possible and let everything air out.
• Loosen the laces – This allows air to circulate inside the shoe and helps maintain the shoe's shape.

These simple steps take less than two minutes but make a significant difference in preventing odour buildup and material degradation.

Deep Cleaning Your Netball Shoes

Every few weeks, or whenever your shoes need more than a quick brush, give them a thorough clean. Here's the proper method:

What You'll Need

• Soft-bristled brush (an old toothbrush works well)
• Mild soap or specialised shoe cleaner
• Lukewarm water
• Clean cloths or microfibre towels
• Newspaper or paper towels for stuffing

Step-by-Step Cleaning Process

Step 1: Remove laces and insoles. Take out the laces and insoles before cleaning. The laces can be washed separately by hand with soap and water, or in a mesh bag in the washing machine on a gentle cycle.

Step 2: Brush off loose dirt. Use a dry brush to remove all loose dirt and debris from the entire shoe, paying special attention to the outsole grooves where dirt accumulates.

Step 3: Clean the outsole. Dip your brush in soapy water and scrub the rubber outsole thoroughly. The grip pattern can harbour a lot of ground-in dirt, so take your time here. A slightly stiffer brush can be used on the rubber sole without causing damage.

Step 4: Clean the upper. Using a softer brush or cloth dampened with soapy water, gently clean the upper material. For mesh uppers, use circular motions and avoid saturating the material. For leather or synthetic leather, wipe in the direction of any grain.

Step 5: Wipe clean. Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe away soap residue. Then use a dry cloth to remove excess moisture.

Step 6: Clean the insoles. Wash insoles separately with mild soap and water. Allow them to air dry completely before replacing—this can take 24-48 hours.

Proper Drying Techniques

How you dry your shoes is just as important as how you clean them. Improper drying is one of the main causes of premature shoe deterioration.

The Right Way to Dry Netball Shoes

• Stuff with newspaper or paper towels – This absorbs moisture from inside and helps maintain the shoe's shape. Replace the stuffing after a few hours if the shoes are very wet.
• Air dry at room temperature – Place shoes in a well-ventilated area away from direct heat or sunlight.
• Remove insoles – Dry insoles separately to speed up the process and prevent odour.
• Allow adequate time – Shoes may take 24-48 hours to dry completely. Never wear shoes that are still damp inside.

Proper Storage

Where and how you store your netball shoes affects their longevity. Follow these guidelines:

• Store in a cool, dry place – Avoid garages, car boots, or areas with temperature extremes.
• Keep away from direct sunlight – UV rays can degrade materials and cause discolouration.
• Use a shoe bag – A breathable cloth bag protects shoes from dust while allowing air circulation. Avoid sealed plastic containers.
• Maintain shape – Use shoe trees or stuff with paper to help shoes hold their form when not in use.
• Don't stack heavy items on top – This can crush and deform the cushioning.

Dealing with Odour

Netball shoes can develop unpleasant odours due to sweat and bacteria. Prevention is easier than treatment, but here are strategies for both:

Preventing Odour

• Always air out shoes after use
• Wear moisture-wicking socks during play
• Remove and air dry insoles separately
• Use odour-absorbing inserts or sachets during storage

Treating Existing Odour

If odour has already developed, try these remedies:

• Baking soda – Sprinkle inside shoes overnight and shake out before use
• Specialised shoe deodorisers – Available from most sports stores
• Freeze method – Place shoes in a plastic bag and freeze overnight; the cold kills odour-causing bacteria
• Tea bags – Dry tea bags placed inside shoes can absorb odours and moisture

When to Replace Your Netball Shoes

Even with the best care, netball shoes don't last forever. Knowing when to replace them is crucial for maintaining performance and preventing injury.

Signs It's Time for New Shoes

• Worn outsole – When grip patterns are visibly worn down, especially in pivot areas
• Compressed cushioning – When the midsole feels flat or you notice increased impact on your joints
• Upper breakdown – When the upper material is torn, stretched, or no longer holds your foot securely
• Heel counter collapse – When the back of the shoe no longer feels firm and supportive
• Persistent discomfort – New aches or pains during or after play may indicate shoe deterioration

As a general guideline, netball shoes used for regular training and matches (2-3 times per week) typically need replacing every 6-12 months. Players who train more frequently may need to replace shoes more often.

Taking care of your netball shoes doesn't require much time or effort—just consistency. A few minutes of attention after each session and occasional deep cleaning will keep your shoes performing well and looking good throughout their lifespan. Your feet (and your wallet) will thank you.