How to Clean Wrestling Shoes: A Step-by-Step Guide

Wrestling shoes take a beating. Between the mat, the sweat, and the constant grip work, they collect dirt, odor, and stains faster than almost any other shoe you own. But here's the good news: cleaning wrestling shoes properly is simple — if you know the right routine.

In this guide, we'll walk you through exactly how to clean wrestling shoes without damaging the sole, the fabric, or the glue that holds them together. Follow these steps once a week, and your shoes will stay fresh, grippy, and competition-ready for far longer.

Why Wrestling Shoes Get Dirty Fast

Before we get to the cleaning, it helps to understand what you're dealing with. Wrestling shoes are designed to be lightweight and form-fitting, which means they're built mostly from breathable mesh and thin synthetic materials. Those materials are great for performance but they absorb sweat and trap odor easily.

Add a training mat that's been stepped on by a hundred athletes, and you've got a shoe that picks up dirt with every practice. The sole, with its deep grip patterns, collects dust and grime that can actually reduce traction if left to build up. That's not just a cosmetic issue — a dirty sole is a slippery sole.

What You'll Need

You probably have most of these at home already:

• A soft-bristle brush or an old toothbrush
• A mild detergent (dish soap or a gentle laundry detergent works well)
• Baking soda
• White vinegar (for tough stains and odor)
• Microfiber cloths
• Old newspaper or paper towels (for drying)
• A small bowl of warm water

⚠️ Pro Tip: Skip the harsh chemicals and bleach — wrestling shoe materials are thin, and aggressive cleaners can break down the upper and weaken the glue bonds.

Step 1: Remove the Laces and Insoles

Start by taking out the laces and, if they're removable, the insoles. This gives you access to every surface and keeps the laces from tangling or getting damaged during cleaning.

• Soak the laces in warm soapy water for 15–20 minutes, then scrub them gently with your brush and rinse.
• Sprinkle the insoles with baking soda and set them aside — we'll come back to them in Step 4.

Step 2: Dry Brush First

Before any water touches the shoe, brush off the loose dirt. This step matters more than people think: dry brushing removes surface grit before it turns into mud, and it's especially important for the sole, where dirt packs into the grip pattern.

Use your soft brush to sweep the upper, paying attention to the seams and the area around the toe. Then brush the sole in one direction to clear the channels between the grip treads. If the sole is heavily packed, a toothbrush works well here.

Step 3: Spot Clean the Upper by Material

Now for the actual cleaning. The right method depends on your shoe's upper material:

• Mesh uppers: Mix a few drops of mild detergent with warm water. Dip your brush in the solution and scrub the upper gently in small circles. Work in sections and wipe each section with a damp microfiber cloth as you go.
• Synthetic leather panels: Use a soft cloth with mild soapy water and wipe gently. Don't scrub hard — synthetic leather scratches more easily than you'd think.
• Suede uppers: Suede needs a different approach. Use a suede brush or a suede eraser instead of water and detergent, which can stain and stiffen the material.

Step 4: Clean the Soles & Restore Grip

The sole is where wrestling shoes make their living. Dip your brush in soapy water and scrub the tread thoroughly. For stubborn mat residue, add a pinch of baking soda directly to the brush. Wipe clean with a damp cloth. Never soak the entire shoe in water — immersion weakens the strobel stitching and sole cement.

Step 5: Air Dry the Right Way

Stuff your shoes with crumpled newspaper or paper towels to absorb internal moisture and hold the upper's shape. Place them in a well-ventilated, shaded area.