How to Make Basketball Shoes Sticky
When you have sticky basketball shoes, you have more control of your game. If your shoes are slippery, you risk your performance on the court and could injure yourself.
Cleaning Instructions
Follow the do's and don’ts below when you feel your shoes start to get slippery.
Do:
- Remove any rocks and bits of earth: If you like to play ball on an outdoor court, it’s easy to get small stones stuck in the grooves of the soles of your shoes. Flick them out with a toothpick.
- Mix soap and water: Find a soft brush or toothbrush and gently brush the soles. Mix warm water with a little eco-friendly laundry detergent and put it on the soles of your basketball shoes. If there’s dirt in the grooves, gently scrub with the brush.
- Rinse with water: To remove the detergent from your shoes, use a washing cloth dipped in warm water and wipe the shoes to rinse.
- Dry naturally: Either allow your shoe soles to dry naturally in the shade or hand dry with a clean towel or paper towel.
Don’t:
- Use the washing machine or dryer: Washing machines can discolour and damage shoes. Dryers and heaters can risk changing the shape of your shoes. Dry them at room temperature.
- Scrub the top of your shoes or the midsole: Materials are delicate and you can risk damaging your sneakers if you scrub it harshly.
- Use chemicals like alcohol or bleach These harsh chemicals can dry out and crack the soles of your shoes so only use a small amount of eco-friendly detergent.
- Use softener or scented detergent: Anything other than an eco-friendly detergent can leave a greasy film on your soles which can impact your game.
- Leave soap on your shoes: Soapy soles can be slippery and dangerous for both you and your team mates.
Below are a few more tips on how to can maintain the stickiness of your basketball shoes.
White Soles: If your favourite basketball shoes have white soles and they could be a little brighter, add a little toothpaste to your detergent mix and that will help improve their whiteness.
Oil Stains: If you step in oil, try to remove it as soon as possible. Either dab the oil on your soles with an absorbent paper towel or bring out the oil with a sprinkle of baby powder.
Clean and sticky shoes will help you bring your best game to the court. Once you’ve finished cleaning your basketball shoes, hit the court with your sticky shoes and shake up the competition. Need an extra boost? Treat yourself to some new kicks. Shop for basketball shoes.
