Whether you’re a wrestler, coach, official, or parent, make it the rule that wrestling shoes must be disinfected properly before a wrestler can set foot on the mat.
Follow the product instructions precisely for mixing and using the solution, and regarding how much and how long it takes to properly disinfect a surface.
You can also purchase doormat-type products made to clean the bottoms of wrestling shoes and apply disinfectant.
Check the tag on the shoes, or call or visit the website of the shoe company. [4] X Expert Source Moe DraperShoe Care & Repair Specialist Expert Interview. 5 April 2021.
Take out any removable insoles and shoestrings before starting the wash. You can wash them along with the shoes.
Remember, most wrestling shoes are made to dry quickly, so they may be completely dry within several hours, if not certainly overnight.
If you’re in a rush or aren’t overly worried about the minor risk to your shoes, go ahead and put them in the dryer as well. But don’t get too daring — put the dryer on its low heat setting. And throw the old towels from the wash in as well.
Most wrestling aficionados recommend using your shoes only on the mat, so they probably won’t have caked-on dirt on them. If they do, though, wipe that away with a clean, dry brush or cloth before proceeding.
A toothpaste scrub can be particularly helpful for scuffs on the rubberized areas on the soles or toes of the shoes. Instead of toothpaste, you can also make a paste with baking soda and water. Use a few spoonfuls of baking soda, and stir in small amounts of water until you achieve a toothpaste consistency.
Cleaning insoles or inserts with the baking soda paste may help with odor control as well. Make sure the laces and inserts are fully dry before re-inserting them. It’s best to replace worn or frayed laces — you don’t want them to snap in the middle of a match!
Try, for instance, sprinkling baking soda into the shoes overnight. This works best if the shoes are already completely dry. [9] X Research source Or, try placing a dryer sheet into each shoe overnight. [10] X Research source
