Guide: How to clean and maintain your boxing boots

Boxing boots are one of the most important and personal pieces of boxing equipment that any boxer owns. Boxing boots help you move with speed, precision control, give you agile, smooth footwork and well anchored stops.

Many boxers start out using athletic shoes when boxing, however, investing in boxing boots that are well fitted, lightweight and supportive will significantly improve your performance in the ring. Once you have bought your ideal shoe; it’s important to maintain and clean them regularly.

There are many styles of boxing boots, and many factors can control how quickly they wear down, such as how heavy you are on your feet, the type of material they’re made from, how you move or how much grip your soles have.

Your boots are going to get some wear and tear, especially if you’re a regular fighter, but if you want your boots to last a while and be cost effective, it’s important to look after your boxing boots to extend their life. Here’s our quick guide to maintaining and cleaning the most popular types of boxing boot materials.

Note: Harsh cleaning could damage your boxing boots, so take care when cleaning.

Nylon and canvas mesh boxing boots

Nylon and canvas are durable fabrics which are flexible and tough, and they allow your feet to breathe, so they’re never too hot or cold. They are low maintenance footwear as long as you keep up a regular routine.

Maintenance:

After each use, allow your boots to dry naturally, other than that, canvas or nylon boots do not need regular maintenance, but will need to be cleaned more often than suede or leather shoes.

How to clean:

1. Using a clean, soft lint free cloth, gently scrub the upper using a mild soap and cold water
2. Air dry lightly and never place onto a direct heat source

It is not advisable to machine wash or tumble dry your nylon or canvas mesh boxing boots. We would also suggest avoiding using bleach or harsh cleaning agents.

Suede boxing boots

Suede boxing boots are soft, and durable, but can be vulnerable to scuffs, scratches and stains. They are an ideal material for boxing boots as they are breathable and robust, keeping their shape for a long period of time.

Maintenance:

Applying a waterproof spray will protect your suede boxing boots from stains and water, simply brush with a suede brush before and after the spray use to get the best results. If you find a stain on them, we recommend using a stain eraser.

How to clean:

1. Using a clean, lint free soft cloth, wet the entire outside of the shoe
2. Use a sponge or dry cloth to soak up excess water
3. Stick paper and shoe trees inside to maintain their shape whilst drying
4. Dry overnight
5. Rub lightly with a suede brush to finish

Leather boxing boots

Leather boots are often quite durable and hard wearing. As a result they maintain their shape well and are a popular choice for pros. However they will need to be cleaned regularly due to stains, grease or general build up.

Maintenance:

Every few wears, wipe down your leather shoes with a slightly damp rag (not soaking wet) or cleaner. Be sure to remove the cleaner completely, and apply a conditioner if possible.

Cracks in leather are the beginning of the end. It is advised to treat them with a conditioner every 25 wears to prevent the leather drying out and cracking.

How to clean:

1. Mix one part mild soap and eight parts water into a spray bottle
2. Spray onto a sturdy cloth or sponge
3. Wipe the stain, going with the grain of the leather
4. Dry away from direct sunlight
5. Apply a conditioner

General cleaning

Like any shoe, boxing boots will require regular cleaning to maintain the condition and structure of the boot. When maintaining your boxing boot, you should also consider cleaning your other boxing equipment such as your gloves, groin protector and head guard.

We are all well aware of the ‘stink’ of equipment in boxing gyms, but a quick clean and deodorise at the end of each session really helps combat that smell!

Stink? No problem…

After a boxing workout, it’s important to neutralise and absorb those sweaty odours. Using a deodouriser like the No Stink or Storm will kill germs and prevent infection to leave your shoes fresh and dry.

This will increase the lifespan of the shoes, and the health of your feet. No Stink is also available for gloves, bags and general use and the Storm spray deodoriser range can be used on all boxing equipment if required.