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How to clean LeBron shoes

Knit uppers and foam midsoles clean up well by hand. Nike’s own method takes about 20 minutes plus drying time, and avoids the washing machine.

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Updated October 29, 2026Research based, not hands-on testing

Fig. 1 A soft brush, mild soap in warm water and a microfiber towel do most of the work.

Short answer

Nike’s method: dry brush loose dirt, mix warm water with a little mild detergent or dish soap, hand wash the laces, scrub the outsole and midsole, brush the upper gently and blot it dry, then air dry at room temperature for at least 8 hours. Nike does not recommend the washing machine or the dryer. On knit, brush in the direction of the knit and skip bleach.

What you need

  • Soft brush A spare toothbrush works for small areasFind it
  • Sneaker cleaner or mild soap Dish soap or mild detergent in warm waterFind it
  • Microfiber towel To blot, not rub
  • Sneaker wipes For quick wipes after gamesFind it

Steps

  1. Dry brush first

    Brush loose dirt off the outsole, midsole and upper before anything gets wet.

  2. Mix the cleaner

    Warm water with a little mild laundry detergent or dish soap. For white or light shoes, Nike suggests equal parts baking soda and water for the midsole.

  3. Wash the laces and insoles

    Take the laces out and hand wash them, then rinse and dab dry. Remove the insoles and clean them the same way.

  4. Scrub the sole and midsole

    Scrub the outsole and midsole with the brush and solution, then dry with a soft cloth.

  5. Clean the upper gently

    Brush the upper lightly with a soft brush or damp cloth. On knit, brush in the direction of the knit. Blot with a dry microfiber towel; do not rub.

  6. Air dry

    Dry at room temperature, away from heaters and sun, for at least 8 hours. No dryer.

Source: Nike, How to clean shoes.

Fig. 2 Brush, bowl, towel. No machine.

Keep them clean longer

  1. 01Kit

    Sneaker cleaning kit

    Best for: a full clean after outdoor games

    Includes
    Brush and solution
    See cleaning kits
  2. 02Storage

    Sneaker storage bags

    Best for: keeping dust and sun off pairs you keep clean

    Use
    Between wears
    See storage bags

Playing outside a lot? See LeBrons on outdoor courts.

Questions people ask

Can you put LeBrons in the washing machine?

Nike does not recommend washing shoes in a washing machine, and says not to use a dryer. Heat and tumbling can warp the upper and weaken the glue.

How do you clean knit LeBrons?

Use mild soap with no harsh chemicals, no bleach, and brush gently in the direction of the knit. Blot with a microfiber towel instead of rubbing, then air dry.

How do you whiten LeBron midsoles?

For white or light shoes, Nike suggests a paste of equal parts baking soda and water. Scrub the midsole with a soft brush, wipe it off and dry.

How long do shoes take to dry after cleaning?

Nike says at least 8 hours at room temperature. Stuff them with paper towels to help them keep their shape and soak up moisture.

Sources

  1. Nike, How to clean shoes

Last reviewed October 29, 2026. Models, colorways and listings change; check the size chart and product details on the listing before you buy.

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