Attention Cheer squads, get ready to Wow the crowd with these Pro Tips on how to clean Cheer shoes like never before!

Cheer Shoes Looking Drab? Transform Them with This Genius Hack

Cheer shoes are an essential part of any cheerleader’s outfit. They must be clean, comfortable, and durable to support the high-energy routines and stunts. But how do you keep them looking fresh and white after every practice and performance? Dirt, sweat, and stains can quickly ruin the appearance and quality of your cheer shoes, making them look dull and worn out.

Dont worry; I’m here to help you. I’m an expert on how to clean cheer shoes, and I’ve been writing about cheerleading tips and tricks for over five years. I know the best methods and products to make your cheer shoes sparkle and shine. Whether you have leather, canvas, or synthetic cheer shoes, I have the perfect solution.

In this guide, I’ll show you how to clean cheer shoes using simple tools and materials you probably have at home.

Materials and Tools You’ll Need

Cleaning your leather cheer shoes requires you to gather some tools and materials. So here are some of the materials that we found effective.

• Eraser sponge
• Toothbrush
• Soft cloth
• Liquid dish soap
• Toothpaste
• 1 cup warm water
• White paper towels

For white shoelaces, you will need:

• 3 tbsp. bleach
• 2L water
• Laundry detergent

How to Clean White Cheer Shoes

Different methods go into cleaning your white cheer shoes, but it depends on the level of dirtiness and the type of stains. Here are two of the most effective and easy ways to clean white leather cheer shoes:

1. Using an Eraser

An eraser sponge, also known as a magic eraser, is a great tool to remove dirt and scuffs from white leather shoes. Here is how to use a magic eraser:

• Wet the magic eraser with some water and squeeze out the excess.
• Rub the eraser gently over the dirty areas of your Cheer leather shoe, using circular motions. After a few rubs, you will see the dirt and scuffs disappear.
• Next, wipe your shoe with a soft cloth to remove any residue from the eraser.
• Finally, dry your shoe with white paper towels or let it air dry.

2. Using Toothpaste

Toothpaste is an excellent cleaner for leather cheer shoes. It removes stains and whitens your leather shoes. Here is how to use toothpaste to clean cheer shoes:

• Start by wiping off any excess dirt from your shoe with a soft cloth or a paper towel.
• Next, remove the laces from your shoe and set them aside. You will clean them later.
• Dampen the outside of your shoe with a rag or a sponge.
• Rub a dab of toothpaste into the scuffs and stains on your shoe using your finger or a toothbrush. Remember, you can use any toothpaste, but avoid gel or colored ones, as they may stain your shoe.
• Scrub the stains with a toothbrush, using gentle pressure and circular motions. The toothpaste will begin foaming up and lift the stains.
• Wipe the toothpaste away with a damp towel or a sponge, removing all the residue.
• Dry your shoe with white paper towels, or let it air dry.

How to Clean White Cheer Shoelaces

Shoelaces also get dirty, especially if you cheer on grass or dirt. Here is how to clean them and make them look new again:

1. Soak in Soapy Water

• Fill a bucket or a sink with warm water and add laundry detergent. Bleach can work for extra whitening, but be careful not to use too much, as it may damage the fabric.
• Put your shoelaces in the soapy water and let them soak for about 15 minutes. You can also agitate them with your hands to help loosen the dirt.
• Rinse your shoelaces with clean water and squeeze out the excess.

2. Scrub the Cheer Shoes

• If your shoelaces are still dirty after soaking, scrub them with a toothbrush or a sponge, using more detergent or bleach if needed.
• Rinse your shoelaces again with clean water and squeeze out the excess.

3. Hang to Dry

• Hang your shoelaces to dry on a clothesline or a hanger, or lay them flat on a towel. Avoid using a dryer, as it may shrink or damage the fabric.

Preventing Stains on Your Shoes

Cleaning your cheer shoes can be a hassle, so it is better to prevent stains from happening in the first place. Here are some tips to keep your shoes clean and white:

1. Apply a Water Repellent on Your Shoes

A water repellent is a spray or a liquid that you can apply on your shoes to make them resistant to water and stains. It creates a protective layer on the surface of your shoes that repels liquids and dirt. The Apple Brand Garde Rain & Stain Water Repellent is a good shoe water repellant.

Remember to follow the instructions on the label to apply the product to your shoes. You may need to reapply it every few weeks or months, depending on how often you use your shoes.

2. Spot Cleaning

When you notice a small stain or a spot of dirt on your shoes, whether Cheers or Air Max 270, remove it sooner. When you let it set in, it becomes more challenging to clean. 

You can use a damp cloth, a paper towel, or a baby wipe to blot the stain without rubbing or scrubbing. You can also use some mild soap or detergent if needed. Avoid harsh chemicals or solvents, which may damage your shoes’ leather or color.

3. Keep Your Shoes Out of Direct Sunlight

When not using your shoes, whether running shoes like the Brooks or Cheers, store them in a cool and dry place. Ensure it’s away from direct sunlight or humidity.

Sunlight can fade the color of your shoes, while heat and moisture can cause mold, mildew, or cracking. 

You can use a shoe bag, a shoe box, or a shoe rack to store your shoes. You can also stuff some newspaper or tissue paper inside your shoes to help them keep their shape and absorb any moisture or smell.

How to Make Your Cheer Shoes Smell Better

Cheer shoes can get smelly after a long day of cheering, especially if you sweat a lot or cheer in humid conditions. Here are some ways to make your cheer shoes smell better and prevent the foul smell from building up:

1. Apply a Leather Odor Remover

You can spray or apply a leather odor remover on your shoes to neutralize and eliminate foul-smelling-causing bacteria and fungi. An excellent one that we use is the Leather Master Leather Odor Remover 200. 

Remember to follow the instructions on the label to apply the product to your shoes. Depending on how often you use your shoes, you may need to repeat the process every few days or weeks.

2. Baking Soda

Baking soda is a natural and cheap way to deodorize your shoes, whether Cheer or Slides. It absorbs the moisture and the foul smell from your shoes, leaving them fresh. Here is how to use it:

• Sprinkle baking soda inside your shoes, covering the entire insole and the inside walls. You can add some essential oils, such as lavender or lemon, for a pleasant scent.
• Let the baking soda sit in your shoes overnight or for a few hours.
• Shake the baking soda from your shoes and wipe them with a damp cloth or an essential cleaner.

How to Store Cheer Shoes

Storing your shoes properly is essential to keep them in good condition and extend their lifespan. Here are some tips to store your Cheer or Vessi shoes:

• Clean your shoes before storing them, following the methods we described above. Ensure your shoes are completely dry before storing them, as any moisture can cause mold, mildew, or cracking.
• Store your shoes in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight, heat, or moisture. You can use a shoe bag, a shoe box, or a shoe rack to store your shoes. You can also stuff some newspaper or tissue paper inside your shoes to help them keep their shape and absorb any moisture or bad smell.
• Avoid storing your shoes with other shoes or items that may stain or damage them, such as colored socks, pens, or sharp objects. You can also wrap your shoes in white tissue paper or cloth to protect them from dust or dirt.

When Should I Replace My Cheer Shoes?

Cheer shoes are durable and supportive, but they also wear out. Worn-out shoes can affect your performance, comfort, and safety, as they can cause blisters, injuries, or falls. Here are some signs that you should replace your cheer shoes:

• Worn out, cracked, or peeling sole: The sole is the part of your shoe that provides traction and cushioning. If it gets damaged, you can lose grip and stability and feel more impact on your feet and joints.
• Torn or ripped upper: The shoe’s upper part covers your foot and provides support and breathability. If damaged, you can lose flexibility and comfort and expose your foot to dirt or injury.
• Tight or loose shoes: Your shoe should fit snugly but comfortably on your foot without causing pain or discomfort. If your shoe is too tight, it can restrict blood circulation and cause blisters or numbness. If your shoe is too loose, you can lose control and balance and cause slips or falls.

Consider buying a new pair of cheer shoes if you notice these signs. Remember to check out our other helpful guides on shoes and accessories.