Can you wash wrestling shoes in the washing machine?

Wrestling shoes are specialized athletic footwear worn by sambo wrestlers. High-quality models are usually made of genuine leather. Therefore, it's important to follow certain care guidelines. Those who wear these shoes often wonder whether it's safe to machine-wash wrestling shoes. Will this cleaning method cause harm?

Why is it better not to use a machine?

The care instructions for wrestling shoes depend on the materials they're made from. If the shoes were made of genuine leather or split leather, washing them in the washing machine is not recommended. Intensive washing can cause the shoes to lose their shape and crack the leather. After this process, they'll be unwearable. Therefore, natural leather should only be cleaned by hand. Fabric wrestling shoes can also be used for Sambo training. These models are machine washable, but follow certain instructions.

1. Use less powder than usual. It's best to halve the recommended dosage or eliminate the product altogether, opting for laundry gel instead.
2. Before putting your wrestling shoes in the drum, you should place them in a special bag for gentle laundry washing.
3. Start one of the following washing machine modes: “Shoes”, “Hand wash” or “Delicate wash”.
4. Turn off the spin or set the minimum number of revolutions, no more than 400.
5. The water heating temperature should not exceed +300 C to prevent damage to the material and preserve its color.

Important! Sports shoes, including wrestling shoes, should be treated with care. The durability and reliability of these shoes depend on careful and proper care.

Traditional care

Expensive wrestling shoes made of genuine leather should be hand washed. This is more likely to preserve their appearance and quality. To do this, follow these tips:

• When cleaning damp suede, avoid rubbing it with brushes or cloths. This will push dirt deeper into the material. Use a brush to remove dust, then rub the shiny areas with an eraser. This helps remove any remaining dirt and lift the suede fibers.
• If your wrestling shoes are very dirty, take a soft cloth or a rubber brush and wet it with soapy water. Rub the shoes gently, being careful not to soak them through.
• After damp cleaning, blot the wrestling shoes with a dry cloth, both inside and out. Place a newspaper inside the shoes and let them dry.

Experienced athletes know that shoes need to be aired regularly: unlaced, removed from the insole. This helps eliminate unpleasant odors. Special products can also be used for this purpose.

Proper drying

In some cases, damage to wrestling shoes isn't caused by washing, but by improper drying. After cleaning with liquid detergent, dry the shoes at room temperature. You cannot place them on a radiator or on a surface heated by direct sunlight.The inside of the tank top should be stuffed with folded newspaper. This helps maintain its shape.

Another rule concerns the drying time for athletic shoes, especially those made of genuine leather. Avoid overdrying them, as this can cause them to shrink and become stiff.

Wrestling shoes made of imitation leather can also crack if left to dry for too long, or if exposed to heat, such as a hair dryer or dryer. Wrestling shoes should be left to dry for approximately 24 hours. Only after ensuring they are completely dry should you wear them to practice. Wearing wet wrestling shoes is not recommended, as it can cause discomfort to your feet. Furthermore, a damp environment can promote the rapid growth of various pathogenic microorganisms.

   

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