There are still martial arts practitioners who are not aware of the importance of cleaning the sparring gear. Maybe it is because most of them already have too much on their plate. And don’t have time to even bother thinking of learning. In this article, we will talk about first the tips that you need to know in caring and maintaining for your sparring shoes. Be sure to take notes because the tips will be very useful!
Sparring Shoes: Proper Cleaning
The first thing that you need to do in order to clean your sparring shoes properly is by looking for the manufacturer’s instructions. Most of the gear have this so you just need to follow them. After that, the next step you can do is to use a soft brush or cloth. This is to remove the dirt, debris, and sweat from the shoes’ exterior. If the shoes have stubborn stains, you can use a mild detergent. Or a shoe cleaner specifically designed for the material of the shoes. One important thing to remember is to avoid using harsh chemicals that may damage the material.
Drying
You are now finished with cleaning your sparring shoes. The next thing you need to do is to dry it. Allow your shoes to air dry naturally in a well-ventilated area. Also, avoid exposing them to direct sunlight or using a heat source like a hairdryer. It is because excessive heat can cause damage. Using heat sources can also affect with the alteration of fit as heat can deform or change in shape. So as much as possible, just expose the footwear in a well-ventilated area.
Storage
Proper storage is also important when caring and maintaining for your sparring shoes. The best place for storage is in a cool environment. Extreme temperatures can cause damage to the material so also avoid that. In addition, avoid storing them in tight enclosed spaces to allow proper ventilation and airflow. Lastly, to have the best practice for caring, keep your footwear away from sharp objects or surfaces that may cause damage.
Odor Prevention
Sparring shoes are a kind of sparring gear that can absorb strong odors. So it is really important that you know how to remove or even prevent it. To prevent unpleasant odors, you need to remove the insoles or inserts from your shoes after each training session to allow them to air out. You can also use odor-absorbing products like baking soda or activated charcoal inside the shoes to help neutralize any lingering smell.
Rotation of Shoes
If you frequently train or spar, you are probably using sparring shoes often. With that, there is a possibility it will be worn out easily. So what you can do is consider having multiple pairs of sparring shoes and rotate them regularly. This allows each pair to fully dry and recover between training sessions. And also, reducing the risk of moisture buildup and prolonging the lifespan.
Following these steps in maintaining and caring for your sparring shoes can also help in maintaining your performance. So make sure that you do these to also ensure that your shoes continue to provide the necessary support and protection throughout your martial arts journey.