The winter always brings with it a drastic shift in the way both the weather and the air around us work. To the untrained eye, this shift could simply be a drop in temperature, or slightly more blustery conditions when compared to the summer months.
But for those of us with experience in storing certain goods during this period, we know the dangers that can come as a result of not properly protecting our belongings while in storage during this time. For golfers, storing golf shoes incorrectly can result in needing to thoroughly clean and dry them before they can be worn again – if they can be worn again at all.
Car boots, garages and even the rear of wardrobes in poorly ventilated rooms are all places where the quality of golf shoes can be compromised, due to the surrounding conditions and slow-growing problems – more on those in a moment. But with the right storage and care, golf shoes can be kept in pristine shape throughout the winter months and can continue to perform as expected into the spring.
Here are a few issues you may encounter when storing golf shoes incorrectly – and how to solve them.
Mould
Mould is a common problem in many storage units, garages and homes. It occurs when mould spores attach themselves to a damp surface, giving them the moisture they need to grow.
While an environment may not seem damp at first glance, sudden shifts between cold and hot temperatures can cause fine moisture to appear, resulting in nearby objects becoming mouldy. In the case of golf shoes, this is a common occurrence for golfers who store their golf shoes in the bottom of cupboards and don’t use them for a prolonged period, allowing the mould to appear.
In the case of leather golf shoes, slight surface mould can easily be removed with a simple damp cloth or disinfectant wipe – just be sure not to use wipes with any chemical products that could damage the golf shoes further. For trainer-style golf shoes with mesh uppers, the mould may be more challenging to remove if it has worked its way between the fibres. Be sure to try several passes with a cloth or wipe and allow the shoes to air out thoroughly.
Degradation
Wet weather is a key cause of leather golf shoes degrading and cracking far sooner than expected. Playing in wet conditions and failing to dry and store them correctly afterwards can significantly impact their shelf life, causing irreparable cracks that may require the shoes to be replaced.
The same is true for storing leather golf shoes in moisture-intensive conditions, too. Cupboards that are prone to mould (like the one described above), garages, sheds and even some poorly insulated rooms are areas where moisture can show itself and stick to surfaces.
A good way to test whether an environment is prone to moisture in the air is to purchase a see-through damp trap that draws moisture from the air. Hang it up and leave it for around 2 days. When you return, if water has begun to gather in the trap, moisture is present and it’s probably a good idea to avoid storing valuable clothing, shoes and items in that space. Golf shoes should be stored somewhere with a steady temperature, reasonable humidity and no signs of dampness or mould.
Staining
We’ve already discussed how mould can lend itself to damaging our favourite golf shoes. But even if there isn’t any physical damage caused, mould can still cause ugly staining if left alone.
You may have found this to be a problem if you’ve ever stored clothes in damp conditions. While the surface mould can be wiped or washed off, it may leave behind unattractive splodges that permanently discolour all manner of materials, meaning they can’t be worn anywhere.
For golf shoes, these splodges can be a nightmare, especially if the shoes in question are sparkling white at the toe, in the traditional style. If the leather (or other material) becomes stained, wearing these shoes on the course may not be the best look and could cause some embarrassment when among other players.
To avoid golf shoes becoming stained, try to catch the mould as early as possible, remove it using the above-described methods – and refrain from storing the shoes in the same place again.
If your golf shoes are damaged beyond repair, consider replacing them quickly
If you’ve not been able to save your golf shoes from succumbing to any of the above, and you don’t want to lose any time on the course, grabbing a new pair is the only reasonable option.
Shopping with an experienced and well-reviewed golf shoe vendor will help you find the best quality shoes that are built to last. Combined with the knowledge and desire to store them correctly in the winter months, these shoes should serve their purpose well into the future.
