Gear maintenance

Scuffs, caked mud, and grass stains on your running shoes are marks of pride. A little dirt here and there shows they’re getting good use, but don’t let it get out of control. Here’s how to clean running shoes and extend their life.

Rub-a-dub-dub, keep them out of the tub

First things first — do not, we repeat, do not machine wash or dry your shoes. Doing so seems like an easy way to get your running shoes clean but cutting corners in this way might set you back a pair of shoes. Tossing them in a spin cycle will definitely degrade the shoe material and could even damage your washer or dryer. Many newer washing machines have a hand-wash setting, but we recommend you just say no to machine cleaning your shoes in general.

It’s best to clean running shoes by hand, and all you need is some mild detergent and a damp cloth or brush. Follow the steps below to get your shoes looking squeaky clean:

1. Brush the bottom of your shoes to remove as much mud and dirt as possible.
2. Remove the shoelaces.
3. Gently use a damp cloth or brush to clean the uppers.
4. Rinse with warm water.
5. Remove the insoles and clean and dry them separately.
6. Stuff your shoes with newspaper. This helps them maintain shape and decreases drying time.

Following these steps will not only keep your shoes looking good but will help remove bacteria that cause offensive odours in your shoes.