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How to Clean Running Shoes at Home

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. By looking after your running shoes and giving them the care they deserve, you can keep your shoes a new lease of life, and keep them going for more miles.

Can you wash running shoes and trainers in the washing machine?

A frequently asked question is if you can put your running shoes in the washing machine. 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.

How to clean muddy running shoes

It’s best to clean running shoes by hand, and all you need is some mild detergent and a damp cloth or brush - even a toothbrush will do if it has soft bristles. In the following steps we'll tell you how to clean your muddy trainers and maintain your running shoes:

1. Using your brush, brush the bottom of your shoes to remove as much mud and dirt as possible. Use a smaller brush to really get into the grooves of the sole.
2. For any stained uppers, firstly remove shoelaces, then gently use a damp cloth, with warm water and detergent to clean the uppers. This works best for mesh fabric uppers. Anything leather, these will need more specific cleaning products and care.
3. Remove the insoles and clean and dry them separately to help remove any odours. Once again gently brush and wipe them with warm water and a cleaning solution, such as soap.
4.Rinse any detergent or soap thoroughly. For laces, brush any dirt off and then soak them in soapy water

And its always good to have shoes on rotation.

Following these steps will not only help you with how to clean your running shoes to keep your them looking good but will help remove bacteria that cause offensive odours in your shoes.

How to dry running shoes

As with washing your shoes, avoid putting them in a dryer or on the radiator, but let them air dry instead. The heat could potentially damage the whole shoe. Air dry laces and insoles separately and stuff balls of tissues or newspaper into the shoes, so that the shoes maintain their shape. Avoid scrubbing them dry with a towel or cloth but dab them gently instead.

Once everything is dry separately, you can put it all together and get ready for your next run.

How to clean mesh running shoes

Treat your running shoes with care and attention and they’ll keep you going mile after mile - and sometimes that means treating them to a little TLC and getting rid of any grub and grime that’s built up. So, how to clean mesh running shoes? Mesh is more fragile material, so harsh scrubbing can damage the shoes. Start by brushing off any surface mud or debris with a stiff-bristled brush like an old toothbrush. Then get a basin of lukewarm water and add a few drops of mild soap or detergent. Pop each of your shoes in the basin and allow them time to soak. Often this is all you need to do when it comes to cleaning running shoes’ mesh, but if there is any dirt left on the mesh, you can gently scrub it off with a brush or cloth.

Once you’ve removed all the dirt, give your shoes a good rinse, then leave them to air dry. You can speed up the process and ensure your shoes keep their shape by stuffing some paper towels inside your shoes to soak up the moisture.

Illustration of a bar of soap and a squeaky clean Brooks shoe covered in soap suds.

How often to clean your running shoes

There isn’t really a set timeframe in which you should be cleaning your shoes — it depends more on the kind of running you’re doing.

If you’re on the trail, it’s a good bet that your shoes are picking up all kinds of mud and dirt. Of course, that’s not fun to look at but the bigger problem with mud is a loss of traction. Carrying a big ol’ cake of mud on your soles can put you at risk for slips and injuries. If you’re on the trail often, you should clean your shoes regularly to make sure they don’t impede your run. You’re not really going to encounter much dirt and mud if you’re a road runner, so your cleaning regimen may be based around combatting bad smells.

The general rule for when to clean running shoes is to do so when you notice a change in the way they feel, like if you’re carrying mud that outweighs your footwear, or if you start to notice that they’re beginning to smell.

When to let go your running shoes

There comes a point in the runner-shoe relationship when it’s simply time to part ways. No amount of cleaning can resurrect a shoe that’s past its prime. Worn down shoes cannot properly support your joints. If you notice your legs and feet are extra tired after a regular workout, it may be time to replace your running shoes.

If it is time for a new pair, head over to the Shoe Finder to get matched up with your next perfect fit. Also make sure you check the new arrivals.