How to Clean Running Shoes

Knowing how to clean your running shoes is essential for every runners. In addition to the outside of shoes that gets dirty from dirt and rain, the inside also gets dirty from sweat. Here's a guide on how to clean and extend the lifespan of your running shoes, with step-by-step instructions.

Basic guide to cleaning your running shoes

Tip: To clean your shoes, use warm water and detergent and hand wash them in a bucket. Avoid using a washing machine as it can damage your shoes!

1. Prepare a brush or toothbrush, detergent, and a bucket of water
2. Check the material of your running shoes. You can wash synthetic fibers and synthetic leather, but you need to be careful because natural leather cannot be washed.
3. Remove the laces and insole of the shoes
4. Brush off any mud from the shoes. If the shoes are still wet, let them dry before brushing them.
5. Mix warm water (not hot!) with a small amount of laundry detergent in the bucket.
6. Place the shoes in the bucket and scrub them with the brush.
7. Rinse the shoes with clean water.
8. Pat the shoes dry with a dry soft cloth, and allow them to air dry in the shade. Be sure not to dry them in direct sunlight as this can damage the shoes.

What if my shoes are still muddy and smelly?

Tip: Always brush dry mud off your shoes prior to washing, as this ensures that the dirt doesn't get into the fibres of your shoe.

To clean shoes that are still dirty and smelly, soak them in lukewarm water and detergent before scrubbing with a brush. No matter how dirty they are, do not put your running shoes in the washing machine.