By Noel Paine
Running shoes are the primary tools for runners. A good pair of running shoes that cushion the impact of training and help someone train hard and often is essential. Running shoes can help prevent injuries and help when the only running surface is hard pavement or sidewalk.
When the weather is nice and things are dry, your shoes may stay clean, but they may still get sweaty and smelly from use. When the weather turns wet or snowy, or you venture off onto trails or the dirt, shoes get dirty.
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Why Should I Clean My Shoes?
Cleaning your shoes is not only a cosmetic task, and to keep them from smelling bad. Dirt, sweat, and bacteria can degrade materials and impair the performance of a shoe. Both white and dark coloured shoes need cleaning, the white ones just look dirtier first!
What is the best way to take care of our shoes in a way that keeps them functional and does not harm them? Let's dive into my experiences and advice, and tools to keep your feet and shoes running!
Scrubbing the Upper
My Initial Experience in Cleaning Shoes
When I was younger (teens), I never ran enough miles to get my shoes really dirty or smelly, but they did wear out. When I was in my 20s and started working at a running store while I was in university, I began to take more notice.
I started scrubbing my shoes and airing them out (in the sun if I could) after a quick rinse in the sink or with a hose because I was buying my shoes and not my parents and wanted to make them last. At the store, we often let customers run out front of the store for a couple of minutes to test a shoe, and then sometimes had to scrub the outsole to keep it clean.
Scrubbing the Outsole
What I Learned About Cleaning Shoes
Important: If your shoes are really dirty after many, many runs and your insole is flattened out and perhaps smells, your outsole is roughed up and worn off a bit --- it may be a sign your shoes are done. You can clean them up if you want, but know the cushion (shock absorbing part) compresses and at some point is not doing a good job anymore of protecting your feet and body.
Scrubbing the Insole
When to Hand-Clean vs. Machine-Wash
You can place shoes in a mesh bag or one that is specifically designed to help get your shoes clean in the machine and keep them from getting damaged as they are thrown around in the wash.
Rinsing the Shoe
Cleaning Sneakers With the Washing Machine (When Acceptable)
Safe for mesh or canvas materials when done with care:
*Red flag for leather or high-performance shoes: Machine washing can weaken glue, compress midsoles, and damage cushioning.
Rinsing the Insole
Some Helpful Cleaning Products For Your Shoes
Reshoevn8r Premium Shoe & Sneaker Cleaning Solution – Top all-purpose cleaner with a gentle, natural formula
Jason Markk Premium Shoe Cleaner – Trusted, athlete-favored foaming cleaner
Mr. Clean Magic Eraser – Great for cleaning midsoles
SneakERASERS – Sneaker-polishing eraser for white rubber; from “Shark Tank,” now part of Skechers’ line.
Step-by-Step Cleaning Process
1. Prep: Remove laces and insoles; dry-brush loose dirt.
2. Choose cleaning method:
3. Rinse (if handwashing).
4. Dry: Air-dry with newspaper/ paper towels stuffed inside to maintain shape; use a fan to speed drying—never use direct heat or a dryer.
Wiping the Shoes With a Towel
WARNING: Science-Backed Effects of Heat & Machine Use
Stuffing Paper Inside to Dry Out the Shoe
Super Simple Plan for Cleaning
Airing the Shoes in a Warm Dry Place
Cleaning Tip Resources by Sneaker Brands
Often, the running shoe company websites also have information and tips to help you clean your running shoes!
Job Complete!
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