How to Clean Your Running Shoes

Muddy, dusty or wet running shoes can be a badge of honour, advertising the fact that you aren't letting nature slow you down. However while dirt may offer a sense of pride, running shoes are not cheap, and a little bit of cleaning will go a long way in extending the number of kilometres you can get out of your shoes. Taking care to wash and dry them properly will ensure the integrity of the shoe components and help you achieve the shoe's maximum lifespan.

Never use a washing machine to clean your shoes, as the heat and detergents can be harmful to the glue holding different parts together. Instead, spot-clean the dirty upper using a soft brush with mild soap and water.

You can remove the shoelaces and wash them separately for a more thorough cleaning. If they are beyond repair, check out our replacement laces.

As mentioned earlier, washing your shoes in the washing machine will prematurely break them down. Therefore, we recommend using a mild cleaner with a cloth or brush to clean the midsole and outsole if they are particularly dirty or muddy. Dish soap is a good option, and a mild all-purpose cleaner should also do the trick.

The best way to dry your wet running shoes is to let them air-dry or place them in front of a fan. Resist the temptation to dry your shoes using heat. Placing your running shoes in an automatic dryer (even on low heat) or in front of a warm heater will cause permanent damage to the glue and the foam cushioning, and it's one of the fastest ways to wear out your shoes.

If your shoes are particularly wet, you can speed up the drying process by removing the sock liner and stuffing a few sheets of crumpled newspaper into the shoe to absorb some of the excess moisture. If you don't have any newspaper lying around, tissue paper and coffee filters should also do the trick.

While you can't make your running shoes last forever, by making sure they stay clean and dry, you can help extend their lifetime.