6 step guide to cleaning, caring for and maintaining running shoes

Do your running shoes smell or have they just become too ugly to look at? In this guide you will learn how to clean and care for your running shoes in the best possible way.I’ll answer a series of questions based on my time as a running store owner and now as a running shoe reviewer. You’ll also learn about how to care for your running shoes so they last longer.

The ideal cleaning of running shoes

This method is based on personal experience, but also inspiration from running brands’ own recommendations for cleaning running shoes. First of all, it should be said that cleaning should preferably be done immediately after the shoes have become dirty.

Cleaning the shoes

Follow these steps:

1. Remove the soles and laces from your running shoes (see the next section on cleaning soles and laces)
2. Remove coarse dirt with a soft brush. Do not use a dishwashing brush as it is too stiff. Use a shoe brush or a toothbrush.
3. Prepare a tub of detergent and warm water. There should not be too much detergent in the water.
4. Use a soft cloth to clean the running shoes.
5. Use a new (clean) cloth to remove any cleaning agent that is still on the shoes.
6. Always air dry your running shoes. Never use the dryer.

Cleaning soles

Follow these steps:

1. Remove the insole from the running shoes
2. Follow the same steps as when cleaning running shoes.
3. Also, let the sole sit in the hot water for 20 minutes.
4. Always air dry the insole

Running shoes in the washing machine

I do not recommend using the washing machine to wash your running shoes. The risk of using the washing machine is that the shoes will shrink or expand in places where your running shoe has otherwise adapted to your foot.

If you are busy and don’t have the energy to do the optimal cleaning, this may be a solution (not recommended by me).

If you use the washing machine, I recommend the following:

1. Remove the laces and insoles from the shoes.
2. Add detergent but no fabric softener
3. Wash the shoes at 30 degrees.
4. Let the shoes air dry.

If you are extremely busy, you can try using the dryer, but this is not recommended in any way.

Extend the durability of running shoes

If you want to increase the durability of your running shoes, read the article about durability in running shoes, where I discuss the typical durability and how to extend the life of your running shoes.

Generally, running shoes last 600-1,000 kilometers, but it depends on a number of different parameters, which you can read about in the article I just referred to.

5 tips to increase durability

1. Keep your shoes dry and cool. There should be ventilation. You should not store shoes in an airtight bag or similar.
2. When you take your shoes on and off, they should be properly loosened. Make sure not to “step out of the heel” – you will quickly ruin the fit and the material.
3. Let your shoes air dry. Use the washing machine rarely. Take out the seats and wash them with a soft cloth. Then let them air dry.
4. When washing, it is recommended to use a cloth and knuckle grease.
5. Use your running shoes for running. Don’t wear them out every day. You’ll wear out the mesh quickly.