Care & Maintenance of On Running Shoes
A guide to cleaning your running shoes
Below are two options to clean your running sneakers. With or without water – depending on how much time, and energy, you have left after that training session.
The Hand Wash Method
Water at the ready. Here’s how to do it:
- Remove excess dirt: Before cleaning, tap the soles of your shoes together to shake off loose dirt and debris. Use a soft brush or an old toothbrush to gently scrub off any stubborn dirt on the outsoles.
- Remove the extras: Take out the laces and insoles. You can wash these separately by hand or in the washing machine if they're machine-safe. If they're not, simply soak them in warm soapy water and rinse thoroughly.
- Hand wash: For the shoe’s outer, mix warm water and a mild detergent in a bucket or basin. Use a soft cloth or a sponge to gently clean the surface. For stubborn stains, you can use an old toothbrush or a brush with soft bristles. Avoid using abrasive materials that might damage the fabric.
- Clean the soles: If the outsoles are really dirty, you can use a mixture of baking soda and water to create a paste, then apply it to the outsoles and scrub gently.
- Rinse: Once you've cleaned the shoes, rinse them thoroughly with clean water to remove any leftover soap or cleaner residue.
- Air dry: Avoid direct heat sources like radiators to dry your shoes. The intensity can cause the materials to warp or lose shape. Instead, put scrunched-up paper inside the shoe to help absorb moisture and maintain their shape, then allow them to air dry at room temperature.
- Reassemble: Once everything is completely dry, reattach your laces and put back your insoles. Your shoes should now be ready for your next adventure.
Rub down method
No water, no problem. This isn’t as effective as a hand-wash but there’s no soaking or harsh chemicals in sight – this is the fastest way to have shoes ready for your next session, and takes just a few minutes.
- Clap the shoes: Once your shoes are dry after a run, you can gently clap them together at the soles to remove loose dirt easily.
- Get brushing: Where dirt has covered the shoe, use a soft shoe brush or toothbrush and give the shoes gentle rub, removing the heaviest build up of dirt and mud.
- Storage: After that, store the shoes in a dry place (with the laces undone and the inner sole taken out if possible) and let them air.
