So Fresh and So Clean: How to Wash Running Shoes

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Whether you’re lacing up your first pair of running shoes or you’ve crossed countless marathon finish lines, your shoes are more than just gear—they’re partners in every stride, every mile, and every challenge. A good pair of running shoes is built to carry you swiftly and comfortably, braving the trials of sweat-soaked runs, sudden rainstorms, and muddy trails. But let’s be honest—there’s nothing nostalgic or inspiring about shoes that look (or smell) like they’ve been through one too many adventures. Regular cleaning isn’t just about appearances; it’s the key to keeping them fresh and ready for the next journey. So, what’s the best way to clean your trusty running companions?

Back in the day, washing a pair of shoes might have meant a bucket of soapy water and a sunny afternoon. But today, with modern materials and construction, it’s important to clean them with care to avoid causing damage. Depending on the type of shoe you have, you might toss them in a washing machine (with proper precautions!) or hand wash them the old-fashioned way. Either way, giving your shoes the TLC they deserve will keep them performing their best for longer.

Let’s dive into the steps, so you can get back to hitting the road—or the trail—without missing a beat.

Machine Washable Running Shoes

How can you tell if your running shoes are machine washable? Here’s where we lean into a little old-school wisdom: always check with the source. Most manufacturers provide cleaning instructions on their websites. If you’re picking out a new pair in a store, take a moment to chat with the salesperson—they’re often a treasure trove of knowledge. Once you’ve confirmed your shoes are machine washable, you’re ready to move on to the next step.

But here’s a word of caution: even if shoes are machine washable, they’re not meant to be thrown into the washer straight from the track, caked in mud. Doing so risks not only ruining your beloved shoes but also wreaking havoc on your washing machine (and who wants to deal with that?). A little preparation goes a long way toward achieving clean shoes without the hassle.

What You’ll Need

Before you get started, gather a few simple tools—like an artist preparing their canvas:

• A gentle laundry detergent, reminiscent of that fresh, clean scent from childhood laundry days
• A toothbrush or small brush to tackle those stubborn dirt stains (think of it as polishing up a pair of old favorites)
• Two laundry bags or some kind of protective covering for each shoe, because even shoes deserve a little extra care
• Wet wipes for quick touch-ups or the finishing touch

With everything ready, you’re all set to give your running shoes a proper refresh, ensuring they stay as dependable as they’ve always been. Let’s roll up our sleeves and keep those memories—and miles—coming.

Steps

Before you begin, imagine the hum of an old washing machine, the kind that used to sit in the corner of your grandmother’s laundry room. Washing shoes might not have been its original purpose, but with a little care and attention, you can keep your favorite pair of sneakers looking as fresh as the day you first laced them up.

Start by setting your washer to the delicate cycle, using cold or warm water—never hot. Think of it like an unwritten rule passed down through time: heat can warp your shoes, leaving them misshapen, much like leaving a favorite wool sweater too close to the radiator.

1. Prep the shoes: Picture a craftsman carefully disassembling their tools. Remove the insoles and shoelaces, setting them aside. The insoles need to come out so the entire shoe gets a thorough clean, and leaving them in can make drying a drawn-out affair. It’s a small step, but one that makes all the difference.
2. Choose how to wash the laces: Remember the simplicity of hand-washing, a throwback to a time when everything was scrubbed in a basin with care. You can toss the laces in the washer if you’d like, but we suggest washing them by hand—it’s quicker and feels a little more personal.
3. Wipe down the shoes: Before you let the machine do its magic, take a moment to clean the outside. A damp cloth or wet wipe works wonders, just like the way your mom used to swipe at smudges on your face with a tissue. For stubborn stains, grab an old toothbrush and some soapy water—scrubbing away mud feels oddly satisfying, like restoring an old treasure.
4. Protect the shoes: Wrap each shoe in a laundry bag, or repurpose a pillowcase if you’re feeling resourceful. Think of it as tucking them into bed before their spin in the washer, ensuring they don’t get scuffed or torn in the process.
5. Prepare the washer: Toss the insoles, the shoelaces, and even a few towels into the machine along with the shoes. The towels act as a buffer, cushioning the wash like a padded box used to ship fragile goods.
6. Run the load: Set the washer to the delicate cycle, and let it work its gentle magic. There’s a quiet satisfaction in knowing your trusty shoes are getting a refresh.
7. Dry the shoes: Once the cycle is complete, take the shoes out and let them air dry. Resist the temptation to use a dryer—it’s the modern equivalent of leaving shoes too close to a roaring fire. Instead, let the breeze and time do the job, preserving their shape and structure.

A word of caution: Just as certain heirlooms demand special care, some running shoe brands, like ASICS, don’t recommend machine washing their shoes. It’s always worth checking with the manufacturer to ensure your beloved kicks can handle a swim in the washer.

By following these steps, you’re not just cleaning shoes—you’re giving them a new lease on life, ready to carry you on your next adventure.

Hand Washable Running Shoes

If you have ASICS or another brand of the best running shoes for women or the best running shoes for men that aren’t machine washable, don’t fret. Getting your shoes squeaky clean and fresh isn’t hard, even if it is the old-fashioned way.

The reason why some shoes aren’t machine washable is because of their build. If you wash running shoes the improper way, it will most likely lose its shape and won’t last long on the road.

The best part about hand washing your shoes is that you’ll be able to gently take care of them as you do. After hand-washing your shoes, you’ll appreciate them even more.

Similar to above, you’ll need to prep the shoes before washing them.

Things You’ll Need

• Bucket of warm water
• Mild Detergent
• Paper towels or newspaper
• Sponge
• Toothbrush or a small brush with soft bristles

Steps

1. Prepare the shoes: Take out the shoelaces and insoles of the shoes before washing them. You’ll have to wash all three of these things separately so the detergent can properly penetrate each of them.
2. Prepare the water: Fill up a bucket with warm water and add a mild detergent or clothes cleanser to it. The bucket should be medium sized, but the shoe should never be inside of the bucket.
3. Remove excess dirt: Clean the excess dirt off with a dry paper towel. This includes chunks of mud and dirt. It’s good to take this off of the shoe before you get them wet.
4. Clean the bottoms: Dip your small brush or toothbrush in the soapy water and scrub the bottom of the shoe. It’s important to use a soft brush and not a hard one so you don’t damage the soles of the shoes. Get all of the dirt off before continuing.
5. Clean the tops: Clean the top, or the uppers, with a warm soapy sponge. You should use the sponge gently, but scrub enough to get off the stains. Depending on the material of the upper, this may take time. Most shoes are made of mesh or canvas fabric. If your shoes are made with another type of material like suede or leather, be careful with using soap and water on them.
6. Wash the insoles and shoelaces: Clean the insoles with the toothbrush by scrubbing the dirt off. Do not submerge the insoles either, or they will lose their shape. The shoelaces can be cleaned the same way or under running water.
7. Dry the shoes: Once you get all of the dirt off, let your shoes air dry with paper towels or newspaper stuffed inside the shoes.

Note: When you wash running shoes, be careful not to submerge the entire shoe in the water.

Key Tips to Remember

Thananya Apiromyanon / Shutterstock

We know running is a favorite cardio workout, so you want your shoes to be fresh and last you a long time. Here are some extra things to remember when washing your running shoes.

 Cleaning and Drying

• Don’t dry your running shoes in a dryer. The heat from a dryer will cause damage to your shoes, machine washable or not. Let the shoes air dry instead. It may take longer, but having sturdy, durable shoes is a much better option.
• Don’t dry shoes in direct sunlight. You may be tempted to do it, but keep your shoes away from sunlight and radiators. Just like the dryer, this could damage the build of your shoes. The sunlight could cause discoloration. Let the shoes air dry in a warm, dry place with adequate air flow instead. You can leave your insoles and shoelaces on a drying rack to dry.
• Spot-treat tough spots. Have some tough spots you need to get out? Spot-treat with a Tide to-go pen or Shout Wipes for easy, fast treatment. These both work wonders and save you a lot of time.
• Fill the shoes with newspaper or paper towel while they’re air drying. The paper towels will absorb the moisture from the wet shoes while holding the shoe’s shape. You can also wrap the paper towels around the entire shoe to absorb moisture.

Maintaining Freshness

• Wear clean socks. To combat smelly, sweaty shoes that build up bacteria, wear fresh, clean socks with each new run. Wearing used, sweaty socks will make the smelly shoe situation a lot worse.
• Put baking soda in your shoes overnight to help with odor. If you have a little extra time, the night before you wash your shoes, take out the insoles and add baking soda inside. This will help eliminate the odor so you can start on a fresher foot when you’re ready to wash. You can also do this in between washes to maintain freshness.
• Take care of damp shoes. If you’re usually running in the rain, never leave the damp shoes inside a humid, wet area. It will create a nasty odor and could cause mildew or mold.

These steps may seem like a lot, especially if you have to wash them by hand. However, protecting your investment is worth it. Use this guide every time you wash running shoes to keep them in good condition. Happy running!

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