How to Clean Your Running Shoes
When it comes to your running shoes, keeping them clean is key to extending their lifespan and maintaining your impeccable style as you conquer the miles. In collaboration with Urban Runners, we present this comprehensive guide on how to clean your running shoes so they look like new for every run.
The Importance of Caring for Your Running Shoes
During training and competitions, Urban Runners have shared diverse opinions on how and whether to clean their running shoes. Some are resistant to washing them, while others have thrown them in the washing machine in pursuit of perfection. However, it is essential to remember that dirt accumulation can affect the appearance and lifespan of your shoes.
- Cleaning and Aesthetics: Keeping your shoes clean is not just about aesthetics, but to ensure they look new for longer.
- Optimal Performance: Dirt can affect the traction and grip of your shoes, which can impair your performance.
- Durability: Caring for your shoes will extend their lifespan and allow you to enjoy more runs without compromising quality.
4 Recommendations to Extend the Life of Your Shoes
a) No Machine Washing: Avoid the risk of damage or deformation by not putting your shoes in the washing machine.
b) No Dryer: The intense heat of the dryer can alter the materials of your shoes. Opt for air drying.
c) Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Bleach and other strong products can damage materials and alter the properties of your shoes.
d) Less is More: Use fewer cleaning products and be consistent with cleaning to keep your shoes impeccable.
Cleaning Tips for Each Part of Your Running Shoes
- Upper: Remove laces and insoles. Clean the upper with warm water and mild soap using a soft cloth, scourer, or soft brush. Avoid damaging the surface.
- Insoles: Clean with warm water and detergent, rubbing carefully until the dirt is removed.
- Outsole: Remove excess dirt with a soft bristle brush. Then, use a soft cloth with warm water to remove excess detergent.
- Lace Cleaning: You can wash the laces in a bag or pillowcase in the washing machine. If they are very worn, it is better to replace them.
Let your shoes air dry, at room temperature and in the shade. Avoid direct exposure to sun and heat sources. Allow the insoles to also dry completely before putting them back in the shoes.
Avoid using harsh chemicals that can damage your shoes. Instead, opt for milder solutions such as toothpaste, baking soda, or vinegar. In addition, prevention is key: clean your shoes after rainy runs to prevent dirt from becoming embedded.
In summary, cleaning your running shoes is more than a matter of appearance. It is an act of care and love for your athletic footwear. With this guide, you will be able to keep your shoes in excellent condition, run with confidence, and give them the care they deserve. Clean, run, and enjoy every step in your impeccable shoes.
What products not to use to wash sneakers
Putting your sneakers in the washing machine can be harmful to both the shoes and the washing machine. Harsh chemicals like bleach, KH-7 cleaner... are very effective for cleaning tiles, but they are too aggressive for shoe materials.
They can alter or eat away at the upper mesh and/or glues. This will cause the shoes to lose their properties. If you are a lover of cleanliness and opt for ecological cleaning products or home remedies, you can find many formulas to clean and whiten your sneakers with less aggressive products, such as: toothpaste, baking soda, coarse salt, vinegar...
Prevention is better than scrubbing
Running in the rain, or after it has rained, will quickly get your shoes dirty, especially if you run on dirt. So, to keep them clean, the best thing you can do is wet them immediately after training or competition, even if it's just with water.
Removing stains from your athletic footwear as soon as possible is essential to prevent them from penetrating textile fibers and becoming permanent. On a daily basis, if you don't intend to wash your shoes right after using them, we recommend placing them in an airy place to dry thoroughly.
Another thing you can do is put a ball of paper inside to better dry the internal moisture. Up to this point, we have talked about how to clean running shoes, which are usually made with technical mesh materials combined with different plastic materials. These tips would also apply to casual or sportswear canvas shoes, which are often worn in summer.
Cleaning suede shoes
Cleaning suede shoes is another matter, as it is a much more delicate material and can deteriorate if rubbed too hard. In this case, you can use a damp cloth with a little ammonia or one of the products sold in shoe stores or supermarkets specialized in suede cleaning. As you can see, these are very simple and easy-to-follow tips.
