Running is more fun when you embrace a bit of dirt and are not worried about getting your feet wet. Whether you’ve been battling the elements in the winter, or dealing with dusty paths and grass in the summer, there’s a good chance that your running shoes could do with a clean.

Cleaning your running shoes isn’t just about making them look a bit nicer – if you do it right, it can also prolong the life of your trainers saving you money and being kinder to the planet. Here’s how to give your running shoes a clean.

Can I put running shoes in the washing machine?

As tempting as it may be to chuck your running shoes in the washing machine when you get home, that’s sadly not the best way to keep them clean and in one piece. The hot water and vigorous motion of the drum can damage the shoe seams and glue. If you want to prolong the life of your shoe, wash them by hand and avoid the tumble drier too.

Remove as much mud as you can

If your shoes are very muddy, remove as much as you can as soon as you get home. Take them off and clap the soles of the shoes together to help shake the mud off. Use an old scrubbing brush or toothbrush to brush off the remaining dirt.

Take out the laces and insole

Remove the laces and the insole, even if they don’t seem that dirty. If your shoes are wet, it’s best to dry them without the insole and laces in place as this will allow air to circulate inside the shoe. If they do need a clean, wash them in warm (but not hot) water with some diluted washing up liquid.

Cleaning your running shoes

Fill a bucket or washing up bowl with water and a little washing up liquid or mild detergent. You can then clean them down with a brush and damp cloth. Avoid completely submerging them if you can, however, if your shoes are soaked through already from wet puddles, plunge them into the bucket to give them a rinse with clean water.

How to dry wet running shoes

Whether you’ve washed your running shoes or them just got wet from running in the rain, you should always make sure you dry your shoes out properly. Take the laces and insole out (if you haven’t already) and allow these to dry separately. This will stop moisture getting trapped under the insole and causing problems later on.

Place your shoes somewhere warm and dry but don’t place them on a radiator as this will be too hot and can affect the glues and materials in the shoe. Ball up some newspaper and place it inside the shoes to help absorb moisture while they dry. You can remove this after a few hours.

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