Words by Laura Markwardt. Photography by Achille Mauri and Yumna Al Arashi.

Dirty running shoes. Are they a badge of honor? The mark of a runner who has braved the elements and raced a muddy trail? Or the sign of a runner who simply doesn’t respect their gear? 

All stories can be true, and when it comes to getting those shoes clean, there are multiple ways to approach the task – just remember to keep them away from the washing machine. 

Why clean my running shoes at home?

Adam Godfrey, On’s Lead Retail Advisor at the On flagship store in London’s Regent Street, understands the appeal of new-looking shoes. The On store doubles up as a community hub for like-minded runners, and Adam often works on shoe cleaning stations at pop-up On events: “We go through phases of getting lots of questions about cleaning running shoes – from store group runs to community events. Our soft color palettes are a hit and people want to maintain that look.”

Appearance aside, cleaning your running shoes is about extending their functionality to take pressure off the planet’s resources, and maintain their personal best-boosting performance. Remember, a gentle scrub once in a while can prolong the life of your running shoes and support you for longer than shoes that have been neglected.

What’s the best shoe cleaning technique? Adam explains: “Hand cleaning, dry-rubbing or separately washing elements of the shoe – like laces or insoles – is the most effective way to maintain that new-on look and keep shoes in good condition.”

What do I need to clean my running shoes?

Keeping your running shoes fresh depends on a few things: how dirty they are (and from what), the material of the shoes, and the method you choose to clean them. Shoes shouldn’t be over-washed, but leaving shoes muddy and sweaty after a run can damage the rubber and weaken stitching. Here’s the toolkit for washing your running shoes:

- Mild detergent or clothing-safe soap

- A soft shoe brush or toothbrush

- Baking soda

- A sponge or flannel

- A bucket of warm water

- Paper towels

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:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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. 

5. Rinse: Once you've cleaned the shoes, rinse them thoroughly with clean water to remove any leftover soap or cleaner residue.

6. 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.

7. 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.

1. 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. 

2. 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. 

3. 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.

Can I put my running shoes in the washing machine?

It may be tempting to take shortcuts after a long session, but if you care for the longevity of your shoes (and your machine), avoid throwing them in the wash. That goes for sending them on a spin in the tumble dryer too. 

Adam tells us why: “We never recommend putting dirty running shoes in the washing machine – or the tumble dryer. The combination of sustained heat and detergent exposure can damage seams, shoe bondings and the overall integrity of the structure and longer-term support of the shoe.”

Make clean running shoes part of your routine

With a bit of consideration, caring for your kit can be part of a ritual you add to your running practice – like a fresh coffee before you go out or an ice bath afterward.

Adam sums it up: “It might take a bit more time to clean your running shoes, but consider looking after your kit like maintaining your fitness: a post-run stretch and a swift shoe clean sets you up well to head out in good condition next time you train.”

Tip: If you want to reduce your carbon footprint, and love the look – and feel – of fresh running sneakers then a shoe subscription model like Cyclon™ could be for you. Every six months, simply return your shoe and the worn-out product is turned into a new one and returned to you. It’s an innovative route to reduce waste and, bonus – reduce your need to get the hand cloth out at home.