How to Care for and Wash Your Running Shoes

General Tips

✔ It is important to maintain your running shoes regularly—ideally after each run—especially for trail running, where shoes are exposed to tougher conditions.

✔ Clean your shoes immediately after they have been exposed to dirt and mud to prevent it from seeping into the material. Dirt is always easier to remove while fresh.

✔ Maintaining your shoes after every run does not necessarily mean deep cleaning them each time. A quick brush-off, rinsing the soles, or shaking out gravel and small stones is often enough.

✔ If your running shoes have removable insoles, take them out after each run. Let both the insoles and shoes air dry in a dry, well-ventilated area.

✔ Do not wash your running shoes in the washing machine—it causes unnecessary wear on the materials and shape. Hand washing is much gentler (and nearly as simple)—see tips later in this guide.

✔ If you run several times a week, try alternating between two or more pairs of shoes. This allows each pair time to dry and recover between runs.

✔ If your shoes are heavily soiled or covered in mud, it is time for a thorough cleaning. Follow the step-by-step guide below.

Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide

1. Gather your supplies
Use a sink or a basin with lukewarm water, a soft brush or sponge, and optionally a waterproofing product. If your shoes have an unpleasant odor, you can also use a shoe-friendly disinfectant.

2. Remove fresh mud immediately
If your shoes are extremely dirty—especially with mud—rinse them off as soon as possible. Fresh mud is much easier to remove than dried mud, which can seep into the fabric and affect both ventilation and durability. If the mud has dried, soak the shoes for a while to loosen the worst of it.

3. Remove the laces and insoles
Take out the insoles and wash them separately. Rinse them in lukewarm water, scrub if needed, and let them air dry completely before reinserting them into the shoes.

4. Clean the laces
Soak the laces in a basin with lukewarm water and mild detergent. Gently scrub or rub them together, rinse thoroughly, and let them air dry.

5. Wash the shoes
Rinse your shoes in lukewarm water. Do not be afraid to get them completely wet—running shoes can handle it as long as they are dried properly. Use a brush or sponge to remove dirt, paying special attention to the tread on the outsole where debris collects, as well as seams and ventilated areas.

6. Let them air dry
Allow the shoes to dry at room temperature in a well-ventilated area or outdoors in good weather. Avoid direct sunlight, radiators, drying cabinets, or other intense heat sources, as these can damage adhesives, soles, and materials.

✔ Tip! Stuff your shoes with newspaper to speed up the drying process.

7. Reassemble and refresh
Once fully dry, put the insoles and laces back in place. If needed, use a shoe-friendly disinfectant or odor-removal spray. Double-check that the spray is suitable for textile and synthetic materials.

8. Waterproofing (if applicable)
If your running shoes feature a GORE-TEX® membrane or other waterproof technology, consider treating them with a compatible waterproofing spray. Ensure the product is suitable for waterproof membranes before application.

How to Store Your Running Shoes

Proper storage is key to extending the lifespan of your running shoes while maintaining their function and comfort. Just like when drying them after cleaning, avoid placing them near intense heat sources, as this can negatively affect adhesives, soles, and materials.

Store your shoes in a well-ventilated area—preferably dry and cool. If placing them in a closet or on a shoe rack, ensure they are not squashed or pressed against other shoes, as this can impact their fit and structure over time.