In daily training, running shoes can be exposed to rain, mud, and dirt. By keeping the running shoes clean and dry, you can extend the life of the shoes. Dirt and small stones can contribute to extra wear on the shoe's thin mesh upper and the rubber of the outsole. Here we have compiled a small wash and care guide on how to keep your running shoes clean and fresh.
Do your running shoes smell?
If you don't have time for a major cleaning, start by keeping the shoe's indoor climate clean and fresh.
After each run, you should lift the shoe's insole if possible. By removing the insole, sweat and water evaporate more easily from the shoe. Place your running shoes in a dry and airy place to also reduce any potential sour sweat smell from the shoes. As an alternative, you can use "Elevate Shoe Refresher" bags that absorb all moisture and provide a fresh scent for the next run.
The Ortholite sole's PU foam has a breathability of 95-100% and has a salt-based antibacterial treatment. So unless your shoes smell very bad or are outright dirty, it's not necessary to wash the insole, just make sure to remove it from the shoe after training, so it dries faster.
Guide to washing running shoes
1) If possible, you should remove the insole and wash it separately. This will help make the inside of your shoes fresher. Laces can be washed or completely replaced.
2) Start by removing surface dirt such as mud and gravel with an old toothbrush or dish brush. This is easiest to do under a bit of warm water. Optionally wash the shoes with a mild soap, like liquid laundry detergent.
3) When the shoe needs to dry, do not place them near heating pipes or a radiator. Direct heat will change the shoe's glue and shape. Open up the shoe and fill the inside with kitchen paper or newspaper. The paper will quickly absorb the moisture inside the shoe. Place the shoes in a dry and airy location for about 12 hours.
NOTE! Never put running shoes in the washing machine, as the hot water and spinning can dissolve the glue and damage the foam in the sole!
If you run often, it's a good idea to have an extra pair of running shoes to switch through the season.
Are the shoes beyond saving?
See our entire collection of running shoes here:
