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We wear the mud and grit on our running shoes with pride, proof of our courage against the elements and lethargy. However, there are limits! Especially if your gym trainers are the same as your run-on-the-trails shoes. It's also not going to help the durability of the uppers if they're constantly caked in mud.
I often hear customers say 'what is the best way to clean them', so here's a quick and easy little demo, just press play.
See how quick and easy it is to get those trainers almost good as new? Just remember NEVER PUT TRAINERS IN THE WASHING MACHINE! It's a recipe for disaster.
Do your running shoes smell bad even after cleaning? Lemon Sole spray will refresh them and get rid of bacteria instantly.
Thanks for reading / watching and I hope this has been of some use to you. If you've any other suggestions / questions I'd love to hear from you, just pop me a note down below.
Enjoy your running!
Shankara
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Jo WalkerOctober 17, 2022 at 10:34am
Hi, My Altra Torin trainers are used for inside exercise and wear so they aren't muddy but they do smell bad. I'm wondering what is the best washing method that will also eliminate the smell? Thanks Jo ReplyNandanti MartaskovaOctober 17, 2022 at 3:58pm
Hi Jo
Thank you for your comment. You can clean your trainers with a brush and soap and dry naturally (not on the radiator or heating). Don't put the trainers in the washing machine otherwise you will destroy the cushioning and the glue. You can take out the removable innersole and wash it separately for a deeper clean. Please see The Best Way to Clean Your Running Shoes for more info.
We also have the natural Lemon Sole spray which eliminates the smell. Hope this helps.
Kind Regards
ReplyNandanti
PaulOctober 21, 2021 at 6:15pm
Excellent, thank you ReplyPeter CreightonSeptember 7, 2020 at 8:12pm
Perfect! Thanks for this.
ReplyWendy CarterOctober 21, 2017 at 11:45pm
What a joy to find such an efficient and, surprise, surprise, non costly way of cleaning my sons 'eccy' trainers. Simple and to the point. Many Thanks ReplyShankara SmithOctober 25, 2017 at 5:50pm
Thanks, Wendy:-) as long as there's no leather on the trainers they should come up nice and fresh very quickly.Shankara Reply
MarciaMarch 21, 2017 at 6:59pm
Shankara,Thank you so much. My trainers look disgusting and I was so embarrassed the other week when I did a running shoot and had nothing else to wear. I'm gonna try this tomorrow as I know it will do wonders!!!
Thanks again
Marcia Reply
Shankara SmithMarch 22, 2017 at 6:01pm
Hi Marcia,Happy cleaning :-) It's a quick job and very satisfying.
All the best
Shankara Reply
Adrian ex dentistaJanuary 17, 2017 at 7:14pm
Hi Shankara! I've finally followed your advice and my grubby Nikes have come up a treat. But know you of a way to re-whiten white soles which have been embrowned by leaf mulch? ReplyShankara SmithJanuary 18, 2017 at 11:39am
Hi Adrian,Hm, I've never bothered much with the soles of the shoes, except to remove mud. I'm sure a wipe of bleach would clear up the stains but goodness knows what it would do to the sole itself, I guess you could try a quick wipe and then rinse thoroughly, really thoroughly! Would white spirit work? Might do and then there's less risk of damage but do make sure you rinse well anyway.
Good luck and let me know how it goes.
Shankara Reply
MaryOctober 17, 2016 at 3:44pm
Most useful and understandable "how do I" video I've ever seen. Will put it into practice asap. Many thanks! ReplyShankara SmithOctober 18, 2016 at 12:16pm
Hurrah, thanks Mary, and happy cleaning!Shankara Reply
Tony HancockFebruary 7, 2014 at 2:31pm
Why not put them in washing machine. I have done for over 30 years. Only thing you don't do is go above a 30 degree Temp. Now that is a disaster as then any glue melts lol. Never had a problem yet ReplyTony HancockFebruary 7, 2014 at 2:34pm
Forgot to say I fill them with newspaper after coming out washing machine. Works a treat in drying them out an keeps the shape ReplyShankara SmithFebruary 7, 2014 at 3:36pm
Hi Tony,Yes, newspaper really helps to dry them out and get them back on your feet again!
As for hand washing versus machine washing, well this is a hot topic! I'm going to stick to my guns and say 5 mins in a sink is safer than a machine wash, plus I'm always nicely proud of my handiwork. But each to their own, if machine washing hasn't caused you any problems that's great :-) Reply
PhillFebruary 7, 2014 at 12:53pm
I agree that your method is fine but I have also used a washing machine and a radiator to clean and dry my shoes over a period of about 25 years and rarely have a problem. A gentle machine cycle and a not too hot radiator make the job much easier and do not damage the footware. ReplyBrendaFebruary 7, 2014 at 11:14am
Thanks for the tips! I have always put my shoes to dry on the radiator but I now see the error of my ways.One thing I would add is that is is also a good idea to rinse the shoes under a tap/shower head after cleaning. I recall a friend with foaming trainers on a rainy day as he hadn't got all the suds out of the material. Reply
Shankara SmithFebruary 7, 2014 at 2:12pm
Hi Brenda,That's brilliant, I'd love to have seen the foaming shoes!
But seriously, good point, rinsing them off under a running tap will also remove the last bits of grit. Reply
elizabeth lewisFebruary 7, 2014 at 9:50am
what can you use to water proof the trainer ReplyShankara SmithFebruary 7, 2014 at 2:14pm
Hi Elizabeth,Granger's does a Footwear Proofer spray that you'll find in some outdoor shops which when sprayed on shoes and left to dry overnight will make the material water repellant. However, the main problem here is that a lot of road running shoes have a few layers of mesh for the uppers, some more open than others. This is great for ventilation, keeping your feet dryer and more hygienic in dry weather, but not so helpful when it's bucketing it down. So the spray may help but it's probably not going to make a huge difference.
Another tip is to choose your socks carefully. I usually go for the Thorlo Experia Merino socks when it's wet as the wool content stops my feet getting cold even when wet, plus they just don't feel as soggy. Reply
DaveFebruary 7, 2014 at 9:21am
Hi ShankaraJust to add: a washing machine method that has always safely worked for me - and does produce trainers spruced up to look (and smell!) like new - is to place the trainers inside a pillow case and select a cold wash on the quickest cycle your washing machine does. With mine, it's a one hour wash.
Putting them inside the pillow case stops them damaging the inside of the machine, as well as the machine damaging them, plus I normally put my running kit and extras in at the same time for increased padding.
The trainers come out sparkling clean, with no heat damage or weakening at all - plus with only a one hour cold wash they encounter much less stress and heat than they would if they were on my feet pounding the streets on my usual run.
Happy running! Reply
Shankara SmithFebruary 7, 2014 at 1:30pm
Hi Dave,Thanks for your washing machine tips. That does sound pretty safe - just as long as we pay attention when setting the wash temperature and cycle! I'm just so cautious about washing machines + running shoes having seen some scary results over the years.
Ha ha, I love the idea of your shoes going 'yay, we get a day off from our punishing routine and a nice clean in this machine'. Reply
Jamie BannisterFebruary 7, 2014 at 9:18am
Thank you Shankara - have been searching for advice like this for a while! Any extra tips for Cross Country spikes completely caked in mud? ReplyShankara SmithFebruary 7, 2014 at 1:30pm
Hi Jamie,Good point, I forgot to mention spikes! The main thing to be careful about is drying the spike threads post-washing so there's no fear of rusting. So that means you need to clean off the mud and then unscrew the spikes (making sure you remember where you put them!) then dry off the threads with a tissue or some kitchen roll.
If they're really caked then you'll be best off running (excuse the pun) the whole shoe under the tap to get the worst of the mud off, and then scrubbing them to finish the job.
XC spikes tend to be on the delicate side as they're built for lightness and performance rather than durability, so it's a good idea to clean the worst of the mud off each time and thereby give the uppers less chance of deteriorating. Just go easy with the scrubbing brush - gently does it. Reply