They are there for you. Supporting your feet, absorbing shock, taking you places, helping you stay in condition. Running shoes are the one essential item for a runner. A good pair of running shoes can last for 400 to 500 miles of running, according to the American College of Sports Medicine. Before you log that many miles, your shoes are likely to pick up some dust, dirt or grime, which can make them look old before their time. So give them a cleaning periodically to keep them looking their best.
Step 1
Take the laces out of your running shoes. Wash the laces with a load of laundry.
Step 2
Fill a bucket about half full of water, adding a small amount of laundry detergent while the water runs.
Step 3
Remove shoe inserts if your shoes have them. Dip the brush in soapy water and scrub the inserts. Set them on a drying rack to dry.
Step 4
Scrub the tops of the shoe with the brush and soapy water. Dip the brush in water as needed and continue scrubbing all around the shoe. Scrub the dirtiest parts of the shoes last, which are probably the bottoms.
Step 5
Pat the shoes dry with a clean cloth or paper towels. Allow shoes to air dry completely. Put them in the sun or near a heater vent to encourage quicker drying.
Step 6
Apply shoe polish, if appropriate. Put the inserts back inside. Re-lace the shoes and you're ready to run.
Tips and Warnings
- An old toothbrush works well for scrubbing running shoes.
- Don't put running shoes in the washing machine or clothes dryer as this could damage their support or structure.
Things You'll Need
- Laundry detergent
- Small bucket
- Small brush
- Drying rack
- Cloth
- Shoe polish
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