Keep Running Shoes in Good Shape – Clean and Care

Most runners follow up a good run with a healthy meal, refreshing shower and rest. The most important gear – the running shoes – typically get abandoned in the hall. There are a few simple tricks that help keep running shoes both hygenic and in good shape, longer.

How to put running shoes on and take them off properly

When you’re racing, speed is king, but when you’re putting on your trainers, it’s better to take a little extra time. If you don’t loosen the laces, or if you depress the heel cap, you will damage the shoe over time.

Stepping on the back of your shoe to help your foot slip out also causes unnecessary damage to the material. It is a much better idea to loosen the laces and use a shoehorn.

Always let your shoes dry out

Many runners don’t realise that each foot can produce up to a cup of sweat per day when you’re working hard. Therefore, it’s important to give running shoes at least 24 hours rest to dry out between runs. Even casual runners, who only run short distances each week, would be wise to have a second pair of trainers.

Giving your shoes enough time to dry prevents bacteria and fungi from accumulating in your runners. It will also lengthen the life of your shoes.
It is best to dry your running shoes in a well-ventilated room. Avoid intense heat sources such as radiators or direct sunlight. Too much heat can cause leather to become brittle and colours to fade. Other materials, such as textiles and synthetics, also benefit from slowly drying out.

To get the best results, loosen the laces, pull the tongue forward and remove the insoles, if possible, so they can dry separately. Crumpled newspaper is also brilliant for removing excess moisture from inside shoes.

Have a second pair

Wearing damp shoes doesn’t only make them smell poorly quicker, it can also be unhealthy for your feet. Bacteria present in damp shoes can cause skin irritation and infections. Thus, it’s a good idea to let your favourite pair of running shoes dry completely and reach for a back-up pair instead.

A rest period is also important for the shoe’s recovery after a run. The shoe takes a lot between the weight of the runner and the impact of the foot on the pavement, trail or track. Having a second pair of trainers is also good for the sport: Wearing different shoe models trains different muscles and helps ensure your foot doesn’t get too accustomed to one shoe.

Clean running shoes regularly

The best thing you can do to help keep your trainers clean is to waterproof them. This doesn’t only prevent rain from getting in, but also makes sure dirt and dust don’t find their way deep into the shoe materials.

Waterproof new running shoes two to three times before your first wear and refresh the coat after every five to eight uses – more often if the weather is poor.

To make sure mud doesn’t get too caked on, brush your shoes with a CLEANING BRUSH after running in the woods or during a rainstorm. We recommend the softer CLEANING BRUSH for sensitive materials such as mesh or textile. A dry cleaning with the NUBUK BOX usually suffices for smaller spots on suede or nubuck. The SOFT GUM is perfect for use with textiles or smooth leather.

Between dust, mud and sweat, you demand a lot of your trainers, which necessitates regular wet cleaning. Clean sole edges with a CLEANING BRUSH and CLEANING SCREME after use.

CLEAN & CARE foam removes even the deepest dirt from all types of shoe uppers and simultaneously nourishes the materials.

Keep your shoe interior hygienic

Cleaning the inside of your shoe is especially important for sport shoes. INSIDE FRESH & CLEAN spray intensively cleans shoe interiors and provides a pleasant fresh feeling. Clean removable insoles separately. Brush them off in a wash basin using a mix of water and SNEAKER WASH and let them dry naturally.

Can you put running shoes in the washing machine?

Shoes with leather components should never be put in the washing machine. The leather will get warped and dry. You should likewise take caution with thermoplastic materials. Purely textile shoes can be cleaned using a washing machine so long as the manufacturer’s washing instructions don’t say otherwise. SNEAKER WASH is a washing detergent that is specially designed for washing trainers. Place your running shoes in a net bag and wash them at 30°C using the lowest spin cycle.

Proper care will lengthen the life of your running shoes

Many runners think they can just sit by and watch their shoes take the abuse caused by intense training, but there is a good reason why you should take care of your shoe uppers.

Repeated stress can cause materials, especially leather, to dry out over time. Textiles will eventually fade and become more sensitive. BAMBOO LOTION nourishes materials with natural extracts and provides them with the moisture they require. The lotion also provides a gentle clean between deeper cleans.

It’s not necessary to give your running shoes an intensive clean after each wear. Keep the exteriors clean by regularly brushing them, and avoid unpleasant odours inside with BREEZE shoe deodorant. BREEZE doesn’t just cover up odours, it neutralises odour-causing molecules. It is also great for freshening up training clothes and your gym bag between washes.

Taking care of your running shoes isn’t purely an aesthetic endeavour, clean shoes are more hygienic and have a longer life. Treat your shoes to the proper care, and they won’t leave you in the lurch on the track.