How To Clean Your Running Shoes, From Simple To Extreme!

Keeping running shoes clean was a problem back in the days when they were made out of leather and suede.  Now thanks to man made materials, it's much easier.  We have done "extensive" online research and have compiled a  list of ways for you to keep your running shoes clean, from simple to extreme!...

1. Run through wet grass

2. Knock off loose dirt by banging the soles together and hit the heels on the ground, then call it  good

3. Hose them off with the garden hose

4. Dunk them in a pool and let the chlorine do its work

5. Wipe shoes off with baby wipes

6. Take a wet sponge or wash cloth with mild soap and give them  a good wipe down

7. For stubborn dirt or stains, use rubbing alcohol and a white cloth to repeatedly wipe off the dirt and marks

8. With shoes still on your feet, use power washing equipment and get the dirt out by shear force

9. Spray degreaser like Simple Green, 409, or Fantastic.  Finely mist the shoes then take a brush or old unwanted tooth brush and scrub the entire out sole. rinse under a trickle of water in sink or tub

10. Washing machine method: brush off all loose dirt. Take out insoles and place the insoles and shoes in washing machine (preferably a front load washer).  Use gentle detergent and wash shoes on a gentle cycle.  

11. Send your running shoes over Niagara Falls for the ultimate wash then hang them up on the jet blast wall at your local airport for the best drying  job in town (okay, we made that one up)

Our two preferred methods are #2 and #10.  We have never actually tried the others (we're just passing on the "extensive" research data), so do so at your own risk.  The best method for drying your running shoes is to let them air dry.  The overwhelming online consensus is to NOT put them in the dryer.

Happy running in clean shoes!

Eve and Bart