It’s tempting when you come in from a wet and muddy run, to simply chuck your shoes in the shed and forget about them. But regularly cleaning and washing your trail running shoes will help them last longer and look nicer. You’ll also avoid traipsing a trail of dried mud behind you next time you wear them!
In this guide we’ll take you through how to look after your trail running shoes, so that you can get the most life out of them.
In this guide…
- Why should you clean your running shoes?
- How to clean muddy trail running shoes
- How to dry your running shoes
- Why you shouldn’t use your washing machine or dryer
- Keeping your running shoes smelling fresh
WHY SHOULD YOU CLEAN YOUR RUNNING SHOES?
We know it can feel like a chore, but there are several reasons why you should wash your trail running shoes… particularly after a muddy run:
- It prolongs the life of your shoes. Dried mud on the upper material of your shoe makes it stiff. Over time that causes the material to wear through more quickly.
- They look nicer for longer. Keeping your shoes looking nice will mean that you’ll be less inclined to change them. That’s better for the planet – and your bank balance!
- Easier for your next run. Clean shoes are more enticing to run in than dirty shoes! Dried mud also has a habit of dropping off shoes as you’re putting them on – leading to extra cleaning of your house/driveway/path.
HOW TO CLEAN MUDDY TRAIL SHOES
The first thing to say is that it’s easier to clean wet shoes than dry shoes. While you might want to put it off until tomorrow, cleaning your shoes shortly after your workout will save you time in the long run (pun fully intended). Handwashing your shoes is far better for them – don’t use a washing machine.
To wash your trail running shoes, you should follow this process:
- Remove the insoles from your shoes
You can wash these separately if you need to, but by removing them the shoe will drain and dry quicker. - Loosen the laces of your shoes or remove them completely
This will allow you to get at any mud caked on the laces, the lace eyelets or the tongue of your shoe. - Brush off any dried/caked mud
You can use a soft brush to do this (although it might seem better, avoid using a hard brush as you could damage the material of the shoe). - Rinse your shoes under cold running water while brushing off any remaining mud
Don’t use warm or hot water to wash your shoes as the heat can damage the glue used in the shoe. An outside tap is perfect for washing muddy shoes, as is a stream, or even a big bottle of water. Use a soft brush for cleaning the mud off. A toothbrush is perfect, just be sure to get the toothbrush owner’s permission first. - Empty any debris from within the shoe
Up-end the shoe and tap it so any friends you made on the trail, or during washing, fall out.
Thoroughly dry your trail shoes before using again. If you run regularly, it’s worth having a couple of pairs of running shoes on rotation. This can prolong the life of both pairs and mean you can give your shoes a day off while they dry.
HOW TO DRY YOUR TRAIL RUNNING SHOES
This may sound strange, but heat is your enemy when it comes to drying trail running shoes! Make sure your shoes are away from any direct heat sources such as radiators, hot summer sun or fireplaces. And don’t put your shoes in the tumble dryer.
Place your shoes in a warm room, outside (but not in direct sun if it’s a hot day) or in an airing cupboard. You can speed up the drying process by:
- Removing insoles (you should have already done this as part of the washing process)
- Removing the shoelaces
- Filling your shoes with newspaper
WHY YOU SHOULDN’T USE YOUR WASHING MACHINE OR DRYER
Washing machines and tumble dryers are designed for cleaning and drying clothing. The heat, detergent, and roughness of the process in a washer/dryer is a combination that may well damage your shoes, or at best shorten their lifespan. It’s far better to invest a short amount of time handwashing your running shoes instead.
The heat of a washing machine or tumble dryer may weaken the adhesives used to keep your shoes together. It’s probably not great for your washer/dryer either!
KEEPING YOUR RUNNING SHOES SMELLING FRESH
We’ve all been there… Alone on a mountain trail you’re stopped in your tracks by the unmistakable odour of a rotting carcass. No, wait – it’s coming from your feet!
But they’re running shoes, aren’t they just supposed to smell? This one all depends on your sensibilities, but there are ways to reduce/remove odour from your running shoes. Some of the best options don’t require any harmful chemicals either.
Regularly washing your shoes and wearing socks (and washing them after each use) will help reduce the aroma coming from your runners. But if that’s not enough you could try:
- White vinegar mixed equally with water.
This is a great natural deodoriser. Spray the inside of your shoes and your insoles after each run and allow to dry. - Baking soda.
Sprinkle baking soda in your shoes after your run and leave in for 24 hours. Then tap out the remaining powder. Baking soda can also be combined with 1-2 drops of essential oil to give an extra scent boost. - Replacing your insoles.
Sometimes it’s the insoles and not the shoes – particularly if you’re wearing an older pair. If it’s time to replace them, check out our Boomerang Footbed – a fantastic, cushioned insole that can fit in any running shoe.