How to Clean Athletic Shoes | Keep Them Looking New

Clean athletic shoes by hand with mild soap, a soft brush, and air-drying to protect materials and extend their life.

The right way to clean athletic shoes comes down to one thing: treating the materials gently. Skip the washing machine, skip the dryer, and skip the bleach. A soft-bristled brush, mild soap or shoe cleaner, and patience will handle nearly everything you throw at them. Here’s the step-by-step that actually works, plus what ruins shoes faster than anything else.

What You Need Before You Start

Gather these before touching your shoes so the process goes fast:

• Soft-bristled brush (an old toothbrush works great for tight spots)
• Mild dish soap or a shoe-specific cleaner
• A small bowl of lukewarm water
• A clean towel
• A cool, shaded spot for drying

Skip the household all-purpose cleaners and bleach entirely. They break down glues and fabrics, and they can discolor midsoles in ways that never come out.

The Step-by-Step Hand-Washing Method

This proven method works for most running, training, and casual athletic shoes. Start by removing the laces and insoles so every surface gets cleaned properly.

1. Remove loose dirt. Tap the shoes together outside to dislodge caked-on mud, then brush away remaining debris with the soft brush.
2. Prep your cleaning solution. Mix a few drops of mild dish soap or shoe cleaner into lukewarm water. Don’t use hot water — it can weaken adhesives.
3. Scrub gently. Dip the brush in the solution and work in small circles over the upper, focusing on stained areas. For mesh or knit uppers, keep pressure light.
4. Clean the soles. Use the same brush to scrub the outsole and midsole. A toothbrush reaches the tread grooves well.
5. Rinse thoroughly. Wipe away soap residue with a damp cloth, then wipe once more with a plain water-dampened cloth. Leftover soap attracts dirt fast.
6. Hand-wash the insoles separately. Scrub them with the same solution, then rinse and pat dry. Don’t soak them — foam insoles break down when waterlogged.
7. Air-dry away from heat. Stuff the shoes with paper towels to hold their shape, then set them in a cool, shaded spot overnight. Never use a dryer, radiator, or direct sunlight.

When the shoes are fully dry, reinsert the insoles and laces. They should look noticeably fresher — and smell better too.

Special Care for Waterproof and Breathable Membranes

Shoes with Gore-Tex or similar waterproof membranes need a different cleaner than regular athletic shoes. REI’s guidance is clear: standard soap and detergent can leave additives that gum up the membrane and reduce breathability. Use a dedicated footwear cleaner made for these materials instead, and always follow the bottle’s instructions.

The same rule applies to knit and mesh uppers on many modern running shoes. When in doubt, check the care tag on the tongue or liner — it tells you exactly what the manufacturer allows.

Mistakes That Ruin Athletic Shoes

Most shoe damage comes from well-intentioned shortcuts. Here’s what to avoid and why:

• Washing machines. The tumbling action separates soles from uppers and breaks down cushioning foam.
• Dryers and direct heat. High temperatures melt adhesives and warp midsoles. Air-drying overnight is the only safe route.
• Direct sunlight. UV rays fade colors and stiffen materials. A shaded spot dries just as well.
• Bleach and harsh chemicals. These degrade fabric and rubber, and they strip protective coatings.
• Submerging shoes that shouldn’t be soaked. If the manufacturer warns against it, stick to spot-cleaning with a damp cloth.

Regular maintenance makes deep cleans less dramatic. Brush off dirt after each run and you’ll only need this full wash a few times a year. If you’re shopping for a new pair that’s easier to slip on and off for quick cleans, our roundup of top-rated backless athletic shoes covers the best options for easy on-and-off wear.