How to Clean Running Shoes: The Complete Guide

Your running shoes go through a lot. From wet roads and dusty footpaths to muddy trails and rainy long runs, it's only a matter of time before they start looking a little worse for wear.

While a dirty pair of running shoes can be a sign of miles well earned, regular cleaning does more than keep them looking fresh. Proper maintenance can help preserve the materials, cushioning and overall performance of your shoes, allowing you to get more out of every run.

Whether you're wearing a daily road trainer, a carbon-plated racer or a rugged trail shoe, here's everything you need to know about cleaning your running shoes properly.

Why Should You Clean Your Running Shoes?

Many runners only think about cleaning their shoes when they start to smell, but regular maintenance offers several benefits:

• Helps extend the lifespan of your shoes
• Prevents dirt and debris from damaging upper materials
• Reduces odours caused by sweat and bacteria
• Maintains traction by keeping outsoles clear of mud and dirt
• Preserves the appearance of your footwear
• Helps performance foams and adhesives last longer

Modern running shoes are built using lightweight engineered meshes, knit uppers, advanced foams and specialised adhesives. Looking after these materials can help your shoes stay comfortable and supportive for longer.

What You Should Never Do

Before reaching for the nearest shortcut, there are a few things you should avoid:

• Don't put your running shoes in the washing machine
• Don't use a tumble dryer
• Don't place shoes directly on radiators or heaters
• Don't use bleach or harsh cleaning chemicals
• Don't aggressively scrub delicate mesh uppers
• Don't leave muddy shoes sitting for days after a run

High heat, excessive water exposure and harsh chemicals can damage foams, weaken adhesives and shorten the lifespan of your shoes.

The Traditional Method: How to Clean Running Shoes at Home

The safest and most effective way to clean running shoes is by hand.

What You'll Need

• Mild detergent or clothing-safe soap
• Warm water
• Soft brush or old toothbrush
• Sponge or soft cloth
• Paper towels or newspaper

Step 1: Remove Dirt and Debris

Allow any mud to dry first, then gently tap the soles together to remove loose dirt. Use a soft brush to clear any remaining debris from the outsole and upper.

Step 2: Remove Laces and Insoles

Take out the laces and insoles before cleaning. This allows you to clean every part of the shoe more thoroughly and helps reduce odours.

Wash laces separately in warm soapy water and gently clean insoles using a damp cloth and mild soap.

Step 3: Clean the Upper

Mix a small amount of mild detergent with warm water.

Using a sponge, cloth or soft brush, gently clean the upper material. Pay particular attention to stained areas, but avoid scrubbing too aggressively, especially on engineered mesh uppers.

For suede or leather running shoes, always use cleaning products specifically designed for those materials.

Step 4: Clean the Outsole

Use your brush and cleaning solution to remove any dirt trapped in the outsole tread.

For stubborn dirt build-up, a paste made from baking soda and water can help loosen debris without damaging the rubber.

Step 5: Rinse Carefully

Use a clean damp cloth to remove any remaining soap residue.

Avoid soaking the shoes completely in water.

Step 6: Air Dry Properly

Stuff the shoes with paper towels or newspaper to help absorb moisture and maintain their shape.

Leave them to air dry naturally at room temperature.

Avoid direct sunlight, radiators, tumble dryers or any external heat source.

Step 7: Reassemble

Once fully dry, replace the insoles and laces and your shoes are ready for their next run.

A Faster and Easier Way to Clean Running Shoes

While traditional soap and water methods work well, dedicated shoe care products are specifically designed to clean modern footwear safely and effectively.

For runners who want to keep their shoes looking their best with minimal effort, the Jason Markk range offers a simple and effective solution.

Recommended Jason Markk Products

Jason Markk Ready-To-Use Foam Cleaner

A simple, mess-free cleaning solution that requires no mixing. Perfect for quick maintenance, spot cleaning and refreshing your shoes after everyday runs.

Jason Markk Deep Cleaning Solution

Designed for heavily soiled shoes that need extra attention. Ideal for trail runners or anyone regularly running through wet and muddy conditions.

Jason Markk Repel Spray

Creates an invisible protective barrier that helps repel water and stains, making future cleaning easier and helping your shoes stay cleaner for longer.

Jason Markk Refresh Spray – Sierra Rain

Helps eliminate unwanted odours and leaves shoes smelling fresh after training sessions, races and long runs.

Jason Markk Quick Clean Kit

A convenient all-in-one option for quick clean-ups after muddy runs, races or everyday use.

Jason Markk Essential Kit

A complete shoe care package that includes premium cleaning tools and solution, making it the ideal choice for runners looking for an all-in-one maintenance system.

How Often Should You Clean Running Shoes?

There is no fixed schedule, but a few general guidelines can help:

• Road running shoes: Clean when visibly dirty or every few weeks
• Trail running shoes: Clean after particularly muddy or wet runs
• Spot clean stains as soon as possible
• Refresh insoles and laces regularly to reduce odours

The sooner you remove dirt and stains, the easier they are to deal with.

When Cleaning Isn't Enough

Even the best-maintained running shoes won't last forever.

It may be time for a replacement if you notice:

• Flattened or compressed cushioning
• Excessively worn outsole rubber
• Reduced grip and traction
• New aches or discomfort during runs
• Loss of support or stability
• High accumulated mileage

No amount of cleaning can restore cushioning or support once a shoe has reached the end of its lifespan.

If your current pair has reached the end of its lifespan, explore our latest collection of men's running shoes, women's running shoes, men's trail running shoes and women's trail running shoes to find your next pair.

Final Thoughts

Your running shoes are one of the most important pieces of gear you own. Spending a few minutes cleaning and maintaining them can help preserve their appearance, comfort and performance for many miles to come.

Whether you stick with a traditional hand-cleaning method or choose specialised products like the Jason Markk range, regular care is one of the easiest ways to get the most from your footwear and keep every run feeling its best.