How to take care of running shoes? S'portofino guide

Prolong the life of your shoes by the proper care

Even the best quality shoes lose their properties if they aren’t washed, dried and stored in a correct way. Exercising in such shoes isn’t only uncomfortable but also increases the risk of injuries. Here are the most frequent errors made by runners:

Avoiding regular cleaning - dirt and road salt can get absorbed by the material, weaken the structure of the shoes and cause discolorations.
Drying on a heater or in the sun - high temperature may deform shoes and negatively affect the durability of the materials and glue.
Storing shoes in a damp place or squeezed in a corner - moisture might cause unpleasant smell and the tight space impedes the proper air circulation and contributes to the loss of space.
Negligence of the inside of the shoes - dust and stones might collect around the insoles and seams causing damage.

How to take take care of running shoes - the most important rules

The basic steps of the proper shoe care: proper storing, regular washing and correct drying. By following these rules you will prolong the longevity of your favourite training shoes and make them look great during any training session.

Storing running shoes

Keep the shoes for running in dry and ventilated places. This will prevent the growth of mold and bacteria, which might destroy materials and cause unpleasant smells. In these conditions, shoes will dry fast after the workout and the risk of abrasions will be lower.

Shoe tree

Shoe tree will be helpful in everyday care, it’s a special filling that mimics the shape of the feet. It prevents deformations and keeps the shape of the shoes when they aren’t used. Apart from that, they make the wrinkles caused by running disappear or less visible. It’s good to use the shoe tree from the moment you buy new shoes – in this way you will delay their wear. Shoe tree made from wood is the best option. It absorbs moisture, bad smells and adjusts to the inside of the shoe.

Refreshing the running shoes

Regular shoe refreshing isn’t just about keeping comfort but also hygiene and the health of feet. Special sprays are an effective way to keep the shoes fresh, e.g. antibacterial deodorant with nano-silver. By spraying it on dry shoes you will neutralize unpleasant smells and keep the inside of the shoes hygienic – the freshener contains ingredients, which prevent the growth of microorganisms. Deodorising insoles and moist absorbents (e.g. pouches with an active carbon) can be used as alternatives.

Untying the shoelaces

The durability of your favourite running shoes is also influenced by the way you take them off. Taking off shoes without untying the shoelaces might destroy the counter and the sole. It causes excessive stretching of the material, leading to deformation, the damage of seams or cracking. Untying shoes is the only safe way to take them off. Loosening the upper to remove the shoes protects their integrity and keeps them in a good shape for a long time.

Taking care of the insole

When running, especially on loose or gravel surfaces, small debris falls into the shoe. They mainly collect around insoles and seams. Under the influence of movement and friction, they might destroy the material and structure of the shoes and cause tearing. In order to avoid this, remove and thoroughly shake out the insole and the inside of the shoe. It won’t take much time but will keep the shoes in an ideal shape.

How to clean running shoes?

Small traces can be removed with a damp cloth previously soaked in a lukewarm water with soap or a delicate detergent. In case of heavy soiling e.g. mug, quick reaction is needed to prevent a crust from forming on the outside of the material. In such a situation, the dirt penetrates the fibres and causes mechanical wear of the fabric.

Can running shoes be washed in a washing machine?

Definitely not. Never put dirty running shoes in a washing machine. Even though the vision of a quick and effortless washing sounds tempting, spinning and soaking in hot water can destroy the fabric, seams and glue. That leads to sole separation or the damage of the upper. Shoes that bounce around in the drum lose their properties - they bend and deform which negatively influences their ability to adjust and cushion. Washing running shoes can damage the washing machine. The sole hitting the drum can significantly disrupt the operation of the appliance.

Hand-washing of running shoes

After training, remove the shoe laces and insoles (if it’s possible) and rinse the shoes with water, e.g. under a tap or by gently tapping the soles together first holding them by the heels and then by the front. This will remove the largest pieces of mud, sand and dust.
Fill a bowl with lukewarm water (approx. 30°C) and add a small amount of mild detergent. A special sports shoe cleaner is best suited for this purpose. Do not use bleach or aggressive cleaning agents, as they may damage the fabric and weaken the structure of the shoe. Use a soft brush or sponge to clean the shoes, as this will remove dirt without damaging the material. Clean the individual parts of the shoes separately in the following order:

Laces – rub them with your fingers or a brush, then rinse and leave to dry.
Insoles – do not soak them completely in water. Scrub the surface with a brush, remove excess soap with a damp sponge and rinse lightly. Leave the clean insoles to dry in a well-ventilated place.
Sole – scrub the tread, removing stones and dried dirt.
Upper – gently rub the upper with a brush using circular movements, trying not to immerse the entire shoe in water. Then wipe the outside of the shoes with a damp cloth to remove any remaining detergent. Dry the upper with a paper towel. If the shoes have been waterproofed, reapply the waterproofing agent after drying.

How to dry running shoes?

Leave clean shoes in a well-ventilated place at room temperature. Do not expose them to direct sunlight or place them near a heat source such as a radiator or fireplace. To speed up drying, place a paper towel or newspaper inside the shoes. When they are completely dry, insert the insoles and lace them up.

Summary

Proper care of your running shoes is the best way to keep them comfortable, cushioned and durable for longer. The most common mistakes are: not cleaning them regularly, drying them on a radiator and storing them in a damp place. To avoid rapid wear and tear, keep the inside of your shoes clean, follow the instructions and always untie the laces before taking them off and putting them on. Clean your favourite training shoes by hand using lukewarm water, a mild detergent and a soft brush. After washing, leave the shoes to dry in a well-ventilated room, away from heat sources. By following these rules, you will extend the life of your sports shoes and enjoy the comfort of running during every workout.

If you are just starting your running adventure, check out our guide to choosing your first shoes.