How to Clean and Care for Your Running Shoes
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The athletic footwear industry alone is more than a billion dollar business. Why? Because whether or not you’re a proud soccer parent, an athlete, a jogger, or simply a casual errand-runner, everyone needs a reliable pair of sneakers.
Today’s all about proper running shoe care, where we’ll cover the most frequently asked questions and topics, like:
- How to store running shores
- How often to replace running shoes
- A step by step guide for cleaning running shoes
- What to do with running shoes after use
- And so much more!
Are you ready?
How to Store Running Shoes
Ever feel like a pro athlete or world record holder when you put on your running shoes? Like you’re lacing up for whatever it is life may throw at you? Do you feel a kinship with your adidas or Sketchers?
We get it. Because no matter how you use your sneakers—training for that upcoming marathon, hitting the gym, or simply going for a stroll with the kids—running shoes innately come with a let’s do this attitude.
Running shoes are one of the more commonly worn shoe types. And while we recommend saving your running shoes for, well, running, many do make these a multipurpose shoe.
The need for proper running shoe care ranks supreme. First up? Learning how to properly store them.
1. Room Temp Environment
Running shoes are exposed to outdoor elements more often than other shoes, however, they’re best stored at room temperature.
In the home, this means avoiding the extremes. Stray from heaters, AC units, and moist areas. You might find that open cubbies or shoe organizers work well too.
2. Shoe Boxes
Don’t be so quick to ditch those original shoe boxes! They come perfectly aerated with paper to catch any moisture, so feel free to keep them in the box as much as you can.
3. Shoe Organizer
Depending on how many running shoes you have, consider a shoe organizer specific for them. This might look like a hanging rack that rests in the closet, or a shelf that lives on the wall.
You can also designate a floor shoe rack in the front lobby. Buy or build your shoe organizer—whatever your preference.
How Often to Replace Running Shoes
Storing sneakers from decades ago? We understand the sentimentality of running shoes, especially if you’ve scaled mountains, placed in triathlons, or experienced unique firsts with them.
At the same time, continuing to wear them until those threads are kaput is not the best idea. Depending on the quality of the shoe, consider how many miles you’ve walked or run in them. Aim to replace them anywhere between 300-500 miles.
If you don’t have a clue how many miles you’ve gone, ask yourself:
- How long have I had these shoes?
- Are the treads worn down?
- Are there holes in them?
- Do I slip easily?
At the end of the day, if the shoes look and/or feel worn, it’s time for an upgrade. And while you can keep them for sentimentality if you want, no one really needs a shoe graveyard taking up space in their home.
Generally, running shoes last anywhere from eight to 12 months, so don’t be afraid to trust your gut. If something in you says, I should probably ditch these, listen! Safety first, always.
Cleaning Running Shoes: A Step by Step Guide
Now, the easiest ways to prevent yourself from constantly buying new shoes is to:
1. Rotate a couple of pairs at a time and
2. Learn how to clean running shoes like a pro
As we often say, prevention is the best medicine, so you can also work to be intentional about where and how you’re wearing your shoes.
You might want a pair of everyday shoes to get to and from the trails. This way, you use your running shoes only for what they’re meant for.
When it comes to cleaning running shoes, here’s what to know.
1. Remove Laces and Liners
Depending on how dirty your shoes are, be sure to remove the laces and liners you can get into the nooks and crannies without difficulty.
2. Brush Away Dirt and Debris
Before putting any solution on your shoes, take a microfiber cloth, paper towel, or rag to wipe away any visible dirt or debris.
A horsehair brush is also a great tool to have at home. If not, try a toothbrush instead.
3. Scrub With a Water-Soap Solution
Mix a bit of dish soap in warm water to create a solution. Don’t overdo it, especially if your shoes are already wet. If that’s the case, wait for them to dry first as wet on wet prolongs the process.
Use a different (or cleaned) brush to scrub the solution onto the problem areas.
4. Rinse With Clean Water
Once you’ve scrubbed the dirt out, make sure to rinse with clean (warm) water.
5.
Let Dry
Once you’ve rinsed, time to let them dry! It’s important not to expose your running shoes to high heat. As tempting as it may be, don’t throw them into the dryer—always let them air dry.
A pro tip? Have a backup pair of sneakers so you don’t inhibit your daily schedule waiting for shoes to dry. Also, don’t clean them all at once to avoid any inconvenience.
For more on how to clean running shoes in a pinch, be sure to check out our shoe care basics tutorial next!
What to Do With Running Shoes After Use
Ah, the common question about running shoe disposal. The good news is you’ve got a few options.
It’s tempting to ditch your kicks in the trash, but we highly recommend considering the planet’s health as well. Instead…
1. Donate
Depending on how salvageable your shoes are, consider donating them if you can. Shoes are often in demand, so think about who may benefit.
2. Recycling Centers
If the shoes aren’t in a condition to donate, consider recycling them to help reuse certain materials.
Depending on the recycling center, parts of your shoes can be repurposed into community projects for playgrounds, insulation, and more—just like Zappos does with the Native Shoes Remix™ Project.
3. Find a Drop Off Location
You can drop off your shoes to donate or recycle by sending them in the mail or dropping them off locally. Decide what makes the most sense for you, do a little research, and select the best option.
It feels good to give back, doesn’t it? This way, you don’t have to say goodbye to your beloveds forever, you’ll just be saying bye to them in this incarnation.
Shop Zappos for Low Maintenance Running Shoes
Feeling inspired? Check out Zappos’ running shoes to find any brand name for any occasion. Whether to pair with athletic wear or athleisure, are athletic or simply like the look, we’re here to help you find sneakers to meet your needs.
Keep this running shoe care guide handy so you can rock yours shamelessly. You know what they say…if the shoe fits, wear it!
