Running shoes aren’t just gear, they’re your training partners. Whether you’re clocking road mileage or tackling muddy trails, they’re built to perform, not to soak in a bucket or spin in a washing machine.

Follow these tips to clean your shoes the smart way. So they last longer, stay comfortable, and don’t get wrecked in the process.

What Not to Do

Let’s start with the biggest mistakes we see:

• Don’t put your shoes in the washing machine (even if TikTok told you to).
• Don’t use bleach or harsh detergents.
• Don’t tumble dry, iron or expose them to direct heat (like next to a fire or heater).
• Don’t soak them in water or leave them dripping wet overnight.

If you do any of the above, you’re not cleaning your shoes, you’re damaging them. And unfortunately, that kind of damage isn’t covered under our return policy.

The Right Way to Clean Your Shoes

1. Brush Off the Dirt

After a run, let your shoes dry naturally. Once the mud or dirt is dry, gently brush it off using:

• A soft-bristled brush (an old toothbrush works well)
• A dry cloth or towel

Don’t be rough, you’re brushing, not scrubbing the paint off a bakkie.

2. Spot-Clean with Mild Soap

Mix a small amount of mild detergent or soap* with cold water.

* Mild detergent like Sunlight Liquid (Original), Woolite Gentle Wash, Earthsap Laundry Liquid, SoPure No Sweat Sports Wear Wash, or even a small amount of Johnson’s Baby Shampoo. Avoid bleach, stain removers like Vanish, dishwashing powders, fabric softeners, or anything with alcohol or strong fragrance.

Use a cloth or brush to gently scrub:

• Uppers
• Midsoles
• Outsoles

Avoid soaking the whole shoe. You’re cleaning it, not giving it a bath.

3. Remove the Insoles and Laces

Clean these separately using the same mild soap mix and rinse with cold water. Let them air dry completely before putting them back.

4. Rinse Lightly

Wipe the shoe down with a clean damp cloth to remove any soap residue. No need to run it under a tap or hose it down.

5. Air Dry – Slowly

Stuff your shoes with newspaper or paper towels to help them keep their shape and absorb moisture.

Then:

• Let them air dry at room temperature
• Keep them out of direct sunlight and away from heaters or fires

Drying takes time. Don’t rush it.

Extra Tips to Make Them Last

• Rotate between two pairs if you’re running often.
• Avoid leaving shoes in hot cars or damp gym bags.
• Store them in a cool, dry place with airflow.

Our Promise

We inspect every shoe before shipping. If something doesn’t feel right out the box, we’ll make it right. But if shoes are returned damaged from washing machines, heat exposure, or over-soaking, we can’t accept the return.

Care for your shoes like you care for your training. They’ll return the favour.