How to Clean Trail Running Shoes: Step-by-Step Guide
Maintaining your trail running shoes properly can help them last longer, perform better, and stay more comfortable on the trail. Mud, dust, sweat, and moisture can quickly build up after challenging runs, especially around the mesh, seams, outsole, and insole.
From muddy trail runs to wet and dusty conditions, the key is to clean your shoes thoroughly without being too aggressive. In practice, the best approach is simple: remove loose dirt first, wash the shoes gently by hand, and let them dry naturally away from direct heat. This helps protect the materials, adhesives, and overall shape of your shoes.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to clean trail running shoes step by step, how to deal with stubborn mud and odors, whether you should use a washing machine, and the safest way to dry and maintain your shoes between runs.
What You’ll Need to Clean Trail Running Shoes
Before you start, gather everything you need so you can clean your trail running shoes without stopping halfway through the process. You don’t need specialized equipment—just a few basic items that are gentle enough for the shoe’s materials.
- Lukewarm water: Warm enough to loosen dirt without exposing the shoes to unnecessary heat.
- Mild soap or shoe-safe cleaner: Choose a gentle cleaner rather than harsh detergents or bleach.
- Soft-bristled brush: An old toothbrush works well for smaller areas, seams, and hard-to-reach spots.
- Clean cloth or sponge: Useful for wiping away loosened dirt and excess moisture.
- Clean paper or towel: Helpful for absorbing moisture from inside the shoes while they dry.
- Well-ventilated drying area: Choose a cool, dry place with good airflow and keep the shoes away from direct heat.
Tips: Avoid very hot water. Lukewarm water is sufficient for loosening dirt and is a safer choice for the adhesives, coatings, and other materials used in many trail running shoes.
How to Clean Trail Running Shoes: Step-by-Step Guide
Cleaning trail running shoes by hand is straightforward and doesn’t require specialized equipment. The goal is to remove mud, grit, and debris without damaging the mesh, seams, outsole, or other materials.
Step 1: Remove Loose Dirt and Debris
Start by knocking off as much dried mud, dust, and loose debris as possible. Tap the soles together or gently brush away dirt before adding water. Pay particular attention to the tread, where small stones and compacted mud can become lodged.
Step 2: Remove the Laces and Insoles
Take out the laces and removable insoles before cleaning the shoes. This gives you better access to the tongue and interior and allows these parts to be cleaned and dried separately.
Step 3: Soak the Shoes in Lukewarm Soapy Water
Fill a basin with lukewarm water and add a small amount of mild soap or shoe-safe cleaner. Place the shoes in the water and allow them to sit for a few minutes. This helps loosen dried mud and stubborn dirt so you don’t have to scrub aggressively.
Step 4: Gently Brush Away Stubborn Dirt
Use a soft-bristled brush or an old toothbrush to work away remaining dirt. Brush gently, particularly around mesh panels and seams, as excessive scrubbing can damage delicate materials. Spend more time on areas where mud has collected around the outsole, stitching, and upper.
Step 5: Rinse Away the Soap
Rinse the shoes thoroughly with clean water to remove soap and loosened dirt. Avoid using a high-pressure stream of water, which can force moisture and debris deeper into the materials or place unnecessary stress on the shoe’s construction.
Step 6: Air-Dry the Shoes Completely
After rinsing, gently shake off excess water and allow the shoes to air-dry in a well-ventilated area at room temperature. Keep them away from radiators, heaters, fireplaces, and other direct heat sources, which can affect adhesives and shoe materials.
For faster and more even drying, leave the laces loosened, remove the insoles, and loosely fill the shoes with clean absorbent paper or a towel. Replace the paper or towel if it becomes saturated. Make sure the shoes are completely dry before storing them or using them for your next trail run.
What Not to Do When Cleaning Trail Running Shoes
A few cleaning shortcuts can cause more harm than good. Trail running shoes are built to handle demanding terrain, but their mesh, adhesives, coatings, and other materials can still be damaged by excessive heat, pressure, or harsh cleaning products.
- Don’t use very hot water: Lukewarm water is sufficient for loosening dirt and is a safer choice for the materials and adhesives used in many trail shoes.
- Don’t scrub the mesh aggressively: Heavy brushing can weaken or fray delicate mesh. Use a soft brush and gentle pressure instead.
- Don’t use bleach or harsh household cleaners: Strong chemicals may discolor the upper or affect coatings and adhesives. Stick with mild soap or a cleaner recommended for footwear.
- Don’t use a pressure washer: High-pressure water can be unnecessarily harsh on mesh, seams, adhesives, and other shoe components.
- Don’t dry shoes directly against a heat source: Radiators, heaters, hair dryers, and fireplaces can expose the shoes to excessive heat and potentially affect their shape or construction.
- Don’t store them while they’re damp: Putting wet shoes in a closed bag or storage area can encourage unpleasant odors and leave them poorly ventilated.
- Don’t ignore the manufacturer’s care instructions: Specialized materials, waterproof membranes, and certain coatings may require specific cleaning products or methods. When in doubt, follow the care instructions supplied with your shoes.
Quick rule: If a cleaning method uses excessive heat, pressure, or harsh chemicals, it’s usually better to choose a gentler alternative for trail running shoes.
What About Machine Washing?
It’s true that it’s tempting to put your trail running shoes in the washing machine, and yet… I strongly advise against it! The heat from the washing machine can potentially melt the glue that holds the shoes together or deform any plastic components. This approach is a surefire way to accelerate wear and possibly lead to the premature destruction of your favorite pair.
Cold washing may avoid the risk of melting or deformation due to heat, but it comes with its own set of issues. Firstly, the washing is likely to be ineffective in thoroughly removing stubborn dirt. Moreover, the shocks against the washing machine drum during the cycle can potentially damage both the shoes and the machine.
In summary, relying on good old elbow grease, using manual cleaning methods, is the most effective and safe way to maintain the condition of your trail running shoes without risking damage.
Shoe Care: Dusting, Airing, Waterproofing
Unlike trail clothing, you don’t need to clean trail running shoes after each outing. There is still a minimum to do between two runs! The simplest reflex to adopt is to tap the two shoes against each other or against the ground to loosen the dried mud and dust.
As you can imagine, you have to hit the sole well so as not to damage the mesh. If the stuck earth is still too wet to come off on its own, rinsing the sole with water will do just fine. A quick brush stroke is also always welcome!
To eliminate humidity and unpleasant odors, another important step is ventilation. Nothing very complex for that: loosen the laces to lift the tongue as much as possible and widen the opening, then leave the sneakers in the open air for a few hours (protected from the rain).
To go further in the maintenance of the inside of the shoes, consider using removable insoles. These insoles are not only easier to take out and clean than the original ones but also offer the added benefit of enhancing comfort. For hikers who need additional foot support, you can also explore our guide to the best hiking boots for plantar fasciitis.
Finally, if moisture tends to infiltrate during a trail run in the rain, it is time to think about (re)waterproofing your shoes. Take a waterproofing spray and spray it all over the mesh. This is an operation to be repeated regularly, especially if your model is not waterproof. There you go, you know everything to get off to a good start…!
“If you’re also looking for a more supportive option for hiking, our guide to the best hiking boots covers some of the top choices for different terrain and hiking needs.”
Conclusion
Nice and clean, your well-maintained trail shoes will be a treat to wear. In addition to the good look, it is above all hygiene that counts in combating bad odors and limiting the risk of infection. The three key points to remember to clean trail running shoes:
- Trail running shoes need regular maintenance.
- Wash your trail shoes by hand with water and Marseille soap.
- They must be allowed to dry in the open air, away from a direct heat source.
If you’re preparing for longer hikes, choosing footwear designed for extended time on the trail is equally important. Our guide to the best hiking boots for long-distance hiking can help you compare suitable options. Furthermore, Women looking for hiking-specific footwear can also check out the best women’s hiking boots for more options.
FAQs: Trail Running Shoes Cleaning Tips
Can I put trail running shoes in the washing machine?
Hand washing is generally the safer option for trail running shoes. A washing machine can expose shoes to repeated impact, excessive water, and potentially damaging temperatures. Before using any machine-cleaning method, check the care instructions provided by the shoe manufacturer.
How often should I clean trail running shoes?
You don’t need to deep clean your trail running shoes after every run. Remove loose dirt and allow them to air out after normal outings, then give them a more thorough cleaning when mud, sweat, or odors build up. Shoes used regularly in wet or muddy conditions need more frequent cleaning.
How do I remove dried mud from trail running shoes?
Let heavily caked mud dry enough to become easier to loosen, then knock off the larger pieces before washing the shoes. For remaining dirt, use lukewarm soapy water and a soft-bristled brush rather than aggressively scraping or scrubbing the upper.
How long do trail running shoes take to dry after cleaning?
Drying time depends on how wet the shoes are, the materials used, and the surrounding temperature and humidity. Allow them to dry completely in a well-ventilated area before wearing or storing them. Removing the insoles and loosening the laces can improve airflow.
Can I use waterproofing spray on trail running shoes?
Only use a waterproofing treatment if it is compatible with your shoe’s materials and recommended by the manufacturer. Waterproofing products can behave differently on mesh, synthetic uppers, leather, and waterproof membranes, and some treatments may reduce breathability.
Can I use a pressure washer to clean trail running shoes?
It’s best to avoid pressure washers. The concentrated water pressure is unnecessary for removing normal trail dirt and may place excessive stress on mesh, seams, adhesives, and other shoe components. Gentle hand cleaning is a safer approach.
Can I dry trail running shoes with a hair dryer?
It’s better to let trail running shoes air-dry naturally rather than exposing them to concentrated heat from a hair dryer. Direct heat can affect adhesives, coatings, and the shape of some shoe materials. If you need to speed up drying, improve airflow instead of increasing the temperature.
