In the washing machine or what? I realize this will cause them to wear… And is not recommended by the manufacturers…
What’s the best way to get them back to looking new?
Put them in a freaking washing machine lol. A washing machine causes wear to your running shoes like spinning on a trainer causes wear to your front wheel.
Just make sure that you don’t put them in the drier as this can cause the adhesives in the shoes to let go.
Why? Normal dirt - so what? I did a trail run in the rain, stream crossings, slipped on the mud into a trench and couldn’t get out w/o a hand from a fellow duathlete. Did I wash those shoes? No, the rain during the last 1000m of the run on pavement was enough to get the bulk of the mud off. Maybe your concern is not dirt/mud. Do they stink that bad? Pour some white vinegar on them, wait a few minutes, rinse with a garden hose, set to dry in the sun. Washers are for clothes.
Take the insoles out and put in wash machine—air dry.
By the time they really, really need to be washed, it might be time to throw them away or recycle. Once mine get gross, I know I have ~500 miles on them and switch a new pair into the rotation.
Why? Normal dirt - so what? I did a trail run in the rain, stream crossings, slipped on the mud into a trench and couldn’t get out w/o a hand from a fellow duathlete. Did I wash those shoes? No, the rain during the last 1000m of the run on pavement was enough to get the bulk of the mud off. Maybe your concern is not dirt/mud. Do they stink that bad? Pour some white vinegar on them, wait a few minutes, rinse with a garden hose, set to dry in the sun. Washers are for clothes.
After reading this, it sounds like you have some really gross shoes.
Ah, even my persnickety spouse tolerates my running shoes. The ones I described are the worst in the stable, but still not horrible. Rinse 'em and dry 'em in the sun. 85% of what the washer can do. Shoes I’ve run in w/o much rain/mud exposure have never been washed and still pass the spouse test. This is an non-issue unless there are other, undisclosed, factors in play.
Never had a problem washing shoes in the washing machine. As mentioned, remove insoles, wash, air dry. They will look like new.
Wad up newspaper and stick that down in the shoe to speed up drying.
When I’m back from a run I’m usually so sweaty I just walk right into the shower clothes, shoes and all.
My shoes are always clean…
Ron W.
I pee’d in my brand new running shoes (<50miles) at a 70.3 this year. They have to live outside.
I wash mine in a washing machine (without an agitator) only as needed and never in the dryer. That usually means only 2-4 times during the life of the shoe and I’ve never had any problems.
I wash mine in the dishwasher. Turn them upside down and put them on the top rack. TURN OFF THE HEAT CYCLE. A dishwasher basically dries dishes by baking the water off. This will ruin shoes.
To dry them I place them on the patio and let the sun dry them.
I pee’d in my brand new running shoes (<50miles) at a 70.3 this year. They have to live outside.
I’m finally wrapping my head around peeing in a wetsuit, now I find out I have to learn this too!
Washing machines are NOT recommended by the manufacturers because…they make your shoes last longer.
I’ve been washing mine in the washing machine (about monthly) for over 20 years now. My method is to wet them, cover them with floor cleaner (like Handy Andy or similar) then scrub them all over. I let them soak in for about 30 minutes then turn on the machine for a regular wash. I generally do several pairs at a time to get them to bang into each other and wash better. An old towel or two helps too.
I then let them air dry in the sun. Then I go for a run in them. Works a treat!
If my shoes are soaked from sweat, I just wear my them in the shower (along with the rest of my clothes) and then put them on a towel in front of a fan. I wear Zoot’s so that does make it a bit easier.
One guy in my club says he washes his in the sink with dish soap.
Run in the rain.