How to Clean Running Shoes

Quick answer: Take out the laces and insoles, dry brush the uppers with a soft brush, then scrub with Ready-To-Use Foam in light circles. Press a microfiber towel into the mesh to pull out the dirty foam and water, clean the midsoles the same way, and let the shoes air dry away from heat. Finish with Repel once they're dry. We show the whole process on a pair of Hoka Mafate Speed 2s in the video.

  • Hands-on time: about 15 minutes
  • Drying: air dry, usually overnight
  • Works on: mesh, knit, synthetic and nylon uppers

Jump to: What you'll need · Steps · Mistakes to avoid · FAQ

What you'll need

Jason Markk Quick Clean Kit with Ready-To-Use Foam Cleaner and Delicates Cleaning Brush

Quick Clean Kit

Ready-To-Use Foam Cleaner with the soft Delicates brush, for cotton, knits, leather, suede and more.

Shop now Quick Clean Kit
Three Jason Markk Premium Microfiber Towels

Premium Microfiber Towels 3-Pack

Absorbs up to 7 times its weight in water and leaves a lint-free finish.

Shop now Premium Microfiber Towels 3-Pack
Jason Markk Quick Wipes 30 pack

Quick Wipes 30 Pack

Individually packed, plant-based wipes for scuffs and spills on the go. Not for suede or nubuck.

Shop now Quick Wipes 30 Pack

Mud on the outsole? The stiff Durables brush in the Essential Kit is made for rubber and plastic. Keep it off mesh and knit uppers.

Jason Markk Care Kit: Ready-To-Use Foam Cleaner, Delicates Cleaning Brush, Repel Spray and Quick Wipes

The whole routine in one box

Clean, protect and touch up

The Care Kit has the Ready-To-Use Foam and soft Delicates brush from the video, plus Repel Spray to protect the uppers and Quick Wipes for quick cleanups after a run.

Shop the Care Kit

Step by step

  1. Jason Markk Delicates Cleaning Brush next to a pair of dirty Hoka running shoes

    Prep the shoes

    Pull out the laces and insoles. If the shoes are muddy, let the mud dry completely first, then knock it off. Wet mud smears into mesh.

  2. Dry brushing the mesh upper of a Hoka running shoe with the Jason Markk Delicates brush

    Dry brush the uppers Video 0:48

    Brush the whole upper with the soft Delicates brush to lift dust and dried dirt before you add any moisture.

  3. Cleaning a pair of Asics with Jason Markk Ready-To-Use Foam and a Delicates Brush

    Foam the brush, not the shoe Video 1:02

    Pump a liberal amount of Ready-To-Use Foam Cleaner onto the brush bristles. That keeps the mesh from getting soaked.

  4. Scrubbing a Hoka running shoe upper with the Delicates brush

    Scrub with light pressure Video 1:12

    Work in small circles across the entire upper, not just the dirty spot, so the shoe dries evenly. Repeat until the stains lift.

  5. Pressing a Jason Markk Premium Microfiber Towel into a Hoka running shoe to lift dirty foam

    Press out the dirt Video 1:28

    Dab and twist a Premium Microfiber Towel into the mesh to soak up as much foam and water as you can. This is the step most people skip, and it's the one that prevents water marks.

  6. Jason Markk Durables Cleaning Brush, the stiff brush for rubber midsoles and outsoles

    Clean the midsoles and outsoles

    Repeat the foam, scrub and wipe on the midsoles. For caked-in dirt on rubber outsoles, switch to a stiff brush like the Durables brush from the Essential Kit.

  7. Spraying Brooks running shoes with Jason Markk Repel Spray

    Air dry, then protect

    Stuff the shoes loosely with paper towels or a dry microfiber towel and let them air dry in a well-ventilated spot. Once they're completely dry, mist on Repel Spray from 6 to 8 inches away without saturating, and let it dry before your next run.

Get the kit from the video

Ready-To-Use Foam and the soft Delicates brush are the two tools that do most of the work on mesh and knit.

Shop the Quick Clean Kit

Mistakes to avoid

  • Throwing them in the washing machine. Soaking and tumbling stresses the glue, foam and shape of running shoes. See can you wash sneakers in the washing machine?
  • Using a stiff brush on mesh or knit. Stiff bristles are for rubber, plastic and durable leather. On knit they can fuzz the yarn.
  • Drying with heat. Skip the dryer, radiator, hair dryer and direct sun. Heat can warp foam and weaken adhesives.
  • Spot cleaning one patch. Wetting one area leaves a ring. Clean the whole panel so it dries evenly.
  • Spraying Repel on damp shoes. Clean first, let them dry completely, then protect.

Keep them clean

A 30-second wipe after a muddy or wet run saves you a deep clean later. Quick Wipes work on rubber, plastic, leather and synthetics (not suede or nubuck), and Repel adds a breathable barrier against liquid and dirt on mesh, knit and nylon.

Jason Markk Repel Spray bottle

Repel Spray

A durable, breathable barrier that dries clear and protects against liquid and dirt. PFAS-free.

Shop now Repel Spray
Jason Markk Quick Wipes 30 pack

Quick Wipes 30 Pack

Individually packed, plant-based wipes for scuffs and spills on the go. Not for suede or nubuck.

Shop now Quick Wipes 30 Pack

FAQ

Can you put running shoes in the washing machine?

We don't recommend it. Running shoes rely on glued foam midsoles and shaped uppers, and a long soak plus tumbling is hard on both. Hand cleaning takes about 15 minutes. If your shoe's care label says machine washing is OK, follow our machine-washing rules and always air dry.

How often should I clean my running shoes?

Give them a quick wipe after muddy or wet runs and a full clean whenever the uppers look dull or gritty. Grit left in mesh rubs against the fibers every time you run.

How long do running shoes take to dry?

Plan on letting them dry overnight. Pressing the moisture out with a microfiber towel and stuffing them loosely speeds it up. Don't use heat to rush it.

Can I use Repel on mesh running shoes?

Yes. Repel is safe on most absorbent materials, including mesh, knit, nylon and canvas, and it creates a breathable barrier that dries clear. It isn't recommended for unsealed or vegetable-tanned leather.

Can I use Quick Wipes on running shoes?

Yes, for touch-ups on rubber, plastic, leather and synthetic panels. Don't use them on suede or nubuck overlays.

How do I get white midsoles clean again?

Use the same foam and scrub routine, with a stiffer brush on the rubber. Our midsole tutorial shows the at-home and on-the-go methods.

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  1. Dry brush to remove top layer dust and dirt. (0:48)
  2. Apply foam onto the bristles of your cleaning brush. (1:02)
  3. Scrub the shoes using a circular motion. (1:12)
  4. (IMPORTANT) Wipe away any excess solution from the shoe to avoid uneven drying. (1:28)
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