5 Easy Ways to Care for Your Running Shoes
Learn how to clean running shoes properly, prevent odor, dry them safely, and extend their lifespan with simple shoe care tips every runner should know.
Your running shoes are in the thick of it with you. Early alarms. Long miles. The run that saves your day and the one that surprises you. Take care of them, and they’ll keep doing what they do best: helping you move forward comfortably and confidently.
Good shoe care is not complicated. It’s about a few simple habits that keep your shoes feeling good and running strong for longer.
Here’s how to do it.
1. Let Them Catch Their Breath
After a run, give your shoes some space. Pull them out of your bag and let fresh air do its thing. Dry shoes last longer, smell better, and keep their shape run after running.
Pro Tip: Loosen the laces and remove the insoles to speed up drying and help everything feel fresher next time.
2. Say No to the Washing Machine
We know it’s tempting. Muddy shoes. Busy schedule. One quick cycle, right?
Not quite. Washing machines are hard on running shoes. Heat and heavy movement can break down cushioning, weaken glue, and stretch uppers. Instead, clean shoes by hand using cool water, mild soap, and a soft brush or cloth. A little care goes a long way.
What to Skip: Hot water, strong detergents, and dryers. Your shoes will thank you.
3. Share the Miles
Running in the same pair every day doesn’t give cushioning time to recover. Rotating between two pairs allows foam to bounce back between runs, helping shoes last longer and feel better underfoot.
Many runners also notice small differences in feel from day to day, which can make training more comfortable over time.
4. Save Them for the Run
Running shoes are built for forward motion and repetitive impact. Wearing them all day or using them for workouts with lots of side-to-side movement can wear them down faster than expected.
If you want your shoes to feel their best when you lace up, keep them dedicated to running and let other shoes handle the rest of the day.
5. Listen When It’s Time to Move On
Even the best shoes reach the end of the road. Cushioning compresses. Support fades. The signs show up quietly at first.
If your shoes start to feel flat, unstable, or leave you more sore than usual, trust that signal. New shoes can make a big difference in how your runs feel. Your body usually knows before your shoes look worn.
The Bottom Line
A little shoe care makes a big difference. Clean them gently. Let them dry fully. Rotate when you can. And know when it’s time for something new.
When your shoes are officially done, consider donating them or dropping them at a shoe recycling program, often available at local run specialty stores. It’s an easy way to give old pairs a second life.
Shoe Care FAQ
Can I put my running shoes in the washing machine?
It’s best to skip it. Washing machines use heat and agitation that can damage cushioning, adhesives, and uppers. Hand cleaning with cool water and mild soap is safer and helps shoes last longer. Always air dry.
Takeaway: A gentle clean keeps shoes running happy longer.
How should I dry my shoes after a wet run?
Remove insoles, loosen laces, and let shoes air dry in a cool, well-ventilated space. Lightly stuffing them with paper towels can help absorb moisture. Avoid dryers or heaters since heat can damage foams and materials.
Takeaway: Air drying protects comfort and fit.
Why do my running shoes smell?
Odor comes from moisture and bacteria. Letting shoes fully dry between runs is the best prevention. Keep them out of closed bags and hot cars whenever possible.
For lingering smells, baking soda overnight or a shoe deodorizer can help.
Takeaway: Dry shoes are happy shoes.
How long should my running shoes last?
Mileage matters but feel matters more. If shoes feel flat, unsupportive, or leave you more sore than usual, it’s likely time for a new pair, even if they still look fine.
Takeaway: Comfort is the real mileage marker.
Can I wear my running shoes all day?
Running shoes are comfortable by design but wearing them all day can compress cushioning faster and change how they perform on runs. For best results, save them for running.
Takeaway: Run shoes run best when they run.
Do I need more than one pair of running shoes?
Rotating shoes gives cushioning time to recover and can extend shoe life. Many runners also enjoy the variation in feel across pairs.
Takeaway: Rotation is a smart move.
How should I store my running shoes?
Store them in a cool, dry place with airflow. Avoid hot cars, garages, or damp spaces where heat and moisture can break down materials.
Takeaway: Cool, dry, breathable always wins.
Can old shoes cause injuries?
Shoes are not the only factor, but worn cushioning and support can increase stress on the body. Running in shoes past their prime can contribute to aches and overuse issues.
Takeaway: Fresh shoes support healthier miles.