How to Wash Running Shoes in a Machine: Best Practices for Clean & Durable Footwear

Keeping your running shoes fresh and hygienic doesn’t have to be complicated—washing them in a machine can extend their life and performance when done right. Discover the optimal steps to safely clean your footwear without compromising durability.

Washing running shoes in a machine is effective and efficient when done carefully. Start by removing any laces, insoles, and removable parts. Spot clean stubborn stains with mild detergent and water before placing the shoes in a mesh laundry bag. Use the delicate cycle with cold water, low spin speed, and a gentle detergent to prevent damage. Avoid bleach or harsh chemicals. Air-dry feet-first away from direct heat to maintain shape and material integrity.

Begin by emptying the shoes completely, removing laces, and taking out insoles. Place the shoes in a breathable mesh bag to prevent snags. Set your washing machine to the gentle or delicate cycle, using cold water and a mild, shoe-safe detergent. Select a low-spin setting to minimize stress on the material. Avoid overloading the machine and never wash multiple pairs at once. After rinsing, lay the shoes flat on a towel to air-dry completely—never use a dryer or direct sunlight. This method preserves cushioning and prevents stretching.

After washing, check for any remaining debris and air-dry in a well-ventilated area. Store shoes in a dry, cool place when not in use. Regular machine washing every few weeks helps reduce odor and bacteria buildup. For deeper cleaning, spot-treat stains immediately and avoid harsh scrubbing. Proper machine care keeps your running shoes fresh, functional, and ready for your next run.

Washing your running shoes in a machine is safe and effective when following the right steps—protecting both performance and longevity. Make it part of your routine to keep your footwear clean, fresh, and durable. Start today and enjoy every stride with confidence.

In this step-by-step guide to how to wash running shoes, we will discuss the best methods for cleaning and washing running shoes as well as what to avoid to keep them in the best shape possible for as long as possible. Give dirty, muddy running shoes a brighter future. See how to clean your sneakers here.

From hand-washing to a dry rub, get a fresh look that goes the distance. Check the care label on your running shoes to see if you should hand-wash or machine-wash them. For hand-washing, scrub your shoes with a cleaning brush and soapy water.

Pull out the laces and insoles to clean them separately. For machine-washing, put your shoes in a delicates bag. Run a gentle cycle using cold water and mild laundry detergent.

Stuff your shoes with old newspapers and leave. Cleaning sneakers and other soft-soled shoes in the washing machine is usually safe, but there are some things to consider before you toss your shoes in the wash to avoid expensive damage to your machine. Learn how to ensure your shoes and your washing machine will come out safely if you decide to clean your shoes in the washing machine.

How to Know If Your Shoes Are Machine-Washable To make sure your shoes can be washed in the washing machine, always check for a label inside the shoe or read the manufacturer's care instructions. (You can usually find this by searching for the particular brand and style online.). Here's how to clean running shoes and extend their life.

Rub-a-dub-dub, keep them out of the tub First things first - do not, we repeat, do not machine wash or dry your shoes. Doing so seems like an easy way to get your running shoes clean but cutting corners in this way might set you back a pair of shoes. Discover how to wash running shoes, including machine washable and hand wash methods.

Learn to clean muddy and white shoes effectively for long. Ask any of the best running shoe brands and they'll advise against cleaning sports footwear in the washing machine. Yes, there are plenty of instances where it's safe to wash shoes in your machine on a cool, delicate cycle, but running shoes are far more technical.

Which shoes are machine washable? Before you begin cleaning, check your shoes care instructions for specific recommendations. Generally, canvas shoes and athletic shoes made with materials like nylon, cotton and polyester are safe to wash in a washing machine. These materials are durable and shouldn't be damaged by laundry detergent.

How to wash running shoes in washing machine depends on the fabric. Some Synthetic Materials: Many newer sneakers use synthetic materials that are designed to be water.