If you love running, you want your shoes feeling fresh after every workout. A quick wash can extend their life and keep comfort intact. This safe method shows you how to wash asics running shoes without damage.
First, remove laces and insoles to clean every corner. Give the shoes a gentle shake to knock out loose dirt. Taking out the components lets you wash the fabric and mesh more evenly.
Mix a small amount of mild detergent with cold water. Use a soft brush or cloth to scrub the exterior in circular motions. Avoid hot water or harsh cleaners that can fade color or weaken materials.
Rinse with clean cold water and pat dry with a towel. Stuff the shoes with paper towels to help them maintain shape as they dry. Air dry away from direct sun or heat sources for best results.
Never machine dry or machine wash unless the manufacturer specifies it. Reassemble insoles and laces once completely dry. Do this regularly to keep your running shoes fresh and ready for the next run.
Assessing Materials and Care Labels
Read the Care Tag and Material Composition
Look inside the tongue area or the inner sidewall for a care label that specifies how to wash the shoes. Asics shoes use a mix of materials—mesh uppers, knit fabric, synthetic overlays, and rubber outsoles—and the care symbols indicate whether machine washing is allowed, at what temperature, and whether to air dry or avoid heat. Interpreting these symbols is essential to protect adhesives, color, and the integrity of the midsole.
If the tag allows machine washing cold on a gentle cycle with a mild, non-bleach detergent, you can proceed with machine washing. If it says hand wash only, you should skip the machine option entirely. Be mindful that proprietary foams like Gel and FlyteFoam can be sensitive to heat and heavy agitation, which may affect adhesives.
Material-Specific Guidelines: Mesh/knit vs Leather/synthetic
Mesh and knit uppers breathe and flex with your stride, so they tolerate water better than leather. Clean them with a mild detergent in warm water and a soft brush, taking care not to scrub too aggressively in the seams. Always rinse thoroughly to remove soap residues, which can irritate the fabric or accelerate wear.
Leather and synthetic uppers require more restraint. Do not soak leather materials; instead, wipe with a damp cloth and a mild cleaner, then wipe dry. For nubuck or suede accents, avoid water altogether and use a protective spray or a dedicated nubuck eraser; synthetic leather can take gentle cleaning but can still crack if over-wetted.
Pre-Wash Prep: Remove Debris, Laces, Insole
Laces and Insoles Removal
Start by removing the laces from both shoes so you can clean the tongue and eyelets more thoroughly. Wash the laces by hand with mild detergent, or place them in a small mesh bag and run a gentle cycle on cold. Lay them flat to dry, away from direct heat.
If your insoles are removable, take them out and wash them by hand with mild soap, rinse, and air dry completely before reinserting. If the insoles are not removable, simply wipe the surface with a damp cloth and a small amount of mild cleaner, letting them dry fully before wearing again. Avoid soaking insoles, as moisture can promote bacteria and deterioration of the adhesive layer.
Debris Removal and Pre-Treatment
Before washing, remove loose dirt by hand or with a soft brush to prevent grinding it into the fabric during washing. Use a dry brush to lift mud from the sole and perimeter; this reduces staining and helps the soap work more effectively. For stubborn marks, apply a small amount of mild detergent directly and let it sit briefly.
For oil or grass stains, mix a tiny amount of liquid detergent with water and apply with a soft brush, working from the outside toward the center to avoid spreading. Let it sit for a few minutes, then re-scrub gently to lift the stain. Rinse or wipe clean before washing so the soapy residue doesn’t set during the main wash.
Washing Methods: Hand Wash vs Machine Wash
Hand Washing Method in Detail
Fill a basin with cool water and add a small amount of mild detergent. Submerge the shoes and use a soft brush to work the foam into the uppers, focusing on seams and high-traffic areas. Be mindful not to soak the interior entirely; moisture should be present, but the goal is balanced cleaning without oversaturation.
Rinse thoroughly with clean water until no soap remains. Gently press the shoe with a microfiber towel to remove excess moisture without wringing, which can deform the shape. Place the shoes in a well-ventilated area away from direct heat and let them dry naturally, preferably with the tongue positioned to keep the opening from collapsing.
Machine Washing Method: Settings and Precautions
Only machine wash if the care label explicitly permits it; remove laces and insoles and place the shoes in a mesh laundry bag or a pillowcase for protection. Use a cold water setting on a gentle cycle and a small amount of mild detergent; add a couple of old towels to balance the load and cushion the shoes. Avoid fabric softeners since they can affect the material and adhesion.
After washing, remove from the bag and air dry in a well-ventilated area away from direct heat or sun. Do not wring or use a dryer; the heat can warp the midsole or damage adhesives. Check for any soap residue and rinse again if necessary.
Cleaning Solutions and Tools: What to Use and What to Avoid
Detergents and Additives
Choose a mild, color-safe detergent and use only a small amount; harsh solvents can degrade mesh, knit, and adhesives. Avoid bleach, peroxide, or enzyme-heavy detergents that can weaken materials or fade colors. If you have persistent odors, a small amount of white vinegar (1:2 vinegar to water) can help neutralize smells without harming fabrics.
If you want extra deodorizing power, add a teaspoon of baking soda to the wash water or rub a baking-soda paste on odor-prone areas before cleaning. Use vinegar sparingly and always rinse well to avoid residue. Avoid overusing additives that could leave a film on the fabric.
Tools, Accessories, and Technique
Gather soft-bristled brushes, a microfiber cloth, a mesh laundry bag, and an old towel. Use the brush to work into seams and along the outsole grooves, and the cloth to wipe away soap residue after rinsing. Keep a separate brush for insoles to avoid transferring dirt between surfaces.
Work in sections: upper, then midsole, then outsole. Rinse thoroughly after scrubbing to prevent soap buildup; let air dry. Avoid using metal tools, abrasive pads, or harsh chemicals that could damage the upper.
Cleaning by Material: Mesh/knit vs Leather/synthetic
Mesh and Knit Uppers
Mesh and knit uppers respond best to gentle cleaning and minimal soaking. Use lukewarm water and a mild detergent, then lightly scrub in small circles to lift dirt from the weave. Rinse thoroughly to avoid soap residues that can irritate the fabric or attract more dirt.
After cleaning, shape the shoes by lightly stuffing them with crumpled paper and letting them air dry in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. Avoid wringing or applying direct heat, as this can distort the knit. Check for hidden soap residue by touching the fabric after drying; residual soap can irritate skin.
Leather and Synthetic Uppers and Detailing
Leather and synthetic uppers require damp cleaning rather than soaking. Wipe with a damp microfiber cloth and a mild cleaner, then dry promptly to prevent water from absorbing. If the leather is smooth, you can apply a small conditioner after drying.
The rubber outsole benefits from a firm brush to remove caked dirt from grooves. For detailing like tongues, eyelets, and seams, use a small brush or cotton swab for precision, then wipe with a damp cloth. Allow everything to dry fully before wearing again.
Drying, Deodorizing, and Maintenance
Drying Strategies
Gently press excess water from the shoes with a microfiber towel, and stuff the interior with newspaper or paper towels to retain shape and absorb moisture. Replace the paper as it absorbs moisture and dry in a ventilated area. Ensure you dry all parts of the shoe, including the tongue and insole area, to prevent lingering dampness.
Air dry in a shaded, dry area with good airflow, away from sunlight and direct heat sources like radiators or hair dryers. Do not speed-dry with heat; heat can warp the midsole or break down adhesives. Typical drying times range from several hours to a day, depending on humidity and shoe thickness.
Odor Control and Storage
To control odors, sprinkle baking soda inside the shoes or use activated charcoal sachets during drying. For stubborn smells, consider a light spray made from water and white vinegar, but test colorfastness first. Ensure the interior is completely dry before storing to prevent mold.
When dry, reinsert insoles and laces, store in a cool, dry place, and consider a shoe tree or upright storage to preserve shape. Rotate shoes to minimize wear; check for any soap residue or water damage before storing for long periods. Regular upkeep extends the life of your running shoes.
Conclusion
Regular, mindful cleaning extends the life of your Asics running shoes, preserving cushioning and grip while preventing odor buildup. Follow care labels, adapt to materials, and choose hand washing for knit and leather where needed. With proper drying and storage, your shoes stay comfortable, perform better, and look newer longer. Invest in routine upkeep and you’ll maximize the return on every run for many seasons.
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