Whenever we step outside, our footwear is subjected to any undesirable foreign element from the outdoors. Like all footwear, running shoes are also affected. However, it can be argued that running shoes are more subject to adverse factors when used. After all, they are called “running” shoes, which indicate that they’re used for running and other activities.
There are many kinds of terrain running training that runners do. Terrain can vary, and it takes a toll on the pair of running shoes itself. These terrains can give off foreign particles that can stick to the running shoes, such as dirt, sand, dust, or any others that can be found outside. The silver lining to this is that running shoes can be cleaned, therefore making them available for you to use again.
How exactly do you wash your running shoes properly? In this article, we’ll shed some light on the subject. Read on below to learn more.
Cleaning Your Running Shoes: A Quick Dive
First and foremost, DO NOT wash your shoes in a washing machine. On a related note, you must not use a machine dryer to dry them as well. A spin cycle is a surefire way to ruin the quality of your shoes. Aside from that, it can also damage your machine as well.
The best way to clean your running shoes is to clean them all entirely by hand. Below are the steps to cleaning your running shoes.
- First, brush the bottom of your shoes to remove foreign elements such as mud and dirt as much as possible.
- Remove the shoelaces, then gently use a damp cloth or brush to clean the upper part of your shoes.
- Rinse it with warm water, then remove the insoles. These insoles are to be cleaned and dried separately.
- Stuff your shoes with a newspaper. Stuffing your shoes helps with maintaining their shape and decreases drying time as well.
When Should You Clean Your Running Shoes?
There’s no ideal time that you should clean your shoes. However, you should clean them depending on how much running you do. Aside from that, the terrain you run on is also a factor.
If you use your shoes for a mountain trail, your shoes are most likely picking up many particles of mud and dirt. When there’s a buildup of dirt on your soles, it can cause injury since you can slip. To prevent this, you have to clean your shoes on a routine basis.
If you do a lot of running on the pavement, there’s most likely little to no dirt at all, but dust can still be a problem. Aside from that, intense running can also tire out your feet, resulting in a foul odour in your shoes.
In general, there is no set rule for when to clean running shoes. However, you should clean your shoes if there’s a change in how they feel when you wear them, such as your soles being heavy. If this is the case, there’s most likely mud attached to your shoes.
Conclusion
You should not be lazy when it comes to cleaning your running shoes. After all, they are the proper kind of shoes that allows you to engage in general physical activity. While there’s no definite answer for when you should clean your boots, you should take it upon yourself to do so
Some shoes are delicate and should be handled with care when it comes to cleaning them. If you don’t have the skills to do so, however, enlist professional help. If you’re looking for a shoe cleaning service, you’re in luck because Goodfellow Cleaners is here to help! Aside from shoe cleaning, we also offer cleaning services for clothes. Contact us today to learn more!