Runner’s Care Guide | Extend Your Mileage: How to Clean & Maintain Your Running Shoes

Whether you are clocking daily morning miles, enduring a weekend long run, or fine-tuning your pace for an upcoming race, a well-maintained pair of running shoes is the foundation of every runner's progress.

While road running shoes are engineered to withstand continuous friction on pavement, their lightweight uppers, responsive cushioning foams, and precision heat-bonded construction require thoughtful care. Improper washing techniques can compromise midsole bounce, distort the shoe’s fit, or weaken adhesive seams.

To ensure your shoes consistently deliver maximum energy return and comfort, here is AKIV Sportswear’s step-by-step cleaning and maintenance guide.

Essential Cleaning Kit

  • Mild sports detergent or gentle apparel soap
  • Soft-bristle brush or soft toothbrush
  • Clean microfiber cloth or dry paper towels
  • Basin of lukewarm water (never hot water)

Step-by-Step Cleaning Routine

  1. Separate Laces & Insoles
    Never wash your shoes as an assembled unit. Removing the shoelaces and insoles allows you to clean each component thoroughly without waterlogging the internal cushioning foams.
  2. Dry Brush Surface Dirt First
    Before applying water, gently tap the outsoles together and use a dry soft brush to remove loose dust, road grit, and surface debris. Adding water prematurely dissolves dry dust into fine mud, grinding it deeper into the mesh weave.
  3. Scrub the Outsole & Midsole
    Dip your brush into the soapy water mixture and gently work away road grime lodged within the outsole tread pattern. Lightly wipe down the midsole foam with a damp microfiber cloth.
  4. Clean the Breathable Upper
    Technical uppers are designed to be ultralight and breathable:
    * Lightly dampen your soft brush with dilute soapy suds and clean the mesh using gentle circular motions.
    * Be gentle around logos, printed details, and welded overlays to prevent friction damage.
    * Do NOT submerge the shoes completely in water. Blot away excess suds with a clean, damp towel.
  5. Refresh the Insoles and Laces
    * Insoles: Lightly lather the top fabric layer with a brush and promptly blot dry with a towel. Avoid saturating the foam core.
    * Laces: Hand wash in soapy water, rinse under running water, and lay flat to dry.
  6. Shape Retention & Air Drying
    Stuff the toe box with clean white paper towels to absorb residual interior moisture and help retain the shoe's structure as it dries. Leave the shoes to air dry naturally in a well-ventilated, shaded indoor area.

AKIV Pro Tip: Once fully dried, sprinkle a pinch of baking soda inside the footbed to absorb any lingering humidity and keep the interior odor-free.

3 Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. NEVER use a washing machine
    Mechanical tumbling and excessive soaking destroy heat-welded seams, weaken adhesives, and warp the upper's silhouette.
  2. NEVER dry under direct sunlight or use heat dryers
    Excess heat degrades the molecular structure of midsole cushioning foam, shrinks lightweight mesh, and accelerates yellowing. Always opt for shaded, natural air-drying.
  3. NEVER use chlorine bleach or abrasive chemical cleaners
    Harsh chemicals break down synthetic fibers, degrade performance materials, and cause irreversible fabric discoloration.

Run Beyond limits.
Take care of your footwear, and they will support you with stability, comfort, and speed across every mile.