If you’re a runner, there’s a good chance that you’ve invested considerable time and resources in your choice of footwear. After all, the right kind of running shoe can play a huge role in the success and enjoyment of your running practice.

Perhaps more than any other type of activity, when it comes to running, the condition of your shoes can impact your performance, and can even play a part in preventing injuries and downtime.

So, for serious runners, it makes sense to take good care of your shoes, and that commitment begins with regular cleaning.

Here’s a short guide to the basic care and maintenance that will keep your footwear investment in tip-top condition for as long as possible. We’ll also reveal how Boot Buddy makes it easier for you to make this vital part of a runner’s lifestyle a regular habit.

Whichever method you use to clean your running shoes, there are a few simple steps to preparing them for the process.

To make your cleaning efforts quicker, easier, and more effective, take a little time to remove excess dirt and debris from the shoes before washing.

If the mud is still moist, you may be able to gently rinse it away using a hose, or for more accuracy, a cleaning tool with a built-in water reservoir.

If the mud or dirt has dried on, you’ll need some kind of stiff brush or scraping tool. An old toothbrush can be useful in brushing away any lighter bits of loose dirt and debris, but you may need something stronger, such as a metal scraper, to tackle any larger areas of caked-on mud.

If your shoes have a protective finish or coating, take care to scrape or brush gently, to avoid damaging the shoe’s performance.

It’s a good idea to remove the shoelaces before you begin dealing with the shoes themselves. Laces don’t usually require any special consideration or precautions. So, you can get these cleaned quickly and easily, either by hand in a container of hot soapy water, or in the washing machine.

NB: If using the machine option, place the laces in a mesh bag or pillowcase to prevent them from getting tangled or damaging your machine.

Removing the insoles and washing them separately can make it easier to clean the main body of the shoe. It can also speed up drying time, as the insole will dry more quickly out of the shoe. It’s not always necessary to clean the insoles every time you clean your running shoes, but if nasty odours are becoming an issue, giving the insoles a refresh can go a long way. You can use the same methods and cleaning solution as recommended for the main shoe itself.

When it comes to cleaning your running shoes, you essentially have two options: handwashing or a machine wash.

Opinions are divided about whether running shoes should be put in a washing machine. Some experts claim that high temperatures can corrode the glue that holds the shoe upper to the sole. There’s also the possibility that aggressive spin cycles can damage the shoes, especially if they're high-performance footwear with advanced engineering or coatings that may be affected by a cycle in the washing machine.

It’s also true that some fabrics should never be immersed in water, as they can be irrevocably stained with water marks or the special finish can be damaged.

Then there’s the other camp which claims that, with caution, many running shoes are robust enough to cope with being washed in a machine.

To make the right choice for you, weigh up the convenience of a machine wash with the potential effects on your shoes. If your running shoes were a considerable investment, you may feel it’s worth the extra time and energy to clean them by hand. You may also choose this option if you’re keen to extend the life of your shoes.

Alternatively, if you’re confident that your running shoes won’t be significantly affected by a spin cycle, this option can help you make the cleaning process more of a habit.

If you make the wise decision to wash your running shoes by hand, the first thing to do is make up a cleaning solution.

A basic homemade cleaning solution that works very well is to mix warm water with a mild soap solution such as washing-up liquid. You can also use laundry liquid, if your shoes don’t have any special cleaning requirements. For white shoes, you can also add baking soda to the mix for restoring faded whiteness.

Once you have your cleaning solution or ingredients to hand, you then need to decide whether you'll spot clean or hand brush/wipe your running shoes, or whether you’ll immerse them in water.

Unlike some footwear, such as fashion suede trainers, for example, the majority of running shoes should be able to withstand being immersed in water, as long as it’s not too hot or containing any harsh chemicals.

Whichever option you choose, use a soft cloth or soft brush to work the solution into the shoe uppers. Gently scrub any stubborn stains, taking care not to damage the fabric or any surface coating.

Once you’ve cleaned all the visible dirt off your shoes, wipe them down with a damp cloth or some paper towels.

It’s always best to let your freshly-washed shoes air dry naturally. This will reduce the likelihood of unpleasant smells or lingering odours of dampness.

If you want to speed up the process, you can insert clean paper towels into the shoe. Scrunch these up a little so you can fill out the cavity, then the paper towel will absorb some of the moisture.

Good care and maintenance will extend the lifespan of your shoes, and if you tend to splurge a little when it comes to your running practice, this can be a worthwhile investment.

To help you make it even easier to keep your shoes looking their best, we created Boot Buddy. It’s a 3-in-1 tool designed to make light work of cleaning muddy trainers or dirty running shoes.

And the best bit? It’s lightweight and portable. So you can perform those on-the-go cleans that can improve your run and save you clean-up time afterwards. You can also choose between soft-bristle and stiff-bristle brush heads, to suit the job at hand.

Trail runners in particular love how easy it is to quickly rinse off the caked-on mud and get back to their run. Road and track runners also appreciate how it prevents unsightly stains from spoiling the appearance of their chosen footwear.

If you want to enjoy smart and high-performing running shoes for as long as possible, regular cleaning is key. It may require a little extra effort, but you’ll be rewarded with shoes that look good, support your feet, and last the miles.

Quality shoes can be an expensive investment in your running practice, so it makes sense to do what you can to look after them. And if you’d like a handy tool to make it all easier and more doable, take a look at the Boot Buddy products below.