4 Tips for Taking Care of Your Running Shoes

If you’re an avid runner, you know that a proper pair of running shoes is essential to prevent discomfort and injury, as well as increase your performance in the sport. Of course, over time, any shoe is going to get dirty and worn down, putting your runs at risk.

Fortunately, extending the life of your running shoes isn’t as hard as it may seem. In fact, if you’re going to be investing in a good pair of shoes, learning how to take care of them is the best way to get the most value for your money. 

1: Clean Them Regularly

If you’re running indoors at a track or on a treadmill, you may not need to do this as often, though it is still recommended. Mud, water, dirt and even sweat can stain your shoes and break down the stitching and material.

Reserve a cleaning brush that you keep exclusively for cleaning your running shoes and nothing else. Start by gently knocking or brushing off any loose dirt or mud, then apply your cleaning solution, followed by a whitener and a disinfectant/deodorizer. We recommend starting with one of our shoe cleaning starter kits, or you can make your own kit by purchasing the products individually. 

2: Condition and Protect

To help with protection in between your regular cleanings, use a shoe conditioner to prevent cracking and keep the material from drying. It is also wise to apply a waterproofing spray to the surface of your shoes, which will repel water, mud and other wet substances, in turn protecting your running shoes from damage and staining.

3: Properly Store Your Shoes

Even when they’re not in use, there are things that you can do to help lengthen the lifespan of your shoes. Firstly, don’t store them in direct sunlight or an overly warm space, like a hot car or near a heater. The sun can cause them to fade while the heat breaks down, shrinks, and dries out the material of the midsole, as well as other areas on the shoe. Make sure they’re also not stored with other footwear or items on top of them, which crushes and damages them further. Give them their own space! 

4: Put On & Remove with Care

One huge mistake that a lot of people make is kicking off their shoes, or stepping on the opposite heel to remove them, without untying the laces, then later putting them back on with the laces still tied. Not only does this damage and cause wear on the back of the shoe, it stretches, crushes and creases the material of the shoe. Always untie and loosen the laces to slip your foot in or out to avoid this from happening. 

For a full range of products that can assist with sneaker and running shoe care, as well as insights on the best practice cleaning methods in the industry, be sure to explore our full selection available at Collonil today.