How To Wash Your Running Shoes (And How Often)

When Was the Last Time You Washed Your Running or Workout Shoes?

Basically never? You're not alone.

Most people, even the most committed runners, rarely wash their running shoes — if ever. Whether you're avoiding the wet shoes for a day or two, worried about ruining them, or it just doesn’t cross your mind, it's common to skip the wash.

How Often Should I Wash My Running Shoes?

In general, it’s a good idea to wash your running shoes (or any fitness shoes) once every six months or once every 320 km. Of course, this depends on how many kilometres you log each week and how dirty your shoes get — whether from sweat or the elements. If you've just conquered a particularly muddy trail, washing them will actually increase the longevity of your shoes (just brush off as much mud as possible first).

Can I Wash Running Shoes in the Washing Machine?

Most athletic shoes can be washed in the washing machine on a gentle setting. Remove the laces first, and skip the dryer altogether. Instead, let them air dry. Allbirds shoes are designed to be washed, and they won’t lose their shape or fit after a wash, so you can confidently toss them into the next load.

How Do I Wash Running Shoes in the Washing Machine?

If you’re wearing Allbirds, here’s the best way to wash your shoes:

1. Remove the laces and set them aside. Brush off excessive dirt or mud using a soft brush.

2. Place the shoes in a delicates bag (pro tip: a pillowcase works too).

3. Choose a gentle cycle with cold water and a small amount of mild detergent (avoid fabric softener).

4. Shake out any excess water and set them aside to air dry. Don’t use the dryer. Find a dry spot with airflow, like outside, in front of a window, or under a fan.

Shoes will regain their original shape with one or two wears.

Washing on cold isn’t just better for your shoes — it uses less energy too. When you wash on cold rather than hot, you can shrink your carbon footprint by about 10 kg CO2e per year — the equivalent of driving 40 km.

Want a Refresh? Swap in Some New Laces

Before you throw out your favourite shoes, why not swap in some new laces? Not only will it save you money, but it also helps reduce waste going to landfills. Choose laces made from post-consumer plastic bottles — one pair equals one recycled water bottle!

What’s the Proper Way to Hand Wash Running Shoes?

If you want to go even gentler on your favourite sneakers, try the hand wash method.

1. Remove the insoles and laces. Fill a sink or bucket with warm soapy water and toss in the laces.

2. Brush off any mud or dirt using a soft brush or by banging the shoes together to dislodge the worst of it.

3. Dip a scrub brush or toothbrush into the soapy water and scrub the soles first, then the uppers (the fabric part of the shoe). If your shoes are made from suede or leather, use products specifically designed for those materials.

4. Wipe the shoes down with a wet cloth to remove any soap.

5. Rinse your laces and insoles with warm water, then set everything out to dry.

What’s the Rub-Down Method for Cleaning Shoes?

In a rush? Use a scrub brush or sturdy, wet cloth to quickly clean your shoes. When mud or grime is particularly stubborn, this method is often the quickest way to get them ready for your next adventure.

What’s the Benefit of Washing Sneakers?

You might not think of washing your shoes, but here are some good reasons why you should:

1. They probably smell bad.

2. Mud can actually damage the stitching and materials in your shoes. Brushing them off, spot-cleaning, or tossing them in the wash can help avoid this.

3. The more you prolong the life of your shoes, the fewer shoes end up in landfills.

At Allbirds, we want you to love and care for your shoes for as long as possible. Moisture can breed bacteria and mould, so it’s a good idea to clean your shoes regularly — especially if you’ve been running through muddy puddles or urban streets. If you wear your shoes indoors, that’s even more reason to give them a wash.

Why Allbirds?

Allbirds shoes are made from natural, renewable materials, making them much easier to care for compared to synthetic alternatives. Unlike the 57% of footwear made from synthetic materials, Allbirds uses eco-friendly fibres like merino wool and TENCEL™ Lyocell, made from eucalyptus trees. Pretty cool, right?

So, whether you’re pounding the pavement or exploring the trails, it might be time to wash your favourite running shoes. Yes, you can use the washing machine, and yes, they’ll still feel comfortable after a wash — especially if they’re Allbirds. We encourage you to wash on cold and air dry to reduce your carbon footprint and maximise your shoes' lifespan.