Winter is in full effect in London, with a touch of spring on a sunny day. With the changing weather, there comes varying trail conditions, rainy pavements, and occasionally the icy morning. My go-to shoe in the winter months tends to be a Gortex trail running shoe as it keeps my feet dry but it does’t mean the outside won’t get dirty. Muddy trail shoes are not a good look when at work. They leave dirt in my office and on my carpet at home. So how can I keep my running shoes clean?
Every pair of new shoes I get, whether they are waterproof or not, I spray with a Nikwax waterproof spray. This helps add a layer of protection from dirt and water (just keep in mind that this may negate any product warranties on your shoes if something happens). I will also keep last year’s shoes for very muddy or rainy days in the hopes of keeping my newer ones clean. Of course, if you live in a small flat, this approach may not work for you. If your shoes do get wet, I suggest stuffing them with newspaper and leaving overnight to dry. Most of the time, this absorbs all of the water and avoids your shoes becoming smelly. If the shoes are not wet after one night, swap out the newspaper with a new piece. Stuffing newspaper won’t help prevent mud build up, however.
For nearly a year, I have been working with ON Running and their shoes tend to have Cloud-Tec soles that can allow a lot of mud to build up (some of their shoes now have a solid sole). I have learned to check for rocks and mud when I get home from the trails, and remove as much as I can before letting them dry by the radiator. Usually, it can be easier to brush off the mud the following day. You can use a stiff brush for this if there is a lot, but be sure to avoid wire bristles that may damage the shoe. I don’t worry too much about the dirt staining my shoes but if you prefer keeping them pristine, keep reading!
It is really important to choose the right shoes for the activity you are going to do so you can focus on enjoying your time rather than worrying about your feet getting wet or slipping along the trail. If you live in a warm, dry climate, your shoes might not get too muddy and will last a long time. However, if like me, you live in a place with ample mud (thank you British weather!), Brooks Running wrote a great article on how to clean running shoes if you would like a step by step guide. Their first tip is don’t put your shoes in the washing machine, which I 100% agree with! Keep in mind that by taking care of your shoes properly, they will last you much longer. This is much more sustainable for the planet and your bank account.
If you have any other tips and tricks for keeping your sneakers clear that are not covered in their article, please leave a comment below and let me know.
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