12 replies to this topic

[pjay]

I have a pair of Nike Vomero which I recently used in a 64k ultra with total immersion in creek crossings etc. A few days later after washing I have noticed the shoe length has shortened as my big toes are now rubbing against the tip of the shoe during walking. The shoes were placed in the sun to dry and I am wondering if this has caused the shoe to shorten. Shade drying may or may not have made a difference to shoe length. Also the length may revert to original after a few dry length kilometre usage.

[HillsAths1]

Are you sure your foot has not grown?

I am pretty sure that most shoe companies do not recommend washing shoes, regardless of what the conditions are that they have endured.

Drying in the sun may have caused some distortion in the shoes and has most likely caused the leather( and other materials to shrink).

In the past people used to use a shoe tree to prevent the distortion of shoes, however I dont think that they are as popular as they once were.

An alternative is to pack the shoes with paper which helps, but is not as good a method.

[pjay]

That's an idea....after handwashing the fabric would probably have been a bit distorted. While running in them about 12 hours ago, I didn't notice anything unusual and in fact completely forgot about them during running and until about five minutes ago. So they may have reverted to their prewash condition.
Now if I can just banish the phantom toe aching sensations I am now experiencing I will be fine.

[chilliman]

Always dry in the shade / inside without heat, packed with newspaper for best results.

Hand wash with cold water - removing the inners, stand to dry for half an hour in the sink, pack with newspaper and leave for about 2hrs away from heat/sun, remove wet paper, then repack with another lot of new paper, leave over night, remove paper and let air naturally. They should be dry within the hour if not already.

The newspaper apart from drying the shoes also holds their form / shape.

[pjay]

An excellent prescription for soiled running shoes, thanks Chilliman.

[Colin]

Because I run without socks, I wash my shoes more than most people do. I also currently have Vomeros, wash them , hang them in sun and believe me they do not and cn not shrink. I would have felt it if they did....as I said I don't wear socks.

If the upper were to shrink (possible) then it would make the sole bend up or it would come apart from the sole, because the 'rubber' is unlikely to shrink.

Anyway, even if it could, in 33 yrs of washing shoes none have shrunk.

maybe it was 'phantom'

cheers

[DiJ]

I throw mine in the washing machine and then hang them on the line and have never had a problem with shrinkage. Maybe you just got a dud pair of shoes.

[pjay]

They are fine now for continued usage and as per Colin I didn't really believe the last had shrunk thus reducing the length. The fabric in the upper may have tightened after washing similar to a pair of jeans temporarily tightening up after a washingmachine cycle.
Anyway it's time to trim my big toe nails.

[Louise]

I soak mine in napisan overnight, then scrub with a brush to get the dirt off, before throwing in the washing machine with the towels. Warm wash. Then I dry them upside down on a drying rack outside in the shade. They always come out bright and clean, and seem to handle the abuse without problems.

[undercover brother]

silly question but why are people cleaning shoes?
aren't they supposed to be covered in shit?

[chops]

undercover brother, on Jan 23 2010, 08:29 PM, said:

silly question but why are people cleaning shoes?
aren't they supposed to be covered in shit?

And smell similar?

[chilliman]

undercover brother, on Jan 23 2010, 07:29 PM, said:

aren't they supposed to be covered in shit?

Only in QLD.

[Johnso]

undercover brother, on Jan 23 2010, 08:29 PM, said:

silly question but why are people cleaning shoes?
aren't they supposed to be covered in shit?

The ONLY time I have washed a running shoe was when it actually did have shit on it.