14 replies to this topic

[Jo73]

I tried to search for any previous 'cleaning running shoes' information but to no avail. Anyway, I scrubbed my shoes with sunlight soap and warm water and I thought they cleaned up alright until I put new white laces in. Now my shoes still look dirty. I realise that grubby shoes just mean that they've done some work (sort of like a messy desk) but does anyone have any hints on getting/keeping your shoes white?

[pbig]

Jo73, any running shoes that require new laces have probably exceeded their useful life, at least for running.

I have washed runners in warm water and laundry detergent when finished with them for running and wanting them to look ok for walking/bike-riding/casual. They come up pretty good, but new white laces would look odd - perhaps you should rub the laces into the dirt :) .

cheers, pbig.

[wobbly man]

Similar to the above, I throw mine into the front loader and they come up like new - but I never worry about how they look until after they have past their running use by date.

[Snailpowered]

Wobbly man, I like what you say: "most things are hard the first time you try them" - that is how adaption in training occurs.

When the adaption occurs, energy needed next time drops by 15-20%, so this means you can aim for a slightly bigger goal using the energy saving, or you can run at the same pace with a lower heart rate.

Magnetic mattresses are helping people with lots of aches and pains, BECAUSE THEY IMPROVE CIRCULATION according to recent radio advertising.

Therefore, running which forces more blood into the extremities, must do the same thing.

Anyone got any theories on this ???

[wobbly man]

Not so sure about the magnetic theories but I would agree with sleeping better since starting running. I had put it down to just being an "old f*rt" but perhaps I just have better circulation now... :D

[Niftyone]

Does this mean that cleaning shoes is something I should sleep on.Or maybe wave a magnet above them to suck out the dirt.Taking off your shoes to wash them also improves the blood flow to your feet.If there is only light dust on them try using a vacuum cleaner otherwise just dump 'em in the tub avernight with some soap powder,next morning rinse them clean allow to dry and serve with fresh milk and fruit.I think that's right. Anyway keep on runnin' :D

[Colin]

Winston,
I know you work at a running shoe store, but I have never destroyed shoes by putting them in a washing machine.
I wash my shoes more often than most because I run without socks. I first scrub and soak with detergent, then into the washer, medium temp. No problems.

[wobbly man]

[indent]quote:

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Originally posted by Winston:
Mr Wobbly, i hope your not throwing your new shoes in the washing machine?!?!?!

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[/indent]Winston - I only worry about how they look like "after" a pair have been retired from what I loosely call running. I always worried that the washing mashine would somehow destroy the shock absorbtion. Stitching always seems to hold up well - I just dangle them in front of the dryer so they don't stay damp for long.

[Winston]

I didnt think you were Wobbly.. hows the calf coming along?

Colin.. sounds like its working ok for you, just wouldnt recommend it. When i was in the USA i would wash my shoes in a washer, then put them in the dryer. Funny story, lady come into the shop i work at about a year ago needing to buy two paits of shoes, one for her kid and one for her kids friend. I asked why etc etc as you do in general convo.. turns out they were playing outside in the rain, shoes got wet, she threw them in the dryer and they shrunk!! Her words not mine.. sounds strange so be ware if dryers i reckon!! Otherwise keep doing what you do!!

[MarkO]

Jo73,

In answer to your first question, of keeping shoes white - buy different coloured shoes and the problem doesn't arise :)
I wear Asics Eagle Trail which are blue and anyway I have never bothered to clean my running shoes, apart from scrapping of mud (as required).
I wonder how many runners out there do?

MarkO

[Vinny]

Jo73
I scrub the living daylights out of my shoes (and laces) in warm soapy water, and then soak them overnight in something like Napisan - seems to get the whiteness back ok. The soak deodorises too. Good luck with it.

[cjr]

When I buy new shoes I purpose run in the dirt so they don't look new - I guess that's what comes from being a product of the "grunge" era...

[wobbly man]

[indent]quote:

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Originally posted by Winston:
I didnt think you were Wobbly.. hows the calf coming along?

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[/indent]Physio says I can try a short run next weekend. I have to be able to hop on the leg without pain first before trying to run at all- something still not achievable. I wouldn't dare wash the new brookes runners yet! :)

[kazz]

I agree with MarkO, but apart from scraping the mud off occasionally I also give them a hose off if they are really muddy then let them air dry! :D

kazz.

[Winston]

Try a product called "Athletic Shoe Cleaner" made by a company called "second wind" about $10 MAX!!
Does a great job, but make sure you get to the shoes a few days after they get dirty at the latest so the dirt doesnt settle in.

Mr Wobbly, i hope your not throwing your new shoes in the washing machine?!?!?!

Just for all, shoes and washers dont mix, its the high ammount of water and heat which help to destroy the bindings, glue etc.. and the fabrics. Most shoes come with a disclaimer now, only hand wash or do not put in the washing machine. Of course once they are passed their used by date do with them whatever you want! :D