5 replies to this topic

[bonechina]

Any tips on the best ways to wash / clean / maintain shoes. Read somewhere that one should *not* get them totally wet, as in dump them in a washing machine; and *not* dry them in direct sun, as this may affect their cushioning properties.

Is this true? So how do you maintain your shoes ?

[Colin]

I wash them in a cold wash (washing machine) probably more than most (because I run without socks), but don't dry them in sun.

No problems.

Also put shoe patch , or Shoe Goo, on the heel corner.

[Big Mac]

I hand wash them using a nail brush, stain removal soap and cold water.

To dry as quickly as possible I remove as much water as possible, stuff with newspaper then put in front of a strong fan out of the sun.

Remove the newspaper after a couple of hours and leave the shoes in front of the fan overnight.

Big Mac.

[chilliman]

Agree with Big Mac re the newspaper for drying. Esp in winter my shoes need a wash a week just to get the build up of red clay off them. I just chuck them in the shower with me after a muddy run. Take the in-soles out, let them drain, then stuff with newspaper, I usually replace the first lot of paper after a couple of hours, and maybe 3 times in total over 2 or 3 days. Run with another pair whilst the others are drying. Don't dry near heat.

I've also got these handy inserts that came with a pair of bushwalking shoes that appear to be made of compressed paper pulp, for maintaining a shoe's shape. They fit perfectly in to my running shoes so I use these if the shoes aren't completely soaked.

[Davo]

Why shouldn't you dry them in the sun?

[bonechina]

Apparently, exposing EVA, PVC or whatever the midsole is made up of, to heat above 50 deg C or direct sunlight can cause air to escape thereby causing a loss to its resiliance and cushioning properties.