The Easiest Way to Wash Runners in Washing Machine

Why Knowing How to Wash Runners in Washing Machine the Right Way Actually Matters

Knowing how to wash runners in washing machine safely can save your shoes from warping, glue damage, and premature wear — here’s the quick answer:

1. Check the care label — only machine wash shoes made from canvas, nylon, cotton, or polyester.
2. Remove laces and insoles before washing.
3. Pre-clean the soles with a soft brush to remove loose dirt.
4. Place shoes in a mesh laundry bag (or pillowcase) with 2-3 old towels.
5. Run a cold, delicate cycle with liquid detergent and low or no spin.
6. Air dry only — never use a dryer or direct heat source.

Your running shoes take a beating every single day. Mud, sweat, and grime build up fast — and that doesn’t just look bad. It can actually break down the materials and shorten the life of your shoes.

The good news? A washing machine can do the heavy lifting if you do it right. Done wrong, though, you risk damaged cushioning, peeling soles, or a washing machine that sounds like a tumble dryer full of bricks.

That’s exactly why this guide exists — to show you the safest, easiest method, step by step.

I’m Faisal S. Chughtai, a footwear comfort and performance expert who has spent years helping runners find and care for the right shoes — including the best methods for how to wash runners in washing machine without aging them prematurely. With hands-on experience across dozens of shoe brands and constructions, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to keep your runners clean and performing at their best.

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Can You Safely Wash Runners in a Washing Machine?

The short answer is: yes, but with a massive “it depends” attached. Before you toss your favorite pair into the drum, we need to look at what they are made of. Most modern trainers are a cocktail of synthetic materials, and while some love a good bath, others will be ruined faster than you can finish a 5K.

Machine-Washable Materials

If your runners are primarily made from the following textiles, they are generally safe for the machine:

• Canvas: Think classic sneakers; these are very durable in the wash.
• Nylon and Polyester: Most mesh uppers on running shoes are made from these synthetics, which handle water well.
• Cotton: Often found in casual runners or linings.

However, even if the material is safe, you must stop running in filth and learn how to wash your shoes by checking the care label first. This is usually located on the inside of the tongue. If it says “Hand Wash Only,” we recommend taking that seriously to avoid voiding any warranties.

Materials to Avoid

Never, and we mean never, put these materials in the washing machine:

• Leather and Suede: Water can cause leather to crack and suede to become brittle and stained.
• Satin or Silk: These delicate fabrics will shred or water-spot.
• Rubber or Vinyl: While the soles are rubber, shoes primarily made of these materials can warp or crack in high-agitation environments.
• Embellishments: If your shoes have beads, sequins, or delicate embroidery, the machine will likely rip them off.

Manufacturer Warnings

It is worth noting that major brands like Adidas and Asics officially do not recommend washing shoes in a washing machine. They suggest manual cleaning to preserve the integrity of the technical foams and glues. Nike shares this sentiment, specifically advising against putting laces or insoles in the machine as well.

If you are a fan of specialized footwear, you might wonder can you put Clouds in the washing machine? While it is tempting for that “new shoe” look, always weigh the convenience against the risk of degrading the high-performance cushioning.

Preparation: How to Wash Runners in Washing Machine Without Damage

Preparation is the difference between a successful clean and a ruined pair of shoes. You wouldn’t run a marathon without warming up, so don’t wash your shoes without these prep steps.

1. Remove Laces and Insoles

This is non-negotiable. Laces can get tangled in the agitator or the drum, potentially snapping or damaging the machine. Insoles, on the other hand, are like giant sponges. If they stay inside the shoe during the wash, they can become waterlogged, which leads to a funky smell that is almost impossible to get out.

We recommend cleaning these separately. You can put laces in a small mesh bag and wash them with the shoes, but insoles should almost always be hand-washed with a bit of detergent and baking soda to kill odors.

2. The Mud Removal Ritual

Before the shoes go anywhere near the water, you need to get rid of the “big stuff.” Use a soft-bristled brush or an old toothbrush to scrub off dried mud and debris from the outsoles. If you skip this, that mud just turns into a gritty paste in your washing machine, which isn’t great for your appliance’s pump or your shoes’ fabric.

3. Choosing the Right Bag

To prevent your shoes from banging against the drum like a trapped percussionist, place them in a mesh laundry bag. If you don’t have one, an old pillowcase works perfectly. Just tie the end with a rubber band or a piece of string to keep the shoes inside. For more details, see our step-by-step guide to the best way to clean sports shoes.

Front-Load vs. Top-Load: Which is Better?

The type of machine you have matters. Generally, front-loaders are much gentler on footwear because they don’t have a central agitator that can snag or beat the shoes up.

If you are washing specific brands, check out our guide on whether On Cloud shoes can be washed in a washing machine for brand-specific nuances.

Step-by-Step Guide to the Washing Process

Now that the prep is done, it’s time to actually start the cycle. Follow these steps to ensure you’re doing it correctly.

Step-by-Step: How to Wash Runners in Washing Machine Correctly

1. Load the Machine with “Buffers”: Don’t wash shoes alone. Add 2 to 3 old towels to the load. These act as mufflers, preventing the shoes from slamming into the walls of the drum. This protects the internal balance of your machine and prevents the shoes from getting scuffed. Make sure the towels are old; new towels might bleed dye onto your bright white runners!
2. Select the Right Detergent: Use a liquid detergent. Powder detergents can sometimes fail to dissolve completely in cold water, leaving a chalky residue inside the mesh or the soles of your shoes. For extra odor-fighting power, we like using ARM & HAMMER Plus OxiClean.
3. Set the Temperature to Cold: Heat is the enemy of shoe glue. Hot water can melt the adhesives holding your sole to the upper, leading to “sole separation.” Always keep it at 30°C (86°F) or lower.
4. Choose the Delicate Cycle: This ensures a slower agitation speed. If your machine allows you to customize the spin, set it to “Low” or “No Spin.” A high-speed spin cycle can warp the shape of the shoe or damage the delicate foam in the midsole.
5. Add an Odor Booster (Optional): If your shoes are particularly pungent, a tablespoon of ARM & HAMMER Super Washing Soda can help neutralize deep-seated smells.

For those with specialized gear, learning how to wash On Cloud shoes requires even more attention to the “Cloud” pods to ensure they don’t trap too much water.

Protecting Your Shoes and Machine

One of the biggest risks of how to wash runners in washing machine is damaging the appliance itself. A heavy shoe flying at high speed can crack a plastic paddle or throw the drum out of alignment. By using mesh bags and the towel buffering method, you significantly reduce this risk. Also, always ensure the laces are removed or tucked securely away so they don’t get caught in the door seal of a front-loader.

If you’re still worried about the risks, read our deep dive on how to wash sports shoes without destroying them.

Post-Wash Care: Drying Your Running Shoes Safely

The wash is done, and your shoes look great. But wait! The most dangerous part is actually the drying phase. This is where most people ruin their runners.

Why You Should Never Use the Dryer

We cannot stress this enough: Keep your shoes away from the dryer.

• Glue Damage: The intense heat will melt the adhesives, causing the shoes to literally fall apart.
• Warping: Synthetic uppers can shrink or warp under high heat, meaning your size 10s might come out as size 8s.
• Midsole Degradation: The cushioning foam (EVA or specialized gels) can lose its “bounce” if exposed to high temperatures, turning your high-performance runners into flat, uncomfortable slabs.

The Best Way to Air Dry Runners After a Washing Machine Cycle

The golden rule is air drying in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight or radiators.

1. Stuff with Newspaper: This is an old runner’s trick. Stuff the inside of the shoes with crumpled newspaper (avoiding pages with heavy ink if the shoes are white). The paper absorbs moisture from the inside out and helps the shoe maintain its original shape.
2. Change the Paper: Every few hours, replace the damp newspaper with fresh, dry sheets to speed up the process.
3. The UV Benefit: While you should avoid prolonged direct sunlight (which can yellow white shoes and warp soles), a brief 15-20 minute stint in the sun can be beneficial. Scientific research has shown that UV light effectively reduces bacteria and viruses. This can help kill the microbes that cause shoe odor.
4. Be Patient: It can take anywhere from 12 to 24 hours for shoes to dry completely. Do not be tempted to wear them while they are still damp, as this can lead to blisters and new odors.

If you are dealing with light-colored gear, check out our specific tips on how to clean white On Cloud shoes to keep them looking pristine.

Frequently Asked Questions about Washing Runners

How often should I wash my running shoes?

We recommend a full machine wash only when absolutely necessary — usually every 6 months or every 200 miles. For daily maintenance, spot-cleaning with a damp cloth is much better for the shoe’s longevity. Trail runners may need more frequent cleaning if mud is affecting the traction of the outsoles.

Can I wash the insoles and laces separately?

Yes, and you should! Laces can go in the machine in a mesh bag. Insoles should be hand-washed. A great tip for stinky insoles is to scrub them with a paste of baking soda and water, let it sit for 30 minutes, and then rinse. This is much more effective at removing odors than a machine cycle.

What are the risks of machine-washing high-performance shoes?

The primary risk is the degradation of the foam. High-performance shoes use specialized foams designed for energy return. Repeated exposure to water and the mechanical stress of a washing machine can cause these foams to compress or lose their structural integrity faster than they would through normal running.

Conclusion

At On Clouder, we believe that taking care of your gear is just as important as the miles you put in. Learning how to wash runners in washing machine correctly is a fantastic skill that can extend the life of your favorite trainers and keep your feet healthy.

By following the “cold and slow” rule — cold water, delicate cycle, and slow air drying — you can keep your shoes looking and smelling fresh without sacrificing their performance. Remember to always check those labels, remove the extras, and never, ever use the dryer!

For more brand-specific care, don’t miss our On Cloud shoes: a step-by-step guide to keeping your premium footwear in top-notch condition. Happy running!