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Clean training shoes by hand: brush off dry dirt, use a mild cleaner suited to the shoe’s materials, work gently, then let every part air-dry fully. Check the care instructions for the exact model first; mesh, suede, leather and waterproof uppers may need different treatment. Nike does not recommend machine-washing shoes, and ASICS warns that washing machines and dryers can affect shoe construction or materials.

Before you clean your training shoes

Check the shoe’s label or the manufacturer’s care page for its model and materials. Nike, ASICS and adidas all provide shoe-care guidance, but the instructions for your particular shoe should take precedence over general advice.

Gather a soft-bristled brush or soft cloth, a small amount of mild soap or a cleaner confirmed as suitable for the shoe, and a dry cloth for blotting. A specialist shoe-care kit is not automatically necessary. Avoid assuming a cleaner is safe for every upper.

How to clean training shoes by hand

  1. Brush away loose, dry dirt. Use a soft-bristled brush with light pressure so you do not abrade the upper. Brush off dirt before adding water.
  2. Remove laces and insoles if the shoe allows it. Set them aside to clean separately. Insoles absorb sweat and moisture, which can contribute to odor.
  3. Prepare a mild cleaning solution. Use mild soap and water, or an athletic-shoe cleaner that is suitable for the shoe’s materials. Nike recommends a mild cleaning solution; ASICS describes soap and water or an athletic-shoe cleaner, while noting that some materials require special products.
  4. Clean the upper gently. Work in small areas with a soft brush, toothbrush or cloth. Use only as much moisture as needed, and avoid vigorous scrubbing.
  5. Blot away loosened dirt and moisture. Use a dry microfibre towel or other soft cloth rather than scrubbing at the surface.
  6. Dry every part before wearing or reassembling. Leave the shoes, laces and removable insoles to air-dry fully. Do not put damp components back into the shoe.

Choose the method for the upper material

Upper or treatment Care approach Important caution
Mesh or textile Start with a soft brush or cloth and a mild solution, following the model’s care instructions. Avoid harsh chemicals and vigorous scrubbing.
Suede Use a product and method made for suede. Nike’s shoe-care guidance says to brush in the direction of the material’s grain. Do not soak the shoe or use an all-purpose treatment without checking compatibility.
Leather Use care and a product intended for leather, following the shoe maker’s guidance. Do not soak; leather needs material-specific care.
Waterproof or specially treated upper Check the manufacturer’s instructions before applying ordinary soap or another cleaner. ASICS notes that waterproofing may need to be refreshed after cleaning; follow the applicable product guidance.

Why hand-washing is the safer default

Nike’s product-care guidance says, “The best way to clean sneakers without damaging them is to brush them with a mild cleaning solution and let them air-dry.” Nike explicitly does not recommend putting shoes in a washing machine. ASICS also advises against washer and dryer use as a general cleaning method.

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Jevvu Shoe Cleaner, 6.76fl.oz Sneaker Cleaner Foam for Removing Stains and Dirt, Shoe Cleaning Kit for White Shoes, Leather, Knit, Boots, Canvas, Fabric, Tennis
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This is manufacturer guidance, not proof that every wash cycle will damage every shoe. Because construction and materials vary, check the instructions for your specific model rather than treating machine-washing as a universal option.

Drying, odor and cleaning frequency

Air-dry shoes and removable parts fully before wearing or putting them back together. Avoid tumble-drying and direct heat: ASICS warns that high temperatures can harm materials, and Nike recommends air-drying. Removing and separately cleaning insoles when the shoe allows it gives moisture-absorbing parts a chance to dry outside the shoe; it is not a guarantee that odor will disappear.

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Shoe Cleaner Kit for Sneakers, Leather, Suede, Canvas & Washable Fabrics
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ASICS says cleaning may only be needed every few months unless shoes encounter heavy muck. That is the manufacturer’s advice, not a measured rule for every wearer or shoe. Clean when dirt or use calls for it, while following the model’s care instructions.

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Mifeloy Shoe Cleaner 8.12 oz/240ml – Sneaker Cleaner Foam for White Shoes, Canvas Shoes & More, Remove Dirt & Stains, Complete Kit with Brush, Magic Sponge & Towel
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Shoe Cleaner, No-Rinse Deep-Cleaning Foam, Revives White Sneaker Fast
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COZGO Shoe Cleaner Kit for Sneaker, Water-Free Foam Sneaker Cleaner 5.3Oz with Shoe Brush and Shoe Cloth,Work on White Shoe,Suede,Boot,Canvas,PU,Fabric,etc
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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