How To Wash Sports Shoes In Washing Machine | Easy Step-by-Step Guide

Sports shoes collect sweat, dirt, dust, grass stains, and odor after regular workouts, running, and outdoor activities. While hand cleaning is suitable for many pairs, some machine-washable sports shoes can be cleaned safely in a washing machine when you use the right settings. The most important steps are checking the care label, removing loose dirt, protecting the shoes, choosing cold water and a gentle cycle, and allowing them to air dry properly. Here is a practical guide on how to wash sports shoes in a washing machine without unnecessarily damaging their shape, fabric, cushioning, or adhesives.

Can You Wash Sports Shoes in a Washing Machine?

Yes, some sports shoes can be washed in a washing machine, particularly those made from washable mesh, canvas, nylon, polyester, and certain synthetic fabrics.

However, machine washing is not suitable for every athletic shoe. Running shoes and training shoes can contain multiple materials, adhesives, foam cushioning, and structural components that may react poorly to water, heat, or vigorous agitation.

Always check the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions before putting sports shoes into the washer. If the label recommends hand washing, follow that recommendation.

Which Sports Shoes Are Usually Suitable for Machine Washing?

The material and construction matter more than the fact that a shoe is marketed as a “sports shoe.”

Shoes That May Be Machine Washable

Depending on the manufacturer’s instructions, these may be suitable:

• Mesh running shoes
• Fabric athletic shoes
• Canvas sports shoes
• Polyester sneakers
• Nylon athletic shoes
• Some synthetic training shoes
• Certain lightweight walking shoes
• Some children’s athletic shoes

Lightweight shoes made primarily from fabric or mesh are often easier to clean than heavily structured footwear.

Sports Shoes You Should Not Machine Wash

Avoid putting these in a washing machine unless the manufacturer specifically approves it:

• Leather sports shoes
• Suede athletic shoes
• Shoes with electronic components
• Shoes with delicate decorative details
• Shoes with fragile glued sections
• Highly structured specialty footwear
• Shoes labeled “do not machine wash”

When there is uncertainty, hand cleaning is the safer approach.

What You Need to Wash Sports Shoes

You only need a few basic supplies:

• Mild liquid laundry detergent
• Soft-bristled brush
• Old toothbrush
• Mesh laundry bag
• Two or three old towels
• Clean water
• Paper towels or plain paper for drying

Avoid strong cleaning chemicals unless the shoe manufacturer specifically recommends them.

How to Prepare Sports Shoes for the Washing Machine:

Don’t immediately throw dirty sports shoes into the washer. A few minutes of preparation can make the washing process safer and more effective.

Remove the Shoelaces

Take the laces out before washing.

They can be washed separately in a mesh bag or cleaned by hand with mild detergent and water. Removing them also allows you to clean the tongue and areas underneath the laces more effectively.

Take Out the Insoles

If the insoles are removable, take them out.

Insoles can absorb sweat and a significant amount of water, making them slow to dry. Unless the manufacturer says they are machine washable, clean them separately by hand.

Brush Off Loose Dirt

Use a dry brush to remove dirt, sand, dried mud, grass, and other loose debris.

Concentrate on the outsole grooves because they can hold considerable amounts of dirt.

For muddy shoes, let the mud dry first and brush it away before washing.

Inspect the Shoes

Check the soles, stitching, fabric, and glued areas.

If the sole is already separating or the shoe has damaged stitching, machine washing could make the problem worse.

How to Wash Sports Shoes in a Washing Machine:

Once the shoes are prepared, you can move on to the washing cycle.

Step 1: Place the Shoes in a Mesh Bag

Put the sports shoes into a mesh laundry bag.

A mesh bag helps keep the shoes contained and can reduce direct contact with the washing machine drum.

If you don’t have one, a pillowcase can be used as an alternative. Secure it properly so the shoes don’t come out during the cycle.

Step 2: Add Old Towels

Place two or three old towels into the washer with the shoes.

The towels help cushion the shoes during the cycle and can reduce loud banging against the drum.

They also help distribute the load more evenly.

Don’t overload the machine with multiple pairs of heavy sports shoes.

Step 3: Add Mild Detergent

Use a small amount of mild liquid laundry detergent.

You don’t need a large quantity of detergent to clean sports shoes. Excess detergent can become trapped in mesh, fabric, foam, and seams.

Avoid fabric softener unless the manufacturer specifically recommends it.

Step 4: Select Cold Water

Choose a cold-water setting whenever the shoe’s care instructions permit machine washing.

Cold water is generally gentler on synthetic fabrics, colors, adhesives, and shoe construction than hot water.

There is usually no need to use hot water simply because the shoes are sweaty.

Step 5: Choose a Gentle Cycle

Select a gentle or delicate cycle.

A low-agitation cycle can reduce unnecessary stress on the shoe’s materials and construction.

If your washer allows you to choose a lower spin speed, that can also be useful.

Step 6: Start the Cycle

Close the door and start the washing machine.

Stay alert for unusual vibration. Sports shoes can create an unbalanced load because they are much heavier and more rigid than normal clothing.

If the machine starts shaking excessively, pause it and redistribute the shoes and towels.

Read Next: How To Wash Shoes In Washing Machine Front Load | Easy Step

What Is the Best Washing Machine Setting for Sports Shoes?

A simple starting point for machine-washable sports shoes is:

The manufacturer’s instructions should always take priority over these general recommendations.

How to Dry Sports Shoes After Washing

Drying sports shoes correctly is essential. Improper drying can affect their shape, materials, cushioning, and adhesives.

Air Dry the Shoes

Remove the shoes from the washing machine as soon as the cycle ends.

Open them as much as possible and place them somewhere with good airflow.

A fan can help circulate air and speed up drying without exposing the shoes to excessive heat.

Stuff Them With Paper

Loosely stuff the shoes with clean paper towels or plain paper.

This can help absorb moisture while helping the shoes retain their shape.

Replace the paper when it becomes damp.

Keep Them Away From High Heat

Avoid placing sports shoes on a radiator, using a heat gun, or exposing them to intense heat.

High temperatures can damage adhesives, deform synthetic materials, affect foam, and change the shape of the footwear.

A longer air-drying period is usually safer.

How Long Do Sports Shoes Take to Dry?

Drying time varies depending on the shoe’s materials, thickness, humidity, ventilation, and how much water remains after washing.

Lightweight mesh shoes may dry relatively quickly, while heavily cushioned running shoes can take considerably longer.

Don’t wear sports shoes while they’re still wet inside. Moisture trapped in the lining and cushioning can contribute to unpleasant odors.

How to Remove Sweat Odor From Sports Shoes

A washing machine can remove a lot of dirt, but persistent odor may require attention to the areas that hold moisture.

Clean the Insoles Separately

Removable insoles can absorb sweat and odor. Clean them according to their care instructions and allow them to dry completely before putting them back.

Let Shoes Air Out

After workouts, don’t immediately put sweaty sports shoes into a closed gym bag.

Allow them to air out in a dry, well-ventilated location.

Rotate Your Sports Shoes

If possible, alternating between pairs gives each pair more time to dry completely between uses.

This can be particularly helpful for people who exercise frequently.

How to Wash Running Shoes in a Washing Machine

Running shoes require extra care because they often contain cushioning foam and glued components.

First, check the care instructions. Remove the laces and insoles, then brush away loose dirt.

Place the shoes in a mesh laundry bag with a few old towels. Use cold water, a mild detergent, and a gentle cycle with low spin if available.

After washing, reshape the shoes and allow them to air dry naturally.

Do not assume that every running shoe can safely be machine washed just because it is made from mesh.

How to Wash White Sports Shoes in a Washing Machine

White sports shoes can often be cleaned using the same gentle method if machine washing is permitted.

Before putting them into the washer, remove loose dirt and treat visible stains with mild detergent and water.

Use cold water and avoid excessive detergent.

Don’t automatically add chlorine bleach. Some shoe materials, stitching, adhesives, and colored sections can be damaged by strong bleaching agents.

Air dry the shoes naturally after washing.

How to Wash Sports Shoes Without Damaging the Cushioning

Cushioning is one of the reasons you should avoid aggressive washing.

Use a gentle cycle, cold water, and low spin. Don’t soak shoes for longer than necessary, and don’t expose them to high heat afterward.

Repeated aggressive washing can contribute to premature wear in some shoe materials.

For lightly dirty shoes, spot cleaning is often a better option than a complete machine wash.

How Often Should You Wash Sports Shoes?

Sports shoes don’t necessarily need to be machine washed after every workout.

For ordinary dust and small stains, brush or spot clean them as needed. A deeper wash may be appropriate when they become visibly dirty or develop persistent odor, provided the manufacturer allows machine cleaning.

Washing them too frequently may shorten the useful life of some shoes.

Common Mistakes When Washing Sports Shoes

A few common habits can turn a simple cleaning routine into a source of damage.

Using Hot Water

Hot water can affect some adhesives, colors, foams, and synthetic materials. Cold water is generally the safer choice.

Adding Too Much Detergent

More detergent doesn’t necessarily produce cleaner shoes. Excess soap can remain in fabric and foam and may be difficult to rinse away.

Putting Mud-Covered Shoes Straight Into the Washer

Large amounts of mud and grit can spread inside the washer. Brush off as much loose dirt as possible first.

Using a High-Speed Spin

Aggressive spinning can put unnecessary stress on the shoes and may contribute to an unbalanced load.

Drying With High Heat

High heat can damage adhesives and distort certain materials. Air drying is generally preferable.

Washing Shoes That Aren’t Machine Washable

This is the biggest mistake to avoid. Always check the care instructions before choosing a machine-washing method.

Can You Wash Sports Shoes With Clothes?

It is generally better not to wash sports shoes with your everyday clothing.

Shoes can release dirt and debris and may repeatedly hit the drum and other items. Washing them with a few old towels is a more practical approach.

Can You Put Sports Shoes Directly in the Washing Machine?

You can, but using a mesh laundry bag is preferable when machine washing is approved.

The bag helps contain the shoes and can reduce their direct impact against the drum. Adding a few old towels provides additional cushioning.

A Simple Sports Shoe Washing Checklist

Before starting your washing machine, make sure:

• ✔ The manufacturer allows machine washing.
• ✔ Laces are removed.
• ✔ Removable insoles are taken out.
• ✔ Loose dirt has been brushed away.
• ✔ Shoes are inside a mesh bag or pillowcase.
• ✔ Two or three old towels are added.
• ✔ Mild detergent is used.
• ✔ Cold water is selected.
• ✔ A gentle cycle is selected.
• ✔ High heat drying is avoided.
• ✔ Shoes are completely dry before wearing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put sports shoes in the washing machine?

Some sports shoes can be machine washed, especially certain mesh, canvas, nylon, polyester, and synthetic styles. Always check the manufacturer’s care instructions first.

What temperature should I use to wash sports shoes?

Cold water is generally the safest option for machine-washable sports shoes. It can reduce the risk of damage associated with high temperatures.

Should I remove the insoles before washing sports shoes?

Yes, if they are removable. Unless the manufacturer says they are machine washable, clean them separately and allow them to dry completely.

Can I wash running shoes in a front-load washing machine?

Some running shoes can be machine washed, but it depends on their construction and manufacturer’s instructions. Use cold water and a gentle cycle if machine washing is approved.

Can I use regular laundry detergent on sports shoes?

A mild liquid laundry detergent can be suitable for many machine-washable sports shoes. Use only a small amount and avoid harsh chemicals unless specifically recommended.

Can I use fabric softener on sports shoes?

It is generally unnecessary. For technical fabrics and mesh footwear, avoiding fabric softener is a simple way to reduce the possibility of residue.

Why do my sports shoes smell after washing?

Odor can persist if moisture remains inside the shoes or insoles. Make sure every part is completely dry and allow the shoes to air out between workouts.

Can I put sports shoes in the dryer?

Only if the manufacturer’s instructions specifically permit it. Air drying is generally safer because high heat can damage certain shoe materials and adhesives.

How can I wash sports shoes without losing their shape?

Use a mesh bag, gentle cycle, cold water, and low spin. After washing, reshape the shoes and let them air dry with loosely packed paper inside.

How often should I machine wash sports shoes?

Only as often as necessary and when machine washing is permitted. Spot cleaning between deeper washes can help reduce unnecessary wear.

What should I do if my sports shoes are still dirty after washing?

Don’t immediately run another aggressive cycle. Use a soft brush and mild detergent to target remaining stains by hand. Some stains require spot treatment rather than repeated machine washing.