My Brooks shoes stink, should I put them through the washing machine?????

[ju-ju-]

.....or will that damage them??

Also, with my HM in 2 weeks' time, should I get new shoes.....I have done 542k in them since I got them earlier this year...and someone told me they should be replaced after 500k...is that right? I don't want to f*** my knees up again?

Thankyou...

[swanscot Graduate]

No, and no! Don't put any running shoes in the washing machine as it can damage the gel in the soles, or other padding in the shoes. It only takes a few minutes to hand wash them in the sink, or a bucket outside if particularly clarty. Then stuff them with newspaper and leave them in a warm. airy place to dry (not directly beside a heat source),

Although the advice is to change running shoes after 500km of use, I wouldn't change them so soon before a long run. If your old shoes have worn down/out, your feet/legs will be used to compensating to running in them and a sudden change may make you switch to an ever-so-slightly different running pattern.

[ju-ju- Graduate in reply to swanscot]

Thankyou.... Very sensible and ill give them a delicate hand wash...great advice

[completerunner]

As above regards washing machine... However you can take out the insoles and put them in the washing machine..

Regarding the 500K, it's actually 500 Miles, so a bit more life in them than you thought...

[ju-ju- Graduate in reply to completerunner]

Oh phew that's a relief as they cost a fortune!!!! And ill try that thanks for the tip!

[Landesman Graduate]

I saw somewhere the suggestion that you should handwash them, then put them in the freezer for 24 hours (on the basis that the cold kills the bacteria that cause the smell). No idea if that works or not though. (Personally I don't let my running shoes in the house )

[ju-ju- Graduate in reply to Landesman]

That sounds good except I don't have a freezer!! But I could hand wash and hang in the garden??? Sensible keeping them outdoors!!!

[notbad Graduate]

You can get deodorant sprays especially for shoes which are good, also try (when they are dry) sprinkling some bicarbonate of soda, it's great for absorbing odours, shake it all out when ready to wear again.

[crox Graduate in reply to notbad]

I tried the deodorant on my slippers, lasted about a day

[notbad Graduate in reply to crox]

Yes, unfortunately it's usually a case of spraying them frequently to keep it at bay!

[iwillbefit Graduate]

Bicarbonate of soda is a wonder!! Take (clean) pair of socks, fill toe area with bicarb, and pop in each trainer for a day. Somehow magically absorbs that foul odour

[ju-ju- Graduate]

Just hand washed them...hopefully OK.... thankyou for all your advice!

[Honorsmum]

Stick crumpled up newspaper in them to help dry them out.x

[lycranotlikely Graduate]

I was told 500 miles. That gives you a decent time still to go...if...you change them then.