Difference of opinion in my house? Putting trainers in the washing machine.

[Realfoodieclub]

I had my running trainers for a while before I took them out running. They sat on the shoe rack in pristine condition. I was always embarrassed by their newness. Now after months of running they are a little tired looking but comfy. The thing is today I got a new pair in the sales (only for a back up) and my husband said thank god at least you can get rid of those dirty ones. I felt very protective of my trainers. They are not worn out yet, they haven't got a massive mileage they are just not brand new anymore and I am very proud of that fact. They do not smell they are just muddy looking. He said I should put them in the washer. I don't want to, they are comfy and fit perfectly. Am I being precious by not wanting to do anything to them. Does any one wash their trainers???

[MrsMozzer Graduate]

I had read somewhere that it's not a good idea to wash running shoes in the washing machine (even when they're a bit pongy) as it doesn't do the insoles etc much good. The woman in our local sports shop told me she sponges really heavy mud off hers in winter although if she has been training on the roads they aren't too bad, but that in summer she will hose them down with her feet still in them before hanging them up to dry out.

My Mizuno's are now getting a bit stained but they're only a few month old and probably don't have much on the clock just yet - I have sponged mud off the sole so that I could bring them in to dry but the mesh is going brown in patches from dancing through puddles

[Rockette]

No do not put them in the washer . You should just sponge them as mrsmozzer said , it's a definite no no !

[Fitfor60 Graduate]

Nice man in shop said NO NO to washing machine He said use brush -tooth or nail - and water

[notbad Graduate]

I've heard you shouldn't because it effects the glues, I also dry brush the most off, then sponge and stuff with newspaper to dry out if wet.

[Hidden]

I believe this is fine for fashion trainers, but a real no no for proper running trainers as it affects their ability to support you properly when running.

Go run through some puddles and give then a good brush down

[Beads Graduate]

I do! Oops! Oh well, I figure with the number of puddles I've been running through recently and the amount of muck that gets ingrained it's better to give them a wash than to let the gritty mud wear away the fibres from the inside. They used to go through on the quick wash cycle, 30 minutes, no detergent, but I've now found I have a 15 minute rinse cycle, so use that now, they can be done by the time I'm out of the shower. I don't seem to have any problems with them, they get soaked out on a run so why not when we get back?

[crox Graduate]

I'm told it can be hard to tell if they've warn out. The soles on my first pair was warn flat, but subsequent pairs have had pretty decent tread left. I injured my foot running in my 2nd pair after their use by date. If you can squish the soles (presumably where ever you land - didn't clarify that point) then you should get rid apparently...

[misswobble Graduate in reply to crox]

I'm not washing mine! They might fall to bits as it's only muck that's holding them together. They might be uncomfy if you did as the insole might go bandy.

[Jaynew01]

I never put my running shoes in the washing machine. It could damage the cushioning that supports and absorbs the impact. I run very muddy tails at times and the mud sometimes has nearly been up to my ankles. Dry them out and brush/lightly knock them clean. I wear my dirty running shoes as a badge of honour. It represents the hours of work I have put in and signifies that I am a member of the running community. I hate new shoes and get them roughed up as soon as I can. Enjoy your dirty running shoes

[Jaynew01]

As an after thought, shoes should last between 250 and 500 miles, depending what you run on and how heavy you are on your shoes. Keep an eye on the tread as this will indicate that the shoes are nearing their end. It's not what you can see on the outside but what's happening in the materials used to support and protect. Another good indication is if you begin to feel niggly aches in joints such as knees. I have old injuries and as soon as I begin to feel niggles in those areas I know it's time for a new pair. Document the date you got your shoes and total the mileage up from there

[GoogleMe Graduate]

This time of year I seem to be giving my trail shoes a thorough wash under the tap every time as I have enough mud and debris for a small bog in them. And I dry them near a radiator without stuffing them, shock, horror. I don't fancy gunking up the washing machine with all that though, plus it is so noisy.

[Lwwitch Graduate]

Ive washed many a pair of trainers but I wouldn't wash my running shoes because they always get a little out of shape. They do come up well in washer which is fine if you're just walking about in them, but for running I wouldn't recommend.

[Realfoodieclub Graduate]

Thank you all for your replies. I am going to wear my trainers as a badge of honour but will think of getting a toothbrush for cleaning. The mesh will say muddy and looking proud and I will save the new ones for the dreaded treadmill on icy days. I thought I haven't done that much mileage yet but it's possible I am coming up to 300 km who would of ever of thought that. So I will keep an eye on it. Thank you all again. You learn so much here.

[Hidden]

Just wear the dirt with pride, but wash them well by hand if going into Aussie or NZ or they will tell you off ( and delay you 10 min to wash them)

[ajwyld Graduate]

I've never put shoes in the washing machine as someone once told me that they could distort the drum.

[ju-ju- Graduate]

I love mine all dirty...it describes their journey...I feel very attached to mine too, but sadly they stink and have worn right down having done 800k so far. So I am off to the shop on saturday for new ones. I might have a burial. I totally understand how you feel...keep them just as they are...