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Personal Care and Style
Footwear
Shoes
Care of Shoes
Cleaning Shoes
How to Clean Nike Shoes Download Article Co-authored by Marc Sigal
Last Updated: April 28, 2025
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Cleaning Nike Shoes
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Cleaning Your Insoles
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Keeping Your Sneakers Clean On the Go
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This article was co-authored by Marc Sigal. Marc Sigal is a Shoe Care Specialist based in Los Angeles. Marc has over 19 years of experience working in the world of e-commerce, with extensive experience with the care of luxury goods. He is currently the VP of Strategic Partnerships at Blutag, an e-commerce platform helping consumers find products. Prior to Blutag, he founded ButlerBox, a dry cleaning and shoe care service based in Los Angeles, California. ButlerBox reinvented amenity services by placing custom-designed, wrinkle-resistant lockers in luxury apartment buildings, class A office buildings, shopping centers, and other convenient locations. The company got acquired by Rinse.com in 2021. Marc has a BA in Global and International Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara. This article has been viewed 497,213 times.
Got an awesome new pair of Nike shoes a couple months ago? And now they look three years old? Fear not. Tears and discoloration notwithstanding, your Nikes can look like new (whether they're mesh or leather) with just a few easy steps. It's best to skip the washer and dryer to prevent damage to your shoes, so read on read on for simple, safe ways to make your Nikes look fresh again.
Things You Should Know
Clean Nike shoes using warm, soapy water by hand (not in the washing machine and dryer, since the heat can damage the shoes' adhesive).
Use a damp sponge or cloth to scrub your shoes clean. Wipe off the excess suds with a different cloth.
Let your Nikes air dry in a well-ventilated room. Set them in the sun to help them dry faster.
Steps
Method 1 Method 1 of 3:
Cleaning Nike Shoes
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1 Get rid of excess dirt. To avoid staining, this is best done as soon as possible after your shoes are exposed to dirt. Use a clean, soft-bristled toothbrush to gently clean the outsole.[1]X Expert Source Marc SigalShoe Care SpecialistExpert Interview
If you want to really get in there, you can use small paintbrushes, screwdrivers, awls, or pieces from phone and glasses cleaning kits to clean out nooks and crannies.
2 Prepare some suds. Fill a sink with warm water, and mix in a little bit of laundry detergent.[2]X Expert Source Marc SigalShoe Care SpecialistExpert Interview Don’t overdo it. You want a mildly soapy liquid.
If you are cleaning Nike Flyknits, use cold water, as hot water can damage the fabric. You should also use a mild cleanser like Jergens Mild or Purpose rather than laundry detergent, which has chemicals that could affect the dye in the Flyknit fabric.[3]XResearch source
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3 Give your shoes a sponge bath. Using a sponge, microfiber cloth, or washcloth, gently scrub the dirty parts of your shoes. Don’t use too much liquid; you don’t want to get your shoes any wetter than you have to. Rinse the soap off the sponge, microfiber cloth, or washcloth with warm water, and use it to wipe the soap off your shoes.
4 Let them dry. Leave your shoes out to air dry in a well-ventilated room.[4]X Expert Source Marc SigalShoe Care SpecialistExpert Interview You can put them in a sunny spot to speed up the process a bit, or use a blow dryer on the cold setting, but never put them in a dryer.
You can stuff your shoes with paper towels to help them keep their shape, but bear in mind that they will take longer to dry without any airflow.
Putting a tumble dryer fabric sheet in each shoe can help them dry faster, and freshen them up a bit.[5]XResearch source
Advertisement Method 2 Method 2 of 3:
Cleaning Your Insoles
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1 Wet the insoles. Run them under got water until they are soaked through. Be gentle with them, particularly if parts of are peeling or damaged.
2 Scrub the insoles. Pour a bit of dishwashing liquid or laundry detergent onto the insoles. Scrub them gently, using a toothbrush or other small brush.[6]X Expert Source Marc SigalShoe Care SpecialistExpert Interview If there is a label visible on the insoles, be especially careful scrubbing around it..
3 Rinse the insoles. Use cold water this time. Continue to be gentle, but make sure you get all the soap out.
4 Dry the insoles. Lay out a towel and place them on top of it. Fold the rest of the towel over them and press down to dry. Pat as much water dry as possible. Lay the insoles out to dry in a well-ventilated room, or in front of a fan.
Advertisement Method 3 Method 3 of 3:
Keeping Your Sneakers Clean On the Go
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1 Carry baby wipes. If you want to keep them looking new, it is best to get dirt off your shoes as soon as you get it on them. Baby wipes are very gentle, and will help you remove grime from your sneakers quickly and easily.
2 Carry pencils. A pencil eraser is very handy for getting rid of scratches and scuffs on the rubbery parts of your shoes. Simply rub the eraser on the mark on your shoe the same way you would rub a misspelled word on a piece of paper.
3 Buy inserts. There are stiff paper and cardboard inserts you can buy to put in your shoes when you are not wearing them. This will ensure that the shoes keep their shape, and don’t warp while they’re off your feet. These are especially handy when your shoes get wet.
4 Replace your laces. Nothing freshens up a pair of sneakers like new laces. Getting a sparkling new pair to replace a worn-out one can make a well-cared for pair of sneakers look fresh out of the box.
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Question Can I throw my sneakers in the dryer? Marc Sigal Shoe Care Specialist Marc Sigal is a Shoe Care Specialist based in Los Angeles. Marc has over 19 years of experience working in the world of e-commerce, with extensive experience with the care of luxury goods. He is currently the VP of Strategic Partnerships at Blutag, an e-commerce platform helping consumers find products. Prior to Blutag, he founded ButlerBox, a dry cleaning and shoe care service based in Los Angeles, California. ButlerBox reinvented amenity services by placing custom-designed, wrinkle-resistant lockers in luxury apartment buildings, class A office buildings, shopping centers, and other convenient locations. The company got acquired by Rinse.com in 2021. Marc has a BA in Global and International Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Marc Sigal Shoe Care Specialist Expert Answer Some shoes may get damaged in the dryer. Let them air dry in a dry, well-ventilated area. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1
Question What household items can you use to clean sneakers? Marc Sigal Shoe Care Specialist Marc Sigal is a Shoe Care Specialist based in Los Angeles. Marc has over 19 years of experience working in the world of e-commerce, with extensive experience with the care of luxury goods. He is currently the VP of Strategic Partnerships at Blutag, an e-commerce platform helping consumers find products. Prior to Blutag, he founded ButlerBox, a dry cleaning and shoe care service based in Los Angeles, California. ButlerBox reinvented amenity services by placing custom-designed, wrinkle-resistant lockers in luxury apartment buildings, class A office buildings, shopping centers, and other convenient locations. The company got acquired by Rinse.com in 2021. Marc has a BA in Global and International Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Marc Sigal Shoe Care Specialist Expert Answer If your shoes are muddy or there are some stains on them, you can wash them in a mild detergent. When cleaning, any sort of soft bristle brush or toothbrush works very well. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 2 Helpful 0
Question How can I get rid of scuff marks? Marc Sigal Shoe Care Specialist Marc Sigal is a Shoe Care Specialist based in Los Angeles. Marc has over 19 years of experience working in the world of e-commerce, with extensive experience with the care of luxury goods. He is currently the VP of Strategic Partnerships at Blutag, an e-commerce platform helping consumers find products. Prior to Blutag, he founded ButlerBox, a dry cleaning and shoe care service based in Los Angeles, California. ButlerBox reinvented amenity services by placing custom-designed, wrinkle-resistant lockers in luxury apartment buildings, class A office buildings, shopping centers, and other convenient locations. The company got acquired by Rinse.com in 2021. Marc has a BA in Global and International Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Marc Sigal Shoe Care Specialist Expert Answer Any of type of Magic Eraser product tends to help scuff marks come out. Simply get it wet and then focus on the scuff mark. Another trick is using a number two pencil eraser, if you have one of those handy. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1
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Tips
If you have to clean Pumas or Filas, try to follow their cleaning suggestions. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
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References
↑ Marc Sigal. Shoe Care Specialist. Expert Interview
↑ Marc Sigal. Shoe Care Specialist. Expert Interview
↑ Marc Sigal. Shoe Care Specialist. Expert Interview
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About This Article
Co-authored by: Marc Sigal Shoe Care Specialist This article was co-authored by Marc Sigal. Marc Sigal is a Shoe Care Specialist based in Los Angeles. Marc has over 19 years of experience working in the world of e-commerce, with extensive experience with the care of luxury goods. He is currently the VP of Strategic Partnerships at Blutag, an e-commerce platform helping consumers find products. Prior to Blutag, he founded ButlerBox, a dry cleaning and shoe care service based in Los Angeles, California. ButlerBox reinvented amenity services by placing custom-designed, wrinkle-resistant lockers in luxury apartment buildings, class A office buildings, shopping centers, and other convenient locations. The company got acquired by Rinse.com in 2021. Marc has a BA in Global and International Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara. This article has been viewed 497,213 times. 2 votes - 100% Co-authors: 21Updated: April 28, 2025 Views: 497,213 Categories: Cleaning ShoesArticle SummaryX
To clean your Nike sneakers, try using laundry detergent. First, fill a sink with warm water and a little bit of laundry detergent. Then, wash your shoes with a sponge or microfiber cloth to get rid of dirt or stains. After you’ve finished cleaning them, leave your sneakers in a well ventilated place to air dry, which will help them stay fresh. If your insoles need cleaning as well, run them under hot water to get them damp. Next, scrub them with an old toothbrush and a small amount of laundry detergent. Rinse them under cold water, then place them on a towel to dry. For tips on how to clean your sneakers while you're on the go, read on!Did this summary help you?YesNo
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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Marc Sigal Shoe Care Specialist Co-authors: 21Updated: April 28, 2025 Views: 497,213100% of readers found this article helpful. 2 votes - 100% Click a star to add your vote
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Co-authored by: Marc Sigal Shoe Care Specialist This article was co-authored by Marc Sigal. Marc Sigal is a Shoe Care Specialist based in Los Angeles. Marc has over 19 years of experience working in the world of e-commerce, with extensive experience with the care of luxury goods. He is currently the VP of Strategic Partnerships at Blutag, an e-commerce platform helping consumers find products. Prior to Blutag, he founded ButlerBox, a dry cleaning and shoe care service based in Los Angeles, California. ButlerBox reinvented amenity services by placing custom-designed, wrinkle-resistant lockers in luxury apartment buildings, class A office buildings, shopping centers, and other convenient locations. The company got acquired by Rinse.com in 2021. Marc has a BA in Global and International Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara. This article has been viewed 497,213 times. 2 votes - 100% Co-authors: 21 Updated: April 28, 2025 Views: 497,213 Categories: Cleaning Shoes Article SummaryX
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1 Get rid of excess dirt. To avoid staining, this is best done as soon as possible after your shoes are exposed to dirt. Use a clean, soft-bristled toothbrush to gently clean the outsole.[1] 
2 Prepare some suds. Fill a sink with warm water, and mix in a little bit of laundry detergent.[2] Don’t overdo it. You want a mildly soapy liquid. 
3 Give your shoes a sponge bath. Using a sponge, microfiber cloth, or washcloth, gently scrub the dirty parts of your shoes. Don’t use too much liquid; you don’t want to get your shoes any wetter than you have to. Rinse the soap off the sponge, microfiber cloth, or washcloth with warm water, and use it to wipe the soap off your shoes. 
4 Let them dry. Leave your shoes out to air dry in a well-ventilated room.[4] You can put them in a sunny spot to speed up the process a bit, or use a blow dryer on the cold setting, but never put them in a dryer. 
1 Carry baby wipes. If you want to keep them looking new, it is best to get dirt off your shoes as soon as you get it on them. Baby wipes are very gentle, and will help you remove grime from your sneakers quickly and easily. 
2 Carry pencils. A pencil eraser is very handy for getting rid of scratches and scuffs on the rubbery parts of your shoes. Simply rub the eraser on the mark on your shoe the same way you would rub a misspelled word on a piece of paper. 
3 Buy inserts. There are stiff paper and cardboard inserts you can buy to put in your shoes when you are not wearing them. This will ensure that the shoes keep their shape, and don’t warp while they’re off your feet. These are especially handy when your shoes get wet. 
4 Replace your laces. Nothing freshens up a pair of sneakers like new laces. Getting a sparkling new pair to replace a worn-out one can make a well-cared for pair of sneakers look fresh out of the box. Advertisement 
Marc Sigal Shoe Care Specialist Marc Sigal is a Shoe Care Specialist based in Los Angeles. Marc has over 19 years of experience working in the world of e-commerce, with extensive experience with the care of luxury goods. He is currently the VP of Strategic Partnerships at Blutag, an e-commerce platform helping consumers find products. Prior to Blutag, he founded ButlerBox, a dry cleaning and shoe care service based in Los Angeles, California. ButlerBox reinvented amenity services by placing custom-designed, wrinkle-resistant lockers in luxury apartment buildings, class A office buildings, shopping centers, and other convenient locations. The company got acquired by Rinse.com in 2021. Marc has a BA in Global and International Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara. 