Are you a running enthusiast? How do you get stains out of white Brooks? Learn how to clean Brooks shoes in this comprehensive guide.

7 Easy DIY Steps to Clean Brooks Running Shoes

Are you a runner? Then, you know how important it is to have a pair of comfortable and durable Brooks shoes. Brooks shoes are one of the best brands that provide comfort, support, and performance for runners of all levels.

However, running shoes can get dirty, smelly, and worn out over time. You also know how hard it is to keep them clean after every run when they’re covered with dirt and sweat.

So, how do you clean Brooks shoes without damaging them or losing their quality? How do you clean different Brooks shoes, such as muddy, mesh, white, or Ghost shoes? 

Let me show you how to clean Brooks shoes like a pro in this guide.

How to Clean Running Shoes by Hand

One of my running friends asked me, 

“What is the best way to clean a pair of expensive Brooks running shoes with mud all over them, as the washing machine may ruin them?”

The best way to clean your running shoes is by hand. Machine washing can damage your shoes. So, here are the steps to follow:

1. Remove the laces and insoles from your shoes. You can wash them separately with mild soap and water.
2. Use a soft brush or a damp cloth to remove any loose dirt or debris from your shoes’ upper, midsole, and outsole.
3. Fill a bucket or a sink with cold water and add a small amount of mild detergent. Avoid using bleach, fabric softener, or harsh chemicals, as they can harm the fabric of your shoes.
4. Submerge your shoes in the water and gently scrub them with a soft brush or a sponge. Focus on the areas that have stains or are dirty.
5. Rinse your shoes thoroughly with clean water until no soap residue remains.
6. Air-dry your shoes in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Do not use a dryer or a hairdryer, as they can shrink or warp your shoes.

How to Clean Specific Types of Brooks Shoes

Depending on the type and color of your Brooks shoes, you may need to use different methods or products to clean them. Here are some tips for cleaning specific types of Brooks shoes:

How to Clean Muddy Running Shoes

If your running shoes are muddy after a trail run or a rainy day, clean them as soon as possible to prevent the mud from hardening and staining your shoes. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Wait for the mud to dry completely before cleaning your shoes. Do not try to wipe off wet mud, as it can spread and make the situation worse.
2. Use a stiff brush or a blunt object to scrape off the dried mud from your shoes’ upper, midsole, and outsole.
3. After, follow the steps for cleaning running shoes by hand, as described above.

How to Clean Mesh Running Shoes

Mesh running shoes are breathable and lightweight but can easily trap dirt and dust. To clean mesh running shoes, you must be gentle and careful not to damage the fabric. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Follow the steps for cleaning running shoes by hand, but use a softer brush or a cloth instead of a stiff brush or a sponge.
2. For stubborn stains or dirt on the mesh, you can use a toothbrush dipped in a mixture of baking soda and water. Gently scrub the affected areas with circular motions until the stains are gone.
3. Rinse your shoes thoroughly with clean water until no baking soda residue remains.

How to Clean White Brooks Shoes

White shoes, whether Brooks or an Air Max 270, can look stylish and fresh but get dirty and yellow over time. You must use special products and techniques to keep your white Brooks shoes bright and clean. Here are the steps to follow:

How do you get stains out of white Brooks?

If your white Brooks shoes have stains from grass, blood, ink, or other substances, you can try these methods:

• Grass stains: Use a stain remover that is safe for fabrics and follow the instructions on the label.
• Blood stains: Soak your shoes in cold water with salt or hydrogen peroxide for 15 minutes before washing them by hand.
• Ink stains: Dab rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover on a cotton ball and gently blot the stain until it fades.
• Other stains: Use a whitening product that is safe for fabrics and follow the instructions on the label.

How to Clean Brooks Ghost Shoes

Brooks Ghost shoes are one of the most popular models of Brooks running shoes. They have a smooth and cushioned ride that adapts to your stride. To clean Brooks Ghost shoes, you can follow the same steps for cleaning running shoes by hand as described above.

How to Dry Brooks Shoes

After washing your shoes by hand, whether Brooks or Nike Blazers, dry them properly to prevent mold, mildew, or smell from developing. Here are some tips for drying your Brooks shoes:

• Stuff your shoes with crumpled newspaper or paper towels to absorb excess moisture and help them retain their shape.
• Replace the stuffing every few hours until your shoes are completely dry.
• Do not expose your shoes to direct sunlight or heat sources, as they can fade or damage them.
• Do not store your shoes in a plastic bag or a closed container, as they can trap moisture and cause smell.

How to Remove Odor from Brooks Shoes

Even if you clean your shoes regularly, whether Brooks or Hey Dudes, they can still develop an unpleasant odor over time. It’s because bacteria and fungi can grow in your shoes’ moist and dark environment. You need to disinfect and deodorize your Brooks shoes to remove odor from them. Here are some methods you can try:

How to Clean Brooks Insoles

The insoles of your Brooks shoes are the part that comes in direct contact with your feet. They can absorb sweat, dirt, and foul smell from your feet and socks. To clean your Brooks insoles, you can follow these steps:

1. Remove the insoles from your shoes and wash them separately with mild soap and water.
2. Rinse them thoroughly with clean water and squeeze out the excess water.
3. Air-dry them in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
4. Sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch on the insoles to absorb any remaining odor.
5. Replace the insoles in your shoes once they are dry.

How to Remove Odor from Brooks

If your Brooks shoes still smell bad after cleaning them and their insoles, you can try these methods to remove the odor:

• Freeze your shoes overnight in a plastic bag. The cold temperature can kill the bacteria and fungi that cause odor.
• Spritz your shoes with a mixture of vinegar and water or lemon juice and water. The acidic solution can neutralize the odor and freshen up your shoes or slides like the Yeezy slides.
• Place dryer sheets or tea bags inside your shoes overnight. The dryer sheets or tea bags can absorb the odor and leave a pleasant scent behind.
• Use a shoe deodorizer spray or powder designed for running shoes. Follow the instructions on the product label and apply it to your shoes as needed.

When to Replace Your Brooks Shoes

Cleaning your Brooks shoes can extend their lifespan and performance, but it cannot make them last forever. Running shoes have limited mileage and will eventually wear out and lose their cushioning, support, and stability. You must know when to replace your Brooks shoes to prevent injuries and discomfort. Here are some factors to consider:

When to Clean Your Running Shoes

You should clean your running shoes when they are visibly dirty or stained or smell bad. However, you should not over-clean your running shoes as it can cause them to deteriorate faster. A general rule of thumb is to clean your running shoes every 200 to 300 miles. Alternatively, every two to three months, depending on how often and far you run.

When to Let Go Your Running Shoes

You should let go of your running shoes when they show signs of wear and tear, such as:

• Worn out outsole or has holes or cracks.
• Compressed midsole or has creases or wrinkles.
• Torn upper or has holes or loose threads.
• Bent or broken heel counter.
• Deformed toe box.

You should also let go of your running shoes when they feel uncomfortable or cause pain.

How Long Will Brooks Shoes Last

The lifespan of Brooks shoes depends on several factors, such as:

• The type of Brooks shoes you have. Different models of Brooks shoes have different levels of durability and cushioning. For example, Brooks Adrenaline shoes are more durable than Brooks Launch shoes but also heavier and less responsive.
• The type of running you do. Different types of running have different impacts on your shoes. For example, trail running can cause more abrasion and damage to your shoes than road running, but also less compression and wear on the midsole.
• The frequency and intensity of your running. The more often and the harder you run, the faster your shoes will wear out.
• The weight and biomechanics of the runner. The heavier and the more pronated or supinated the runner is, the more stress they will put on their shoes.

A general rule of thumb is that Brooks shoes will last for about 300 to 500 miles or four to six months, depending on the abovementioned factors. However, this is only an estimate and may vary from person to person. You can use a running app or a log book to track the mileage of your Brooks shoes. Check out our other helpful guides to learn more about shoe and accessories cleaning hacks.