How To Clean Muddy Running Shoes

Serious runners run in all weather conditions, and because of this, serious runners need to know how to clean muddy running shoes. Trail running after heavy rain can leave your shoes caked in mud, and although the shoes may look terrible, they are most definitely salvageable. In fact, it is easy to clean muddy running shoes with a bit of hot water and some common household items.

Materials:

• Hot water
• Butter knife
• Old toothbrush
• Toothpicks
• Paper towels
• Mild soap

1. Remove large chunks of mud: If the shoes are dry, it is possible to remove the large chunks of mud by banging the shoes together outside. If the mud is still wet, it is a bit more difficult to clean muddy running shoes. For wet mud, run warm water over the sole of the shoe, and then scrape large chunks of mud off with the flat side of a butter knife.
2. Remove smaller chunks: Once the large chunks are gone, you will need to remove the smaller chunks in harder to reach places. An old toothbrush is a perfect tool to clean muddy running shoes. Continue running warm water over the sole of the shoe and use the old toothbrush to scrub chunks of mud out of hard to reach places.
3. Tiny cracks: If the shoe is still not clean a toothpick can be used to clean the tiny cracks and treads on the sole of a muddy running shoe.
4. Canvas: To truly clean muddy running shoes you must clean the canvass and laces as well. A bit of warm water, mild soap and a paper towel will typically do the trick.  Splash a bit of warm water and soap on the paper towel and then gently scrub the muddy spots on the shoes.
5. Repeat as necessary: It can be frustrating to clean muddy running shoes, but with a bit of persistence, the mud will eventually come out. If all else fails, the mud adds character.