Cleaning trainers does not automatically mean machine washing them. Materials, adhesives, reinforcement and manufacturer instructions determine the appropriate method. For persistent marks, also read the principles of stain assessment, without automatically applying a clothing treatment to footwear.
Check the brand's instructions
Nike does not recommend machine washing its shoes. A delicate programme should therefore not become blanket advice for every brand. Read the model-specific guidance and assess the upper, sole and insole separately.
Suede, smooth leather and specially finished textiles need different approaches. Our leather-shoe guide explains why the distinction matters.
A cautious hand-cleaning routine
- Remove loose dry dirt with a brush suitable for the surface.
- Remove laces and insoles only if they detach without force.
- Test a compatible product discreetly and check for colour transfer.
- Use a small amount of solution and avoid unnecessarily soaking the shoe.
- Remove residues as directed by the product instructions.
Do not use a dirty sole-cleaning brush on a pale upper. Avoid mixing stain treatments or applying bleach to every white material.
Allow enough drying time
Leave shoes in a ventilated place away from radiators and hairdryers. Replace insoles only when all parts are dry. If odour persists, review drying between wears rather than relying on a stronger fragrance.
Know when to stop
Stop if colour transfers, a finish lifts or a glued section opens. Request assessment and explain which products were used. Confirm service availability for the particular model before drop-off; this guide does not guarantee SPG can accept every pair.
Frequently asked questions
Can textile trainers go in the washing machine?
Only when the maker explicitly permits it for that model. A textile-looking upper does not tell you how adhesives or internal components will behave.
Can I dry trainers on a radiator?
Avoid direct heat. Follow the model's instructions and allow time for the shoes and insoles to dry fully.
