Don’t put your shoes by a radiator or other direct source of heat to dry, as this can warp the plastic and alter the shape of the shoe. [1] X Research source If it’s humid, damp, or there’s no sunlight, dry your shoes with a household fan. Either put the shoes on a towel or plastic tray with the top facing the fan (so the air gets inside the shoe), or use an over the door hook (or “S” shaped hook) to hang the shoes directly on the grill of the fan. [2] X Research source Don’t leave your shoes outdoors overnight. They’ll just get damp again.
If you can get the shoes on your feet, stomping your feet will also cause the mud to fall off the exterior of your shoe. However, it may not be possible to even get them on if your shoes are filled with dried mud.
Sometimes you can’t remove the insert without ruining the shoe. If this is the case, then leave them in and just try to get them as clean as possible. If your shoelaces are knotted and won’t loosen or come out, you can always cut them and buy a new, clean set of laces wherever shoes are sold.
Use a dry rag or paper towel to wipe off the dirty water as you clean. If you don’t have a toothbrush other than the one you use on your teeth, try a nail brush or a shoe polishing brush. [3] X Research source If you removed the inserts, don’t forget to scrub them off as well.
Wash the shoes in cold water only, and on a “gentle” or “delicate” setting. You can machine-wash the inserts as well, just make sure they are not still in the shoe.
Your shoes should be dry in about 12 hours. [6] X Research source If you insist on trying to dry your shoes in the dryer, lace them back up and tie the laces to something heavy. Hang the laces over the dryer door, with the weight on the outside of the door, and close the door. This should keep your shoes from banging around. You can also put each shoe in a pillowcase and try to dry them that way.
Your shoes should be dry in about 12 hours. [6] X Research source If you insist on trying to dry your shoes in the dryer, lace them back up and tie the laces to something heavy. Hang the laces over the dryer door, with the weight on the outside of the door, and close the door. This should keep your shoes from banging around. You can also put each shoe in a pillowcase and try to dry them that way.
Make sure you get the baking soda out before you put the shoes back on. Bang them upside-down or use a vacuum with a hose attachment.
If you don’t have time to unlace and re-lace your shoes after and before every run, at least loosen the laces and lift the tongue a little to increase the air flow.
If you keep your shoes in a gym bag or a locker, try using mini deodorizers (like Sneaker Balls) to keep nasty odors at bay. [12] X Research source
