How to take better care of your trainers

Ever wonder what’s going on in your favourite pair of trainers after a good run or sweaty workout? It might be messier than you think… Here’s how to keep up your shoe hygiene.

1. Choose the right shoes

Wearing well-made shoes that are specific to their task, like running shoes that have breathable features, such as mesh uppers and minimal overlays, allows your feet to breathe and your shoes to dry more easily after each use. Experts recommend that you rotate between two pairs of shoes if you can, allowing time between each wear to air out thoroughly.

2. Put a sock in it

Opting for socks that have moisture-wicking fibres will keep things a bit drier by providing more ventilation and allowing sweat to evaporate better. Never go barefoot in your shoes. No socks means there’s no barrier between your sweat and shoes, so more moisture will absorb into your shoes. Plus, your bare, tender skin around your ankles won’t enjoy the added friction.

3. Take them off

Once you’re done with your walk or run, take shoes off immediately. The aim is to get hot, sweaty feet out as quickly as possible because odour-causing bacteria thrive in warm, humid environments. If you’ve had a particularly sweaty day, here’s what you do: get your shoes off, remove the insoles and stuff the shoes with newspaper. Allow them to dry in a well-ventilated area. If you place them in a spot that gets hot with little or no fresh air (think the boot of your car), they’re more likely to get musty.

4. Try this trick

Looking for a way to clean your shoes without giving them a full-on wash? It might be the ideal time for a deodoriser. And the good news is it’s probably already in your pantry, i.e. baking soda. Simply sprinkle half a teaspoon in each shoe to help neutralise acid left behind by stink-causing bacteria and absorb leftover moisture. Let it sit overnight.

5. Change the insole

If you find that you can’t get rid of a bad smell in your runners, think about replacing the insoles. There are plenty of options available that are effective at absorbing odour and sweat, thanks to ingredients such as activated charcoal. Plus, they’re reusable so you can wash them and use them over and over.