Smelly running shoes (ASICS, Nike) in Indian humidity: how to clean and dry them

Running shoes that never fully dry in muggy weather soon start to smell. This guide follows ASICS and Nike's own care advice to wash the insoles and uppers by hand and dry the pair properly, without the washing machine or heat that can wreck the foam.

Take out the insoles and laces, brush off loose dirt, then hand wash the uppers, soles and insoles with lukewarm water and a little mild soap. Blot, stuff the shoes with paper and let them air dry fully in a shaded, breezy spot with a fan, which can take eight hours or more in humid weather. Both ASICS and Nike advise against the dryer and direct heat, and ASICS says running shoes should never go in the washing machine.

• 1. Pull out the insoles and laces: Remove the insoles (sockliners) and laces before you start. ASICS says this lets you reach the area under the insole, where sweat and smell build up, and that laces left in place never get fully clean.
• 2. Knock off dry dirt first: While the shoes are still dry, tap the soles together and brush mud and grit off the outsole, midsole and upper with a soft brush. Working dirt into wet mesh makes stains harder to shift.
• 3. Wash the insoles, which hold most of the smell: Scrub both sides of each insole with a brush dipped in lukewarm soapy water, then wipe them with a damp sponge and rinse. Nike points to insoles as a common source of shoe odour, so give them the most attention, and do not soak them for long or the foam may deform.
• 4. Hand wash the uppers and soles: Dip a sponge or soft brush in the soapy water and gently work it over the mesh uppers, midsole and outsole, then wipe with a clean wet cloth. ASICS advises against fully submerging the shoe. Use only mild soap, since harsh chemicals and bleach can fade colours.
• 5. Wash the laces separately: Rub the laces in the same soapy water, rinse and squeeze them out in a towel. Nike suggests letting them air dry, since heat can deform the plastic tips.
• 6. Blot out as much water as you can: Press a dry towel or microfibre cloth against the uppers and inside the shoe to lift water out. Blot rather than rub, so the mesh does not fuzz up. The less water left inside, the faster the pair dries in humid air.
• 7. Stuff and air dry with a fan: Fill each shoe with crumpled newspaper or paper towels to soak up moisture and hold the shape, and swap the paper for dry sheets every few hours. Place the shoes and insoles in an airy, shaded spot in front of a fan. Keep them away from geysers, heaters, hair dryers and the tumble dryer, which both brands warn can damage materials and shape.
• 8. Wait until everything is fully dry: Nike says shoes can take at least eight hours to dry at room temperature, and in monsoon humidity it is often longer. Press inside the toe box and check the insoles before putting them back. Shoes worn while still damp will start to smell again within days.
• 9. Keep the smell from coming back: Air the shoes and pull the insoles out after every run, wear moisture-wicking socks and wash them after each use. If you run daily, rotating two pairs gives each one a full day to dry. If you want to try baking soda, sprinkle a little inside only once the shoes are completely dry and shake it all out before wearing.