How To Care for Athletic Shoes in Winter

Winter presents unique challenges for runners. Besides the dark and cold (check out our tips for running in winter conditions), the wet and dirty snow can wear down your athletic shoes faster than normal. 

To avoid damage and having to replace your shoes sooner than expected, here are a few tips for protecting your athletic shoes from the elements. 

How to Waterproof Athletic Shoes

The best thing you can do for your running shoes in winter is to waterproof them. By keeping water out, you protect the shoes’ fabric and adhesives, plus reduce odor and staining.

You can waterproof your shoes in one of two ways: waterproofing spray (our recommended method) or wax treatment. 

Waterproof Running Shoes with Spray

For this method, we recommend that you use a waterproofing spray.

1. Clean your shoes thoroughly, first by using a toothbrush to gently knock off all dirt and debris, then by using a mixture of warm water and laundry detergent to scrub away stains. Wipe the shoes off with a clean microfiber cloth and let air dry.
2. Outside or in a well-ventilated area, apply the first coat of waterproofing spray. Hold the spray 6-8” away from your shoes and apply a thin, even layer. Pay special attention to seams between different materials, as those are the places especially susceptible to allowing in moisture.
3. Check the bottle to see if it’s recommended to do another layer or two. If so, follow the same process of step 2 once the first round of spray has dried.
4. Use a clean microfiber cloth to wipe off any excess moisture.
5. Let air dry completely in a cool, dark area before wearing.

Waterproof Running Shoes with Wax

For this method, we recommend that you use a colorless, odorless wax. Before you commit to doing both shoes, be sure to test the wax on a small patch of one shoe to make sure it does not stain.

1. Follow the same cleaning instructions as in step 1 above. Make sure shoes are completely dry before proceeding.
2. Use a soft brush to rub wax onto any area of the shoe that you want to waterproof—it’s okay to apply pressure here. Especially focus on areas that are likely to get soaked through, like the heels, tongue, and seams.The wax may look slightly discolored at this point, but this should go away when it melts.
3. Use a hair dryer to melt the wax. (This is the ONLY time you should use a hair dryer on your shoes!). Do this until the wax completely seeps into the shoe, at which point all discoloration should disappear.
4. Once the wax has hardened, inspect your shoes to see if you missed any spots. You can test the waterproofing by spraying water onto the shoe—it should just sit on top or roll off. If it doesn’t, repeat steps 2-3 with a second layer of wax.

How to Remove Salt Stains from Athletic Shoes

If you notice a salt stain on your shoe, the best time to treat it is as soon as possible. You can use a cleaning spray, like this foam shoe cleaner from Hickory, or a mixture of two parts water to one part white vinegar. Follow these instructions to remove the stain.

1. Check the label or tag of your shoes to make sure they aren’t sensitive to any ingredients in your chosen cleaning product. If not, proceed.
2. Stuff your shoes with newspaper to help them retain their shape and absorb extra moisture while you clean.
3. Dampen a clean microfiber cloth with the cleaning solution. Moving from the outside of the stain towards its center, gently scrub out the salt. 
4. Blot out excess cleaning solution with a cloth or paper towel until your shoes are as dry as possible.
5. Allow your shoes to finish drying in a cool, dry area. Do not apply direct heat.

Other Tips & Tricks

Here are a few other ways to protect your running shoes this season.

Avoid water whenever possible, even after waterproofing. 

While running, try to avoid any puddles or major snowbanks, instead looking for dry paths wherever possible. If it’s actively precipitating, consider running inside or doing an indoor cross-training day instead.

Dry shoes in cool environments

When your shoes get wet, it may be tempting to dry them in the sun, or even to use a blowdryer to evaporate moisture quickly. However, this will damage your shoes. Avoid applying direct heat; rather, store your shoes in a cool, dry area and allow them to air dry naturally. You can stuff them with newspaper to help absorb moisture, which has the added bonus of helping your shoes maintain their shape.

Clean your shoes after every run

When you get home after a grueling run, it’s nice to take your shoes off and relax right away. However, five extra minutes spent cleaning your pair will make a huge difference in their longevity and appearance. Gently wipe off any dirt and debris you picked up while running, and make note of any places where your waterproofing treatment seems to be wearing thin.

Shop Winter Athletic Shoes and Apparel

Goodmiles is your one-stop shop for all things athletic, no matter the season. Our team of Fit Experts loves to help runners and movers of all kinds find what they need to feel good about their workout. During winter, we’ve got waterproof shoes and warm apparel that will help you feel your best.

Visit us at our two locations in Brookfield and Greenfield, or shop online 24/7 at goodmilesrunning.com. We’ll see you soon, running buddies!