How to Properly Clean Adidas Shoes

Adidas was established by Adolf Dassler, a German cobbler, in 1924. A few months after launching the company, his older brother, Rudolph, joined the business.

Over the next two decades, the pair worked together to develop various types of athletic footwear. under the company name, Dassler Brothers Shoe Factory.

Following the breakdown of their relationship in 1949, Adolf renamed the brand Adidas.

Since then, they have become one of the leaders in the sportswear industry. As of 2024, Adidas operates more than 400 stores worldwide, 30 of which are in the United States.

Taking Care of Adidas Footwear

Adidas sneakers will last long as long as you care for them properly and that means cleaning them every now and then. Stains should also be treated as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the deeper they’ll set in, which will make them harder to remove.

Adidas’ Most Popular Shoe Brands

Here are some of their most popular shoe collections:

Boost

Adidas is known for its BOOST material, which provides unimaginable comfort that’s noticeable the minute you put it on.

It also offers increased energy return, which makes every step that much more comfortable.

Ultraboost

The Ultra Boost is known for its foam sole, which consists of many individual pods, all of which are made from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).

This gives it a “bouncy” sensation when you’re walking or running. It also features a prime knit upper, which hugs your foot without any constraint.

Pureboost

PureBoost is another line that features Boost cushioning. Not only is it lightweight at only ~200g but it also features a breathable knit upper, which is highly comfortable.

Compared to Ultraboosts, they have a lower profile, which gives them more of a racing feel. They’re also known for their wide toe box, which makes them ideal for those with wide feet.

Alphabounce

The Alphabounce is a multi-purpose shoe and is suitable for a variety of physical activities as well as casual wear. However, they are not intended for running long distances.

NMD

Adidas NMD is a modern shoe that features cutting-edge technology. Not only do they come with Primeknit uppers, which provide new levels of stability, flexibility, and strength, but they also have BOOST midsoles for maximum comfort.

Since its release, the brand has released numerous colors, some of which are more sought-after than others.

How to Wash Adidas Shoes

The shoe-cleaning process is quite straightforward as long as you have the proper tools and products.

Cleaning Your Adidas Shoes with Laundry Detergent

Start by removing any debris that’s stuck on the shoe. To dislodge caked-on dirt, gently banging the soles together a few times.

Next, remove the shoelaces so that you can wash them separately. Depending on the shoe, you might also be able to wash the insoles separately.

Pour a small amount of ACTIVE Detergent into a small bowl and mix with warm water to get a soapy solution. Soak a clean cloth in the liquid and use it to wipe the surface of the shoe; any stains should come off easily. Avoid scrubbing the fabric, especially the stitching, as that can cause damage.

Rinse the cloth when you’re finished and wet it again with water so that you can use it to remove detergent from the shoe.

Continue until all soap suds are gone. Once you’re done with the upper, you can gently brush the sole with a soft brush.

Finally, rinse off the detergent by dipping the sole in a tub of water.

Allow your shoes to air dry overnight; do not wear them until they are fully dry. Ideally, you want to place them in a well-ventilated area inside where they can dry at room temperature.

Do not speed up the process by using heat; the high temperature can cause the materials to warp.

Washing Your Shoelaces

You can toss the shoelaces in the washer with the rest of your laundry. To prevent them from being thrown around, it’s a good idea to put them in a mesh laundry bag. Alternatively, you can wash them by hand.

Fill a container with warm water and a bit of ACTIVE Detergent. Once the powder has dissolved, place the shoelaces in the mixture and let them soak for at least 20 minutes.

Let the shoelaces air dry overnight before putting them back on the shoes.

How to Remove Stains From Adidas Footwear

Here are a few ways to clean Adidas shoes in terms of stains:

Use a Gentle Stain Remover

There are many stain remover products that you can buy in stores – just make sure that it’s compatible with your shoe’s fabric.

Assuming that the product comes in a spray bottle, you’ll want to saturate the problem area with the liquid so that it soaks through. You may or may not have to rinse it with water depending on the formulation. To be sure, check the instructions label.

If you’re using a liquid stain remover, pour some of it onto a clean washcloth and use it to saturate the stains on your shoe.

Using ACTIVE Detergent

ACTIVE Detergent is great for general cleaning and can also be used to eliminate stains from your Adidas running shoes.

Start by mixing the powder with warm water in a bowl to create a soapy solution.

Using an old toothbrush, apply the detergent mixture onto the stained area. Make sure that the spot is entirely saturated before leaving it for 20 minutes.

Rinse the soap off once the time is up and check the stain. You might have to repeat the steps if it is still visible.

Remove Odors from Adidas Footwear

Here are a few ways to remove odors from your Adidas shoes:

Deodorizing Adidas Shoes With Tea Bags

Tea bags are for more than just tea, they can also be used to deodorize your shoes.

Place two to three in each shoe and let them set. Ideally, you want to leave your shoes in a dry environment as that will help reduce the chances of odors developing.

Leave the tea bags in overnight and remove them in the morning – they’ll smell a lot fresher. You’d be surprised just how effective this method is!

Deodorizing Adidas Shoes With Baking Soda

Baking soda is one of the best things for smelly shoes. Sprinkle a large amount into the shoes and shake them lightly to distribute the powder.

Leave all the baking soda in the shoes for a few hours – ideally, over night. The baking soda will effectively soak up the icky smells. When morning comes, dump the baking soda out.

Deodorizing Adidas Shoes With Dryer Sheets

Tuck a dryer sheet into each of your shoes and leave them in there overnight – that will give the sheets enough time to neutralize the odors. Just remember to pull them out in the morning.

Using Essential Oils

What’s great about this method is that you can choose exactly what scent you want to use.

Simply add a few drops of oil onto a cloth or a piece of paper and put it in your shoes overnight. Remove in the morning.

Washing Your Adidas Shoes – FAQs

Can you put Adidas sneakers into the washing machine?

Some of their shoes can be machine-washed. Don’t just throw them into the basin with the rest of your clothes, though.

Ideally, you want to wash them separately with a few towels to balance the load. It’s also a good idea to place the shoes in a mesh laundry bag to keep them together.

What’s the best way to clean sneakers?

ACTIVE Detergent is highly effective at removing stains and odors. Simply mix a small amount with water to create a cleaning solution and use it to clean the surfaces of the shoe.

Can you put Adidas shoes in the dryer?

No, you should never put Adidas footwear in the clothes dryer. Always let the shoes air dry, ideally in a well-ventilated room.