Buying a new pair of running shoes is a great feeling, but it’s not often long until they become muddy, dirty, and worn-in; whether that’s from the hard impact of road running or the unpredictable terrain of trail running. As much as this can’t be helped to a great extent, there are ways in which we can reduce the impact of damage so that they last as long as possible. Investing in a good quality pair of runners and making sure they stay in tip-top condition for as long as possible is not only better for your wallet, but the environment too.

From fool-proof ways on how to clean your shoes to little tricks we’ve discovered over the years, here’s a short but helpful guide on how to take good care of your running shoes:

It seems like a lot of money to buy two pairs of running shoes at the same time, but in the long-run, it can work out cheaper. By alternating between two pairs, both will last much longer, and they won't wear down as quickly.

Running shoes support your feet and are comfortable to wear, so it’s easy to see why so many people choose to wear running trainers for all of their day-to-day activities. We suggest that if you want your running trainers to stay comfortable and supportive on your runs, only wear them out running.

Never put your running shoes in the washing machine or tumble dryer because this will change the shape and texture. Instead, use either a cloth or a little warm water, soap, and an old brush or toothbrush to scrub off the muddy parts. On that note, it is important to remove all mud and dirt from your trainers after your run so it doesn’t build up. If it’s dry mud, you can always clap them together and brush off anything that remains.

Rather than using the tumble dryer to quick-dry your trainers, we’d recommend putting balls of newspaper or kitchen paper inside the shoe, which will soak up excess moisture and help keep their shape.