TRAIL RUNNING KIT CARE GUIDE

Run the Wild guide and kit care guru Chris gives his tips for keeping your trail running kit in good condition and making them last longer. 

As an avid cani-crosser (European sport where the runner is pulled along by their attached dog) and a trail runner it’s fair to say my trail shoes live a hard life. Since my shoes were spending most of their time in ice, mud and puddles I was going through a pair of shoes at an alarming rate and realised I had to start looking after them.

Over time I came up with ways to look after my kit, not just shoes but also running vests, which slowed down the rate at which I was having to replace them and keep the bank balance looking a bit better! Starting to look after my kit also meant it remained comfortable and the shoes were as fresh as a pair of trail shoes can be! So, read on for my top 5 running kit care tips.

After a muddy trail run, the best thing you can do for your shoes is to wash them as soon as possible. Fresh mud is far easier to remove than dried-on dirt, saving you time and effort in the long run.

• Wash shoes immediately: If you can, rinse them off as soon as you get home. This prevents mud from hardening and becoming more difficult to remove.
• Remove insoles: Take out the insoles before washing. Rinse them separately to ensure they stay fresh and dry properly.
• Use the right tools:
  • A mountain bike pressure washer (often available with a 12v car socket) works well for a quick clean.
  • Alternatively, a pump sprayer from your local hardware store is affordable and easy to use.
• Clean the tread: Pay special attention to the tread pattern underneath. Remove all mud and stones to maintain maximum grip for your next run.
• Rinse the uppers thoroughly: Wash out the mesh and material on the upper part of the shoe. Removing mud and grit here reduces friction and wear, especially in areas where the foot flexes.

By following these simple steps, you’ll keep your trail running shoes in top condition, ready for your next adventure!

Once you’re home from your run and your shoes are wet, resist the urge to speed up the drying process with heat. Instead, packing your shoes with newspaper is the safest and most effective way to restore them.

• Remove the insoles:
  • Take out the insoles and dry them separately. This helps both the shoes and the insoles dry more thoroughly and prevents odour buildup.
• Loosen the laces:
  • Open up the shoe to allow better airflow and easier access when stuffing the newspaper inside.
• Stuff with newspaper:
  • Crumple up newspaper and push it right down into the toe and all along the inside of the shoe. Build up layers to maximise absorption.
• Replace the newspaper as needed:
  • The newspaper will soak up a lot of water quickly. Replace it a couple of times - especially if your shoes are very wet - until the paper comes out mostly dry.
• Let the shoes air dry:
  • Once the newspaper is no longer soaking, let the shoes sit in a dry, well-ventilated area (but not in direct heat or sunlight) to finish drying naturally. 

Drying your shoes slowly with newspaper helps maintain their flexibility and prevents them from becoming stiff, brittle, or damaged. Quick drying methods, like placing shoes near a radiator or in an airing cupboard, can cause the glue and stitching to break down, leading to shrinkage and potential discomfort or blisters.

By following these steps, you’ll keep your trail running shoes in top condition, ready for your next adventure.

If your trail running shoes have developed an unpleasant, lingering odour - think stagnant pond rather than fresh air - baking soda offers a simple and effective solution.

• Sprinkle baking soda inside:
  • Generously sprinkle baking soda inside each shoe, making sure to cover the interior as much as possible.
• Let it sit overnight:
  • Allow the baking soda to remain in the shoes overnight. This gives it plenty of time to absorb odours.
• Empty and enjoy:
  • The next day, tip out the baking soda into the bin. You’ll notice a significant improvement in the freshness of your shoes.

Using baking soda is a quick, inexpensive, and chemical-free way to keep your trail running shoes smelling much better between runs.

If you find that your running tops still smell fresh out of the washing machine, you’re not alone - many runners face this common frustration. Standard detergents often struggle to eliminate the stubborn odors that build up in technical fabrics like polyester and nylon.

• Targets tough odours:
  • A dedicated sports wash is specially formulated to break down and remove the bacteria and sweat that cause persistent smells in running gear.
• Gentle on fabrics: 
  • Unlike regular detergents, sports washes are designed to protect the delicate fibres and performance features of your running clothes, helping them last longer.
• Preserves breathability: 
  • Using a sports wash helps maintain the breathability and moisture-wicking properties of your gear, which can be compromised by harsh detergents or fabric softeners. 

Switching to a sports wash is a simple step that can make a big difference in keeping your trail running kit fresh and functional.

Keeping your running vest clean is key to preventing it from becoming brittle and developing unsightly white sweat patches. Regular cleaning also helps maintain comfort and durability for the long haul.

Keeping your running vest clean is key to preventing it from becoming brittle and developing unsightly white sweat patches. Regular cleaning also helps maintain comfort and durability for the long haul.

It might take a bit more time and effort to look after your kit rather than just throwing it in the corner! However, it will definitely last a lot longer and your wallet will thank you!