Road or trail runner, looking after your kit is imperative. After a particularly muddy or wet run, it’s easy to walk through the door, kick the shoes off, and leave them in the garage until the next time you step out. However, by implementing simple changes into your routine you’ll extend the life of your kit.

Run the Wild shares their kit care tips to help you keep your kit feeling fresher for longer. Say goodbye to musty trail shoes while saving money replacing your kit less frequently.

Mud and grit are abrasive on shoe fabrics, so if you want your shoes to last longer and feel more comfortable you ideally need to rinse the worst off your shoes post run.  

Use warm water either on its own or a gentle laundry detergent. Don’t worry too much about mud stuck to the soles, a quick tap when dry will get rid of most of this. Soaking running shoes often means they’ll take a long time to dry out and increases the chance of them getting smelly, so wet a brush or cloth first and wipe it across the shoe instead. Avoid putting your shoes in the washing machine, because this can misshapen the shoe and degrades the compound of the sole.  

Top tip, use a footwear protection service at any Runners Need store whenever you invest in a new pair of shoes. This will protect shoes from mud, water, dust and more. 

Don’t be tempted to dry your shoes upside down on the radiator. The heat is too intense and will likely lead to the glue separating between the sole and the upper, deforming the sole.

Similarly, never put them in a drier. Instead, pack the inside of the shoe with scrunched up newspaper, and change this frequently. Leaving your shoes in a warmer spot that’s not too hot will also help the drying process.

You’ll speed up drying even more by removing the insoles. Be sure to untie the laces and check they’re clean too. This will make them less brittle once dry and easier to tie.

Don’t forget to rinse your running pack after heavy usage. Running packs get saturated with sweat which dries into salt patches. On top of leaked energy gels and splatters of mud, you’ll find your pack stays in much better condition if it’s wiped down regularly. The same goes for your pack’s zips. When you consistently keep your pack clean, you’ll find it much easier to zip up compartments and pockets.  

After every long run, rinse your pack in warm, clean water. This is also a good way to check you’ve emptied your pack properly, as there’s nothing worse than finding an uneaten sandwich in there a month later! Add a small amount of gentle detergent while running the zips up and down when washing. Rinse the pack well with some additional warm water to avoid lathering up on your next rainy run!

The build-up in the tubes and mouth nozzles of soft flasks and hydration bladders can be a challenge to remove. Luckily, for most, you can take them apart with gentle persuasion, allowing you to clean everything thoroughly. 

It’s best practice to empty the contents of bottles and bladders as soon as you can. Rinse your vessels gently in hot soapy water, removing any mouthpieces or valves and swilling the water around.  

Bladders can usually be turned inside out, once the hose has been disconnected. Dry them by hanging them upside down. Avoid drying them in intense heat. Although it may seem like a lot of effort, caring for water vessels ensures they stay clean to use and keeps them in play for longer.

If your waterproof kit isn’t looked after it won’t stay waterproof for long. Despite every race director’s requirement for of taped seams etc, it will be as useful as a sieve after a year of wear and no TLC!

First, wipe off any excess dirt in between uses. By wiping off dirt and grime with a damp cloth or brush regularly, you can help maintain your kit’s breathability, water repellence, appearance and overall longevity.

When you notice the waterproof jacket is absorbing water rather than repelling it, it’s time to reproof it. This can be done several ways, either using a wash-in proofer or washing it and spraying with re-proofer by hand once dried. Note that some jackets require you to iron them to help with waterproofing — always check the care label and manufacture instructions!

If washing, select the ‘outdoor’ setting of your washing machine or alternatively a very gentle wash. Choose a detergent appropriate for the item and don’t use fabric conditioner, as this can damage the breathability of the material (which is probably what you've paid the most for when purchasing). After washing, you may need to reproof further, especially in high rub areas, such as the shoulders and back if you use a pack. For more advice on this, stop by your nearest store and speak to a kit specialist.

There always comes a point where the smell of high use can linger on your run kit, even after washing it. But by using a specialist sports detergent, you’ll notice your kit will start smelling fresher for longer. These handy detergents are much more effective on wicking materials, removing smells, stains and bacterial build up. Lots of brands are out there, just be sure the one you choose is eco-friendly.  

Generally, running kit dries quickly, so opt for gentle and natural methods. Avoid drying things over a radiator or intense heat. Always read the care label on the clothing first and try to not leave your damp sportswear too long before washing. Either allow it to dry or wash it almost instantly after use, before the bacteria multiplies too much.

The better care you take, the longer your kit will last which will save your pocket and the planet!

Thank you, Run the Wild, for sharing essential tips for keeping your running kit in top condition. If you're gearing up toward a Run the Wild event in the future, don't hesitate to speak to your trail guides for advice on all things related to kit, training and race preparations. 

For more advice on run kit and how to correctly look after it, visit your nearest store and speak with one of our knowledgeable kit specialists.