How to Clean adidas Shoes: What adidas and Specialists Say
Quick answer: brush off dry dirt, wipe with a soft cloth and mild detergent in lukewarm water, keep suede nearly dry, and air dry away from heat and sun. adidas allows the machine for some running shoes but not for leather or suede models such as Samba.
We compare six adidas pages and the specialists, and show where they disagree.
How to Clean adidas Shoes: Sources Compared
adidas publishes several care pages, and they do not all say the same thing. We read six adidas pages (US running, US 4DFWD, US basketball, New Zealand, Turkey and UK), three Sneaker LAB guides (Ultraboost, Samba, Stan Smith), and Samba guides from Crep Protect, SneakERASERS and Hunker. The biggest disagreement is whether the machine is allowed.
| adidas page | Machine washing | Cleaning method | Drying and avoid |
|---|---|---|---|
| US: running shoes (2023) | Allowed. Brush off dirt, remove laces and insoles, garment bag or pillowcase, cold gentle cycle. Hand washing is gentler and cleans better. | Soft brush on upper, firm brush on midsole and outsole. Scrub solution of warm water, 3% hydrogen peroxide, washing soda and detergent. Optional soak 1 to 8 hours. | Air dry on a towel, up to a day. No dryer. No direct sunlight: intense heat can melt or curl the shoe. |
| US: 4DFWD running shoes | The most thorough method. Each shoe in its own bag, delicate cycle, cold water. Says methods also apply to Ultraboost, Solar and Alphabounce. | Brush with a toothbrush on the upper and a polishing brush on the lattice midsole. Or hold the midsole under a pressurized faucet. | “Never place your shoes in the dryer as the heat can warp the soles.” |
| US: basketball shoes (2021) | No for the shoes: “DO NOT use a washing machine or dryer.” Laces and insoles may go in on cold, delicate. | Toothpick for sole grooves, soft brush, washcloth with eco-friendly detergent in warm water. A little toothpaste on white soles. | No vents, heaters or hair dryers. Avoid rubbing alcohol, bleach, scented detergent and fabric softener. |
| New Zealand: how to clean sneakers (2021) | Laces and insoles only, in a pillowcase, cold or delicate cycle. | Soft brush, washcloth with lukewarm water and mild eco-friendly detergent. Soft wet brush on white outsoles and Boost. | Air dry at room temperature. Avoid direct sun and heat. No water on suede. |
| Turkey: keep your sneakers clean (2024) | Advises against it. Heavy wash cycles can discolor and damage sneakers. | Soft brush on soles, soft washcloth with eco-friendly detergent on the upper. Do not use leather polish on non-leather sneakers. | Air dry. “High heat from dryers or heaters can change the shape of sneakers.” Avoid bleach and hard brushes. |
These are the brand’s own pages, so they describe the brand’s shoes, and the pages date from 2021 to 2024. Sneaker LAB, Crep Protect and SneakERASERS sell care products, so their steps use their own range. We have not tested any of these methods.
Can You Machine Wash adidas Shoes?
adidas gives four different answers across its own pages:
- Yes, with a bag: the US running page says you can machine wash running shoes on cold and gentle, and the 4DFWD page calls it the most thorough method.
- Laces and insoles only: the New Zealand and US basketball pages.
- No: the Turkey page, because heavy cycles can discolor and damage sneakers, and the US basketball page for the shoes themselves.
- Hand washing is gentler: even the US running page says hand washing cleans better because of the manual scrubbing, and says to hand wash if you want to preserve the shoes longer.
For Sambas, Crep Protect says not to machine wash because water, heat and spinning can damage suede, weaken adhesives and distort the shape. Hunker says Sambas are leather and must be hand washed. SneakERASERS says not to machine wash or dry unless the exact care label permits it.
General advice: the pages that allow the machine are for knit running shoes with the full routine (bag, cold, gentle, no dryer). For leather and suede models such as Samba, Stan Smith and Superstar, every source that names them says hand clean. Read the label on your own pair. For the full routine see our washing machine guide.
Step by Step: Hand Cleaning adidas Sneakers
The shared hand-cleaning method for most adidas sneakers, with who says what:
- Knock the soles together and brush off dry dirt. adidas NZ and adidas Turkey both start here, with a soft brush such as an old toothbrush. Turkey says to keep the brush away from the upper.
- Take out laces and insoles. Sneaker LAB, adidas UK and Crep Protect all remove the laces first.
- Wipe the upper. adidas NZ and Turkey: a soft washcloth with warm or lukewarm water and a small amount of mild, eco-friendly laundry detergent. adidas UK allows a soft brush with warm water and cleaning solution or dish soap.
- Rinse the cloth and wipe off the soap. adidas Turkey says to rinse the cloth thoroughly, then dab the same areas with plain water.
- Clean the midsole and outsole. adidas UK uses a hard bristle brush, warm water and cleaning solution, following the grooves, with a dirt pick. adidas US basketball adds a little toothpaste on white soles.
- Air dry at room temperature. See the drying section.
adidas Turkey says to treat stains quickly because older stains are more likely to become permanent. adidas UK says to scrub the upper gently to keep the material in good condition.
By Model: Samba, Stan Smith, Superstar, Ultraboost
Samba. The four Samba guides split the shoe into parts:
| Part | Crep Protect | SneakERASERS | Sneaker LAB | Hunker |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suede T-toe | Brush dipped in warm water with 3 to 4 drops of its Cure solution, shaken off. Scuff eraser with no more than medium pressure. Brush on Suede Reviver. | “Suede needs to start dry, every time.” Brush in one direction, suede eraser. Moisture only if your pair’s care guidance allows, blot, brush the nap up. | Dip brush in water, tap off extra, dry immediately with microfibre towel. | Not covered. |
| Leather upper | Not covered. | Check the care label first. If a mild cleaner is approved, barely damp cloth, then a second damp cloth to lift residue. | Spray Sneaker Cleaner, scrub in circles with brush, dry, then wipe with Leather Care. | Damp cloth with a drop of mild soap, wipe with lint-free cloth, air dry about an hour, then a drop of leather conditioner. |
| Gum sole | Not covered. | Its sponge only on approved smooth rubber areas. Keep it off suede, nubuck, untreated leather, knit and mesh. | No separate steps. | Not covered. |
| Machine | No. | No, unless the care label permits. | Not covered. | No. |
Stan Smith and Superstar. adidas NZ and Turkey both say to apply a small amount of leather shoe conditioner or cleaner to leather sneakers, naming the Superstar. Turkey says not to use leather shoe polish on sneakers that are not leather. Sneaker LAB cleans Stan Smiths by spraying its cleaner, scrubbing in small circles with a brush dipped in water, then rubbing in Leather Care once everything is dry. For leather in general see our leather shoe guide.
Ultraboost and Boost midsoles. Sneaker LAB says the Boost sole “is notoriously hard to clean as the dirt gets into the material.” It dry-brushes the knit gently, wipes it with its wipes, and scrubs the midsole with cleaner and a wet brush using firm pressure. adidas NZ says to use a soft brush dipped in water on white outsoles or Boost. adidas US says its 4DFWD methods also apply to Ultraboost, Solar and Alphabounce, and says to scrub knit uppers with gentle strokes.
Canvas. adidas NZ says to scrub with a toothbrush, use warm water with liquid detergent or dish soap on problem areas, rinse, blot with a towel and stuff the shoes with paper towels or dry washcloths to hold their shape.
Suede. adidas NZ says do not use water because it leaves marks and stains. It buffs surface stains with a toothbrush, uses a white eraser, suede kit or soft nail file for stubborn marks, and as a last resort dabs with a washcloth dampened with white vinegar or rubbing alcohol. Crep Protect and Sneaker LAB use a lightly wet brush. See our nubuck and suede guide.
Basketball shoes and cleats. adidas US says no washing machine or dryer, and avoid rubbing alcohol, bleach, scented detergent and fabric softener on soles.
Laces, Insoles and Yellowing
Laces. adidas Turkey says wash with a little soap and warm water and replace torn laces. adidas NZ says to wash them in a pillowcase on a cold or delicate cycle. adidas UK soaks them in bleach water with gloves on. Crep Protect soaks them in water with 5 to 10 drops of its Cure solution and wrings them out. Sneaker LAB applies cleaner, rubs the laces together, soaks and repeats. See our shoelace guide.
Insoles and odour. adidas NZ says washing insoles in a pillowcase on cold can reduce odours. adidas Turkey says to remove insoles and air them out, wash with a soapy mix if needed, and for odour sprinkle baking soda on dry insoles overnight and brush it off. Sneaker LAB sprays its odor protector inside the laced-up shoe and on removable insoles.
Yellowing. adidas Turkey says to keep white shoes indoors because sunlight can yellow white soles over time, and says to store sneakers in the original box. For yellow midsoles see our shoe sole guide.
How to Dry adidas Shoes
Every adidas page that covers drying says to air dry and avoid heat:
- US running: air dry on a clean towel, which can take a full day. No dryer. Keep out of direct sunlight because intense heat can melt or curl the shoe.
- US 4DFWD: never put the shoes in the dryer because the heat can warp the soles.
- US basketball: keep shoes away from vents and heaters and do not use a hair dryer, because high heat warps rubber.
- NZ: room temperature. For canvas, dry indoors in a warm spot.
- UK: room temperature away from direct sunlight, until they feel dry inside and out.
- SneakERASERS (Samba): remove laces and insoles, stuff with plain paper, air dry away from sunlight, dryers and radiators, then brush the suede toe in the direction of the nap.
Crep Protect says to air dry Sambas overnight in a cool, well-ventilated room.
Where the Sources Disagree
Machine washing. adidas US running and 4DFWD allow it with a bag, cold and gentle. adidas Turkey and US basketball say no for the shoes. Crep Protect, Hunker and SneakERASERS say no for Sambas. General advice: follow the care label and the model, and hand wash leather and suede.
Water on suede. adidas NZ says no water. Crep Protect and Sneaker LAB use a lightly wet brush. SneakERASERS says suede must start dry and moisture only if the care guidance allows. General advice: dry tools first, and keep any water to a barely damp brush.
Bleach. adidas UK soaks laces in bleach water. adidas Turkey and US basketball list bleach as something to avoid, and adidas NZ says harsh cleaners can cause yellowing. General advice: bleach on laces only, never on the shoe.
Peroxide and washing soda. The US running page uses 3% hydrogen peroxide and washing soda in a scrub solution and soak. adidas NZ and Turkey recommend mild detergent only. General advice: use the stronger solution only on white knit running shoes, and test first.
Dish soap. adidas NZ and UK allow it. adidas US basketball and Turkey name eco-friendly or mild laundry detergent. General advice: mild laundry detergent is the shared common ground.
Questions adidas Owners Ask, Answered
“Can you put adidas shoes in the washing machine?”
adidas US says running shoes can go in on a cold gentle cycle in a bag, and adidas Turkey and US basketball say no. It depends on the model and the label.
“Can I wash adidas Sambas in the washing machine?”
Crep Protect and Hunker say no. SneakERASERS says only if the exact care label permits.
“How do I clean Ultraboost soles?”
Sneaker LAB says the Boost sole is notoriously hard to clean and scrubs it with cleaner and a wet brush with firm pressure. adidas NZ uses a soft wet brush on Boost.
“How do I clean white adidas shoes?”
adidas NZ uses mild detergent, and adidas Turkey says to keep white shoes out of sunlight to avoid yellowing soles. adidas US running uses peroxide and washing soda for a soak.
“Do leather adidas need conditioner?”
adidas NZ and Turkey both say to apply a small amount of leather conditioner or cleaner after cleaning leather models, such as the Superstar.
“Can I use water on adidas suede?”
adidas NZ says no. Crep Protect and Sneaker LAB use a barely wet brush. SneakERASERS says start dry.
“How do I get odour out?”
Baking soda on dry insoles overnight (adidas Turkey) or washing insoles on cold in a pillowcase (adidas NZ).
“How do I dry adidas shoes?”
Air dry at room temperature, out of direct sun, with no dryer or heater (every adidas page).
Mistakes to Avoid
- The dryer, heaters and hair dryers. Every adidas page that covers drying warns about them.
- Machine washing leather or suede models. Crep Protect, Hunker and adidas Turkey warn.
- Water on suede. adidas NZ warns it leaves marks and stains.
- Bleach and harsh cleaners on the shoe. adidas Turkey and US basketball warn.
- Scrubbing hard. adidas Turkey and UK say it damages fabric or leather uppers.
- Leather polish on non-leather sneakers. adidas Turkey says no.
- Direct sunlight. adidas US, UK and Turkey warn about warping, melting or yellowing.
- Letting stains sit. adidas Turkey says older stains are more likely to become permanent.
How we checked this
- Steps come from six adidas pages, three Sneaker LAB guides, Crep Protect, SneakERASERS and Hunker. We name who says each thing.
- The adidas pages differ on machine washing, suede and bleach, so we show each side. Our own reading is labelled general advice.
- Several sources sell care products. None gives test data. We have not tested any of these methods.
adidas Shoe Care Helpers
A shoe cleaner kit, a suede kit and a mesh wash bag cover the steps the sources describe. These are listed on Amazon.
Jason Markk Essential Shoe Cleaning Kit
A shoe cleaner with a brush and microfiber towel.
Check it on Amazon
Jason Markk Suede Essentials Bundle
A four-piece set with a cleaning solution, brush and eraser for suede and nubuck.
Check it on Amazon
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you clean adidas shoes?
Brush off dry dirt, wipe with a soft cloth and mild detergent in lukewarm water, rinse the cloth and wipe again, then air dry (adidas NZ and Turkey).
Can you wash adidas shoes in the washing machine?
adidas US says running shoes can go in on cold and gentle in a bag. adidas Turkey and US basketball say no for the shoes.
How do you clean adidas Sambas?
Hand clean. Crep Protect, Hunker and SneakERASERS all say not to machine wash. Suede toes need dry brushing first (SneakERASERS).
How do you clean Ultraboost soles?
Sneaker LAB scrubs the Boost sole with cleaner and a wet brush with firm pressure, and calls it notoriously hard to clean.
How do you clean white adidas shoes?
Mild detergent and a soft brush (adidas NZ). Keep white shoes out of sunlight to avoid yellowing soles (adidas Turkey).
Can you use water on adidas suede?
adidas NZ says no. Crep Protect and Sneaker LAB use a barely wet brush, and SneakERASERS says suede must start dry.
How do you dry adidas shoes?
Air dry at room temperature, out of direct sunlight, with no dryer, heater or hair dryer.
Do leather adidas need conditioner?
adidas NZ and Turkey say to apply a little leather conditioner or cleaner after cleaning leather models like the Superstar.
The Short Version
Check the label and the model, brush first, use mild detergent and a barely damp cloth, keep suede nearly dry, and air dry away from heat and sun.
Keep Reading
Care guides
- How to Clean Puma Shoes
- How to clean Brooks shoes
- How to clean ASICS shoes
- How to clean basketball shoes
- How to clean Hoka shoes
- How to clean New Balance shoes
- How to wash shoes in the washing machine
- How to clean white shoes
- How to clean running shoes
- How to clean leather shoes
- How to clean nubuck
- The complete shoe cleaning guide
Sources
- adidas US: How to clean running shoes
- adidas US: How to clean adidas 4DFWD running shoes
- adidas US: How to clean basketball shoes
- adidas New Zealand: How to clean sneakers
- adidas Turkey: How to keep your adidas sneakers clean
- adidas UK: How to clean trainers
- Sneaker LAB: How to clean white knit adidas Ultraboosts
- Sneaker LAB: How to clean adidas Sambas
- Sneaker LAB: How to clean adidas Stan Smith sneakers
- Crep Protect: How to clean adidas Sambas
- SneakERASERS: How to clean adidas Sambas
- Hunker: How to wash adidas Sambas
