How to Clean New Balance Shoes Without Damaging Them

Careful cleaning removes everyday dirt and helps preserve the shape, color, and feel of New Balance shoes. Materials vary by model: mesh, knit, leather, suede, and synthetic overlays do not all tolerate the same treatment. Check the care label or product guidance first, and test your cleaning method on a small, hidden area. Avoid soaking the shoes, and do not assume that machine washing is safe.

What You’ll Need

A soft shoe brush or clean, soft-bristled toothbrush
A microfiber cloth or other clean, lint-free cloths
A small bowl of cool or lukewarm water
A small amount of mild soap or gentle detergent
Paper towels or plain, absorbent paper for supporting the shoes while they dry
For suede or nubuck: a suede brush and, if available, a suede eraser

Use a cleaner labeled as suitable for the specific material if the care instructions call for one. Avoid bleach, harsh household cleaners, and strong solvents, which can discolor or weaken shoe materials.

Step-by-Step

Check the materials and care instructions. Look at the shoe label or the model’s care information before applying water or cleaner. Note whether the upper includes suede, nubuck, leather, mesh, knit, or a combination. If the shoes have special finishes or the instructions say not to wet them, follow that guidance instead of using this general method.
Remove laces and insoles. Take out the laces and removable insoles so you can clean around the tongue and footbed. Set the insoles aside; do not pull out parts that are fixed in place. Brush loose dirt from the shoes before adding water, which helps prevent grit from rubbing into the fabric.
Dry-brush loose dirt. Brush gently over the upper and midsole, working from top to bottom. Use light strokes on mesh and knit so you do not snag fibers. For suede or nubuck, use a dry suede brush and follow the material’s nap rather than scrubbing back and forth aggressively.
Prepare a mild cleaning solution. Mix a small amount of mild soap into a bowl of cool or lukewarm water. The water should not be hot, and the solution should not be concentrated or foamy. Test it on a discreet spot first; stop if the color transfers to the cloth or the material changes appearance.
Clean the upper by material. For mesh, knit, and most synthetic fabric, lightly dampen a cloth or soft brush and work in small sections. Use gentle circular or short strokes; do not saturate the fabric. For smooth leather, wipe with a barely damp cloth and mild solution, then wipe away soap promptly. Do not use this wet method on suede or nubuck: brush those materials dry, and use a material-specific cleaner only as its instructions direct.
Clean the midsole and outsole. Use a damp cloth or soft brush with the mild solution on the rubber or foam surfaces. A toothbrush can help reach grooves, but keep vigorous scrubbing away from delicate upper material. Wipe up loosened dirt and suds with a clean damp cloth.
Wipe away residue. Rinse the cloth in clean water, wring it out well, and wipe the cleaned areas until no visible soap remains. Use as little water as possible around seams, glued edges, and the tongue. Soap left behind can attract dirt or leave a film.
Wash the laces separately. Hand-wash the laces in the leftover mild solution, gently rubbing dirty sections between your fingers. Rinse them in clean water and press them in a towel. If the laces have delicate hardware or special finishes, follow their care instructions.
Air-dry the shoes. Blot excess moisture with a dry cloth, then loosely fill the shoes with plain paper to help absorb moisture and support their shape. Set them in a well-ventilated place at room temperature, away from direct sunlight, radiators, hair dryers, and other strong heat. Replace damp paper and wait until the shoes are fully dry before wearing them or putting the insoles back.
Finish and inspect. Once dry, brush suede gently to lift its nap. Refit the insoles and laces, and check for lingering marks or loose parts. If a stain remains, use a cleaner specifically intended for that material rather than repeating a more forceful scrub.

Common Mistakes

Putting every pair in the washing machine: A machine can expose shoes to soaking, agitation, and spin forces that may damage shape, adhesives, or delicate materials. Use it only if the shoe’s care instructions explicitly allow it.
Soaking the shoe: Water can linger in padding and seams and may affect glued components. Use a damp cloth or brush, not a bucket or running tap.
Using heat to speed drying: A dryer, heater, or direct sun can deform or discolor materials and may weaken adhesives. Allow extra drying time instead.
Scrubbing suede or knit too hard: Rough brushing can flatten suede or snag and fuzz fabric. Use a suitable brush and a light touch.
Applying strong cleaner without testing: Bleach and abrasive or solvent-based products can cause permanent color or surface damage. Check the product label and test a hidden area first.

Tips

Clean small spots soon after they appear; dried mud is easier to remove after it has dried and been brushed away.
Use separate cloths for the upper and the dirty outsole so you do not transfer grit back onto the fabric.
For suede, avoid wet cleaning for routine dirt. Brush dry first, then use a suede eraser or a purpose-made cleaner according to its directions.
For smooth leather, wipe gently and do not leave it wet. Use a leather conditioner only if the shoe’s care guidance recommends one.
After use in wet conditions, remove the insoles if they are removable and let both parts dry separately in a ventilated place.

Troubleshooting

A stain remains after cleaning: Let the shoe dry, then identify the material and stain before trying again. Use a cleaner made for that material and follow its label; repeated scrubbing with soap may spread the mark or wear the surface.

The color appears to transfer: Stop immediately, blot gently with a clean cloth, and do not add more cleaner. Let the area air-dry. For valuable or delicate shoes, consult a professional shoe cleaner rather than risking a larger faded patch.

The shoe feels damp inside: Remove removable insoles, blot moisture, and leave the shoes in moving room air. Replace paper stuffing as it becomes wet. Do not wear them until the interior is completely dry.

Suede looks flat or patchy: Wait until it is fully dry, then use a suede brush with gentle strokes to restore the nap. Do not brush while wet or apply an all-purpose cleaner.

There is a musty smell: Confirm the shoes and insoles are thoroughly dry and ventilate them. Avoid masking the odor with heavy fragrance or using heat; if the smell persists, clean the removable insoles according to their care instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put New Balance shoes in the washing machine?

Do not assume they are machine-washable. Washing can damage materials, shape, or adhesives; follow the care instructions for your specific pair, and hand-clean if machine washing is not explicitly permitted.

Can I use dish soap to clean them?

A small amount of mild dish soap may work on washable fabric or synthetic areas, but test it in a hidden spot first and wipe away all residue. Do not use it on suede or nubuck.

How do I clean New Balance suede shoes?

Start with a dry suede brush to lift surface dirt. Use a suede eraser for suitable marks, and use a suede-specific cleaner only as directed; avoid soaking or using ordinary soapy water.

How long do New Balance shoes take to dry?

Drying time depends on how wet they became, the materials, and airflow. Leave them at room temperature until both the upper and interior are completely dry; there is no reliable fixed time for every pair.

Can I use bleach on white New Balance shoes?

It is safer to avoid bleach, which can discolor or weaken materials. Use a mild cleaner suitable for the shoe’s upper and test it in an inconspicuous area first.

Should I clean the insoles?

If they are removable, check their care instructions and wipe or hand-clean them as allowed. Do not soak them unless their instructions permit it, and let them dry completely before putting them back.

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