In order to get the best out of your Nike Air Max trainers, you’ll need to keep them clean and maintained on a semi-regular period. This article shows you the best ways of doing just that.
First of all, it is important to say – resist the urge to pop your trainers in the washing machine! While this will certainly clean them, you’ll also run the risk of damaging the materials and reduce the longevity of your shoes.
Put aside half an hour of your day and your Nike Air Max’s will come up smelling of roses!
- How to Clean Nike Air Max
- A step-by-step guide to getting the best out of your Nike Air Max trainers
- Use a Dry Brush
- Make a Cleaning Solution
- Washing the Laces
- Cleaning the Soles
- Washing the Uppers
- Air Drying
- How Do I Clean My Insoles to Reduce Odour?
- How Often Should I Clean My Shoes?
- Who is Nike?
- Nike Air Max Most Popular Lines
- Trainers & Your Washing Machine
- Other Useful Info
- Conclusion
There may be affiliate links in this article. You can read more about this in my disclosure.
How to Clean Nike Air Max
What You’ll Need:
- Washing-up liquid
- Baking soda
- Magic eraser (optional)
- Leather conditioner (optional)
- White vinegar (optional)
- Shoe brush (if you have one)
- Dry brush / toothbrush
- Soft clean cloth
- Suede brush (optional)
A step-by-step guide to getting the best out of your Nike Air Max trainers
Use a Dry Brush
To begin with: remove the laces and use your shoe brush or dry brush to remove any loose dirt from the outside of the trainer. Repeat this process with the midsoles and uppers.
If you don’t have a shoe brush or suitable dry brush, a toothbrush will do the trick – it just might take a bit longer!
Make a Cleaning Solution
Next you’ll need to mix warm water with a small amount of mild laundry detergent or liquid soap (washing-up liquid or liquid hand soap are both fine).
For white or lighter-coloured trainers, you can also make an effective cleaning paste by mixing equal parts baking soda and water. For dark stains, add a small amount of bleach to the mix – make sure to wear rubber gloves though, as even diluted bleach can be corrosive to the skin.
Washing the Laces
As your shoelaces have already been removed, here are your two options: apply a small amount of the mild cleaning solution to them and gently massage the laces with your hands, rinse, then dab dry with a soft cloth, or air-dry.
Conversely, you can leave these in warm, soapy water to soak if they are heavily stained. Your laces are also fine to go in the washing machine, if that’s more convenient.
Cleaning the Soles
Apply your cleaning solution to your soft-bristled brush or toothbrush (a sponge or washcloth should work). Clean the outsole and midsole thoroughly, taking your time to clean every part of the soles.
The soles are most prone to sweat stains and odour, so this process is important. Dry with a soft cloth or leave to air-dry.
If you plan on washing your insoles, remove them first and clean with your solution – resist the urge to clean them while they’re still inside the shoe as this will prevent a thorough job, and will slow down the drying process.
Washing the Uppers
Using your cleaning solution and a soft-bristled brush, toothbrush, or a cloth/sponge, clean the uppers. Don’t be too rough when scrubbing.
Gently blotting or air-drying is recommended for this.
Air Drying
Air dry your trainers at room temperature, or slightly warmer. Do not apply any heat to speed up the process.
Always allow your shoes to dry completely before wearing them – this will prevent any change of a fungal infection. For most shoes, it should take at least 8 hours to fully dry.
DO NOT put them in a tumble dryer!
How Do I Clean My Insoles to Reduce Odour?
As we said earlier, your insoles are prone to sweat stains and therefore may become odorous over time, so it is wise to clean your insoles. To do this, remove the insoles and use the same cleaning steps as mentioned above.
If odour persists, you may want to replace the insoles. Replacement insoles are available at most sporting goods and shoe stores, or online.
Failing that, it may be time to treat yourself to a new pair!
How Often Should I Clean My Shoes?
This entirely depends on how often you wear your shoes and what you use them for (i.e.: are they also your gym shoes?!)
It is recommended to clean your shoes at least twice a year. But obviously, the more you wear them the more they will need maintaining.
Who is Nike?
Nike is the leading American sportswear company that focuses on good quality and stylish footwear, apparel, equipment, accessories, and services.
The company is headquartered near Beaverton, Oregon, in the United States.
It is currently the world’s “largest supplier of athletic shoes and apparel and a major manufacturer of sports equipment, with revenue in excess of US$37.4 billion in its fiscal year 2020 (ending May 31, 2020).
As of 2020, it employed 76,700 people worldwide. In 2020 the brand alone was valued in excess of $32 billion, making it the most valuable brand among sports businesses.
Previously, in 2017, the Nike brand was valued at $29.6 billion. Nike ranked 89th in the 2018 Fortune 500 list of the largest United States corporations by total revenue.
The company was founded on January 25, 1964, and officially became Nike, Inc. on May 30, 1971. The company takes its name from Nike, the Greek goddess of victory.
Nike markets its products under its own brand, as well as Nike Golf, Nike Pro, Nike+, Air Jordan, Nike Blazers, Air Force 1, Nike Dunk, Air Max, Foamposite, Nike Skateboarding, Nike CR7, and subsidiaries including Jordan Brand and Converse.
In addition to manufacturing sportswear and equipment, the company operates retail stores under the Niketown name.
Nike sponsors many high-profile athletes and sports teams around the world, with the highly recognized trademarks of “Just Do It” and the Swoosh logo.” [Source]
Nike Air Max Most Popular Lines
- Air Max 1 (1987)
- Air Max Light (1989)
- Air Max 90 (2000)
- Air Max 180 (1991)
- Air Max 93 (1993)
- Air Max 95 (1995)
- Air Max 97 (1997)
- Air Max Plus Tuned (1998)
- Air Max 360 (2006)
- Air VaporMax (2017)
- Air Max 270 (2018)
- Air Max 720 (2019)
Trainers & Your Washing Machine
Although it isn’t recommended (or at least as a regular method of cleaning your Nike Air Max), sometimes popping your trainers in the washing machine may be your only option.
So with that in mind, it is wise to follow these guidelines:
- Remove any coarse dirt (i.e.: mud) before you put your trainers in the washing machine
- Remove the laces and put the shoes in a laundry bag or a pillowcase
- Set your washing machine on a delicate program at a low temperature
- Do not spin-dry
- Slowly let dry. It may take a couple of days to fully dry your shoes.
- Resist the urge to put them in the tumble dryer! (See below)
Other Useful Info
Never put your trainers in a tumble dryer. The heat will cause the soles to shrink and will also damage the cushioning.
Also, the adhesive layer dissolves, which detaches the soles. In other words – tumble dryers will ruin them!
If you plan on cleaning your Nike Air Max trainers, it is advised to clean them on a day when you don’t plan on wearing them for a few days to fully ensure that they are properly dried when you next come to wear them.
Conclusion
We hope our step-by-step guide to cleaning your Nike Air Max trainers has been helpful. To get the best out of them it is important to take a bit of care and consideration to look after them.
Try to avoid putting them in the washing machine, and the tumble dryer is a big no-no!
Give yourself a window of a couple of days when cleaning your Nike Air Max trainers to ensure they are fully dry when you next wish to wear them. Wearing we footwear can encourage bacteria and fungus growth, such as Athlete’s Foot.
The number of times you need to clean your Nike Air Max throughout the year is dependent on how (and for what) you use them. It is advised to do it at least twice a year.
However, Nike a strong, robust brand, so with a bit of TLC, your trainers should last you a good while!
Last update on 2024-04-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API