How to care for your running shoes in cold, wet winter weather

Winter running in the UK usually means one thing: cold, wet, muddy miles. 

While your shoes are built to take a beating, looking after them properly can make a huge difference in how long they last and how they feel on your feet.

To help you get the most from your kit this winter, we asked Sportlink Store Manager and shoe expert Mark Thorpe for his best advice on winter shoe care - simple tips every runner can use.

1. Let your shoes dry naturally (the most important rule)

When your shoes come back soaked or muddy:

• Remove the insoles
• Stuff the shoes with newspaper or paper — Mark recommends old copies of Runner’s World
• Shape the toe box so it dries correctly
• Leave them in a room with good airflow

Do NOT:

• Put them on a radiator
• Use a heated cupboard
• Blast them with a hairdryer

Mark explains why: “Heat can make the shoes shrink once they’re dry. Natural drying is always best.”

This simple habit dramatically extends the life of your shoes.

2. How to clean muddy running shoes safely

You don’t need fancy cleaning products - just a gentle approach.

Mark suggests: “Once they’ve dried naturally, take a small dry brush - even the kind you’d use for washing up - and dust off the dried mud.”

If you want to clean the outsole:

• Mix a tiny amount of washing-up liquid with warm water
• Use the same small brush to gently scrub the bottom of the shoe
• Avoid soaking the uppers
• Let them air dry again

This method keeps your shoes looking fresh without damaging the materials.

3. The power of a shoe rotation (especially in winter)

Winter is the season when a shoe rotation makes the biggest difference.

Not for performance - but for longevity.

Mark says: “It helps if you have another pair of shoes in rotation. You don’t squash the foam down as much, and it gives each pair time to spring back.”

Even rotating between two pairs means:

• Better cushioning
  
• Less moisture build-up
  
• Longer shoe lifespan
  
• More consistent comfort

If you run often in winter, this is one of the easiest ways to protect your shoes and your legs.

4. Should you Wear Gore-Tex/weatherised running shoes in winter?

This is one of the most common questions we get.

Mark says: “Personally, I much prefer running in normal road shoes. Gore-Tex can make your feet hot and sweaty. I’d rather have a breathable shoe, even if my feet get a bit wet.”

For most UK runners, breathability beats waterproofing - especially during longer efforts, when moisture from the inside matters just as much as moisture from the outside.

If your shoes get wet (and they will), the key is what you do after the run.

5. Quick checklist: winter shoe care essentials

After every wet run:

• Remove insoles
• Stuff with paper
• Air-dry naturally
• Brush off dried mud
• Switch to a dry pair the next day

Avoid:

• Direct heat
• Aggressive scrubbing
• Long-term dampness
• Running in totally saturated shoes

Your shoes - and your feet - will thank you.

Conclusion: Small habits make a big difference

Winter miles are tough enough. Looking after your shoes shouldn’t be.

With a few simple habits and the expert tips above, you’ll keep your shoes performing well through the cold, wet months - and avoid shortening their life with unnecessary heat or heavy cleaning.

If you’re unsure whether it’s time for a new pair, or want advice on winter-ready footwear, pop into Sportlink and our team will happily take a look.