Athletic Shoes & Sneakers

In order to pick the right athletic shoe, it’s important to consider your chosen sport or activity. For example, if you’re going to be using the shoe for jogging, be sure to choose a proper running shoe. If you plan on wearing the shoe for multiple activities, consider a shoe designed for cross-training. 

Online shoe shopping can be difficult because you can’t try the shoes on beforehand. Consider going to a specialty shoe store where a salesperson can measure your feet and provide advice. It’s best to go shoe shopping later in the day when your feet are slightly swollen. Some shoe stores can perform a gait analysis. This type of analysis evaluates the way you move in order to identify the best shoe choices for you. For example, if the gait analysis determines that you over pronate, stability shoes may be beneficial for you.

Be sure to try the shoes on before you buy them. Wear the same type of sock that you plan to wear with your new shoes. Walk around and try to simulate the moves you would make during your chosen sport or activity. Some shoe stores have treadmills, which allow you to walk and run in the shoes to get a better feel before you buy. The shoes should feel comfortable from the beginning and there should be plenty of room in the toe box. The shoes should stay in place without slipping or rubbing.

Look for stores that offer a trial period so that if you’re not satisfied with the shoes after you buy them, you can return them and get a refund.

Most athletic shoes can be washed either by hand or in the washing machine. However, it’s important to verify this with the brand.

Be sure to remove insoles from your athletic shoes before washing them. Take a damp cloth and remove loose dirt and debris.

Follow these steps if you’re washing your athletic shoes by hand:

1. Fill a sink or basin with warm water and use a mild liquid laundry or dish soap.

2. Soak shoes and insoles for several minutes.

3. Using a brush or sponge, scrub away dirt and grime.

4. Rinse thoroughly.

5. Set shoes and insoles out to dry separately. Find a sunny spot if you can.

Follow these steps if you’re washing your athletic shoes in the washing machine:

1. Separate your shoes from your insoles. Consider placing everything in a laundry bag prior to washing.

2. Wash in cold water using the delicate cycle.

3. Add a mild laundry detergent. Don’t use a product with bleach unless you verify with the manufacturer that it’s safe to do so.

4. Remove shoes and insoles once the wash cycle is complete and set everything out to air dry separately. Never dry shoes or insoles in a clothes dryer.

If you have shoes that can’t be washed, you can use a cloth or shoe brush to remove loose debris and dirt. Consider using an odor-fighting powder spray to absorb moisture and neutralize odors. Dr. Scholl’s® Odor-X® Ultra Odor-Fighting Spray Powder attacks odors at the source and leaves shoes smelling fresh and clean. The spray can also be used directly on feet.

It can be difficult to kill the fungus that causes athlete’s foot in shoes. While bleach can be very effective at killing fungus, it’s not usually recommended for cleaning shoes. The following methods may help eliminate or reduce athlete’s foot-causing fungus in shoes:

• Antifungal laundry detergent — If you’re able to wash your shoes in the washing machine, consider trying an antifungal laundry detergent. Check with the manufacturer to make sure it’s safe to do so with your shoes. The hotter the water, the more effective the wash will be. However, some manufacturers recommend washing shoes in warm, rather, than hot water. If the water is too hot, it may damage the shoes.

• UV shoe sanitizer — Consider purchasing a UV shoe sanitizer, which can help eliminate both fungus and bacteria that lurk in shoes. The sanitizing appliances can be placed right inside the shoes. The sanitizing process typically takes about 15 minutes, and it can be repeated as needed.

• Baking soda and vinegar — Treating your shoes with a combination of baking soda and vinegar may help control fungal growth and reduce the spread of athlete’s foot. You can sprinkle baking soda inside of your shoes and then spray with vinegar that’s been diluted with water. Scrub the insides of your shoes with a cloth and then let the shoes sit out overnight. Wipe down the shoes with a damp cloth, removing any debris left from the baking soda. You can also choose to rinse your shoes thoroughly with water and then leave out to dry.

• Sunlight — Because sunlight has natural antifungal properties, setting your shoes out in the sun for several hours can be very effective at reducing the fungus that causes athlete’s foot.

Athletic shoes are any type of shoes people where when they participate in sports or physical activity. Some examples of athletic shoes include:

• Running shoes

• Basketball shoes

• Soccer cleats

• Hiking shoes

• Cross trainers

• Tennis shoes

Some types of white athletic shoes can be washed in the washing machine with bleach in order to disinfect and remove stains. However, bleach is often not recommended for shoes as it can cause damage in some cases. Be sure to check with the manufacturer to verify if it’s safe to use bleach on your shoes. In some cases, you may be able to hand clean your white athletic shoes with bleach that’s been diluted in water.  Follow these steps:

• Remove the laces from the shoes and set aside.

• Using a brush, remove loose debris and dirt from the shoes.

• Dip the brush into the bleach solution.

• Clean one shoe at a time using a circular motion. Focus on any visible stains.

• Leave the bleach solution on the shoes for several minutes and then rinse thoroughly with clean water.

• Set the shoes out to air dry.

Even if you can’t use bleach on your white athletic shoes, you may be able to wash them in the washing machine with a mild detergent. You may also be able to wash them by hand in a sink or basin using a mild liquid detergent and a scrub brush. Although you might have a harder time removing stains without bleach, your shoes should look and feel cleaner.

Some athletic shoes are designed to resist slipping. However, there’s no type of shoe that’s completely non slip. The best way to avoid slipping is to purchase a pair of shoes that fits properly. Try the shoes on before your buy them and take the time to walk and move around in the store prior to purchase. Make sure the shoes stay in place during movement. Wear your shoes with high quality socks that are slip-resistant. 

Shoes can harbor the fungus that causes athlete’s foot and contribute to spread. Athletic shoes in particular can create ideal conditions for the fungus that causes athlete’s foot because warm, damp conditions are optimal for fungal growth. In order to reduce the risk of athlete’s foot, consider the following tips:

• Choose breathable shoes that ventilate to avoid trapping moisture and heat, which can increase the risk of athlete’s foot.

• Avoid wearing the same pair of shoes every day. Give them a chance to air out for a full day before wearing them again. 

• Wash your feet thoroughly every day or more often if they become sweaty. To help avoid athlete’s foot, consider using an antifungal spray. Dr. Scholl’s® Odor-X® Athlete's Foot Medicated Spray Powder reduces the risk of athlete’s foot while neutralizing odors and absorbing excess moisture.

• Change your socks daily. Wear moisture-wicking socks to help keep your feet dry.