Muddy shoes again? We get it. A rainy day walk, a hike on the trails, or your kids running wild in the backyard can significantly stain your favorite pair of sneakers. But when you leave it sitting, your shoes won't just look muddy. It can wear down your shoes faster. The good news is that cleaning muddy shoes doesn't have to be a dreaded task.

With a few smart steps (and the right tools–like our SneakERASERS sponges), you can get your favorite pair of muddy shoes looking clean again fast.

How to Clean Muddy Shoes (The Traditional Method)

Let's walk through the traditional methods for cleaning muddy shoes. It takes a lot longer, but it's a tried-and-true method.

1. Let the Mud Dry First

Trying to wipe away wet mud only makes it worse. Wet mud spreads, pushes into fabric, and clings to every crevice. Instead, give it time to dry out. For average conditions, 45-60 minutes works. If it's thick or sticky mud, you might need a couple of hours. Once dry, it crumbles off easily.

2. Remove Loose Dirt

Take your shoes outside and clap them together. A surprising amount of mud falls off with that simple move. For the rest, grab a soft-bristled brush or an old toothbrush and gently loosen the dried mud. Focus on the treads and caked-on areas. No need to scrub hard here. Just get the loose debris out of the way.

3. Traditional Deep Cleaning Method

If you prefer a hands-on clean, mix 2 cups of warm water with a tablespoon of mild soap. Or, for brightening white shoes, create a paste with baking soda and water. Dip a soft cloth into the mixture and wring it out.

This method works, but it takes more time and tools. Make sure water stays under 110°F and don't soak your shoes, especially if they have leather or padding.

4. Clean the Uppers

Use a microfiber cloth dampened with your cleaning solution. Work in small circles with gentle pressure. Avoid over-saturating the material. This helps protect delicate fabrics and prevents odors or damage from excess moisture.

5. Clean the Soles and Midsoles

For grooves and textured soles, a toothbrush works well. Dip it in cleaning solution and scrub gently. A cleaning brush can be used here, too.

6. Wash Laces and Insoles

Take them out before cleaning (step 1). Wash laces with the same soapy water or toss them in a mesh bag in the laundry. Rinse well and air dry everything fully before reassembling your shoes.

7. Rinse and Dry

Use a clean, damp cloth (no soap) to wipe away residue. Then blot with a towel to remove extra moisture. Stuff your shoes with paper towels or rags to help retain shape and pull out dampness from inside. Let them dry in a well-ventilated room, away from direct heat or sunlight.

How to Clean Your Muddy Shoes with SneakERASERS

Our SneakERASERS sneaker cleaners work great for scuff marks, but did you know they’re also incredibly effective for your average pair of muddy shoes? It’s going to require a little more elbow grease, but our sponges have cleaned thousands of muddy shoes. Here’s how you can save time cleaning with SneakERASERS

1. Let Mud Dry and Remove Loose Debris

Just like with traditional methods, allow the mud to dry completely first. Remove shoelaces before cleaning to make the process easier and more thorough. Once dry, brush or knock off as much loose dirt as possible before using your SneakERASERS. You can clean the shoelaces separately using SneakERASERS SOAK.

2. Tackle Heavy Mud with SneakERASERS

SneakERASERS are designed for both quick cleanups and tackling heavier marks like mud. Each dual-sided sponge is specially designed for footwear: the white side lifts away surface dirt, while the orange side helps gently buff and refresh afterward, without damaging most materials. Add some water to activate the cleaning properties of the sponge.

For muddy shoes, gently swipe left to right to break down the dried mud. Be patient! While it takes longer than cleaning typical scuff marks, the dual-sided design makes it much easier than scrubbing with multiple tools. When the sponge gets dirty, simply rinse it with water to reset it and continue cleaning. Each SneakERASERS sponge can be used multiple times during a single cleaning session.

The best part about SneakERASERS? Our sponges are not meant for one-off jobs. Keep your SneakERASERS on you for future shoes you’ll need to clean. Learn more about how long SneakERASERS last so you can know approximately how many cleans you’ll get out of each sponge. 

3. Focus on Grooves and Textured Areas

For textured soles and midsoles where mud builds up in crevices, use the corner of the sponge to dig into grooves. The white cleaning side works well here with left-to-right swiping motions, followed by the orange side to eliminate any remaining residue. 

4. Deep Clean with SneakERASERS SOAK

Use SneakERASERS SOAK to clean up those shoelaces from step one. Our solution detergent can also be used for insoles, mesh, and fabric uppers that hold on to odor and dirt (and won’t go away with a SneakERASERS sponge). Just follow the instructions on the pack. It works better than scrubbing delicate areas by hand.

6. OPTIONAL: Combine with Traditional Methods

SneakERASERS can be used alongside traditional cleaning methods to help maintain your shoes' cleanliness. Use them after you’ve cleaned your muddy shoes the traditional way. This will keep the shoe clean for a lot longer, which means you won’t need to deep clean your muddy shoes as often.  

5. Keep a Sponge for On-the-Go Maintenance

Keep a pack of our SneakERASERS in your car, backpack, or by the front door. When mud strikes (or just about any dirt, grime, or scuff mark), you’ll have SneakERASERS ready to keep your shoes looking clean. 

Cleaning by Material Type

Different shoe materials require different cleaning methods. 

Canvas and Fabric

Use your soap-and-water solution for stains and a soft-bristled brush for dirt. SneakERASERS are great for cleaning the soles of your fabric and canvas sneakers. Follow that up with SneakERASERS SOAK since canvas and fabric shoes tend to have more sensitive uppers. 

Leather

For leather shoes, including dress shoes, the SneakERASERS orange shammy side should be used over anything else for optimal cleaning. The textured orange side is specifically designed to work on sensitive surfaces without causing damage. 

For traditional cleaning, you can also mix equal parts white vinegar and distilled water. Dampen a soft cloth, then gently wipe the muddy areas with light strokes. Avoid soaking the leather at all costs. Skip harsh cleaners, and always follow with a proper leather conditioner to preserve the material.

Synthetic and Athletic Shoes

These are easier shoes to maintain, and it doesn't take much to clean your muddy running shoes effectively. Use SneakERASERS on both the upper and the sole. The white side works well on surface dirt, while the textured orange side helps you clean up. The sponge grips synthetic materials effectively, making it easy to clean the whole shoe in just a few minutes.

For specific shoe types, check out our guides on tennis shoes and climbing shoes.

Suede

Skip everything above. Suede needs its own care. Use a suede-specific brush and cleaner (or better yet, go to a professional). Regular cleaning tools (including water and SneakERASERS) can damage suede.

Quick Tips for Prevention

Here are some quick tips from us so you don’t have to spend an hour every week cleaning muddy shoes:

• Spray shoes with waterproof spray before outdoor wear

• Wipe down shoes after muddy activities

• Keep a pack of SneakERASERS in your bag, car, or gym locker for quick cleanups

• Clean shoes weekly if you're regularly outside

Muddy Shoes Shouldn’t Be a Problem

Muddy shoes used to mean a time-consuming cleaning chore. But not anymore. SneakERASERS makes cleanup quick, easy, and effective. Whether you need a full refresh or just a fast swipe before walking into your next meeting, you're covered.

From Shark Tank to major retailers like Walmart and Costco, SneakERASERS has become the go-to for convenient shoe care. Ditch the harsh chemicals and complicated kits. Clean smarter. Keep your favorite pair looking like new longer.