Ever wonder why your favorite shoes still smell funky even after you've cleaned them? We've all been there. You spend time cleaning the visible parts of your shoes, but that lingering odor just won't quit.
The real culprit is those grimy insoles, collecting sweat, bacteria, and odors every single day. Those bacteria can cause infections, and all that buildup also reduces your shoes’ lifespan.
Cleaning insoles doesn't have to be a messy, time-consuming chore. With the right techniques and modern solutions like SneakERASERS SOAK, you can keep your feet fresh and your shoes lasting longer in just minutes.
The first thing you’ll need to do is figure out what kind of insoles you’re dealing with. Some are removable while others are glued or sewn in place, and they can be made of a variety of materials, which need different cleaning techniques.
First, check to see if your insoles are removable. If you can easily lift up the insole from the heel or toe area, go ahead and remove them, and know they’ll handle a more thorough cleaning.
Non-removable insoles need gentler care that won't damage your shoe, and it’s a good idea to clean them more often since they can’t be removed for deep cleaning.
Different insole materials need different treatment, similar to how you wouldn't wash a silk shirt the same way you'd wash jeans. Understanding your insole material helps you choose the safest and most effective cleaning method:
Foam insoles: These are quite durable, and can handle soap, water, and even baking soda treatments without breaking down.
Gel insoles: These are sturdy and make it easy to swipe away stubborn dirt and grime.
Leather insoles: These need a gentle touch and shouldn't get too wet (they'll also need conditioning afterward to prevent cracking).
Fabric/cloth insoles: These are the easiest to clean, since you can use almost any cleaning method.
If your insoles are removable, you’re in luck, because you have more options for cleaning and can get a more thorough clean. You can use traditional household products, or for a specialized solution, SneakERASERS SOAK gets the job done quickly and easily.
Start by pulling the insoles out of your shoes and brushing off any loose dirt or debris, it's wild how much builds up from just everyday wear. When cleaning muddy shoes, you'll want to rinse off excess mud first before starting the deep clean process.
Mix 2 cups of warm water with 1 tablespoon of mild dish soap or laundry detergent in a bowl. If your shoelaces also need cleaning, you can throw them in there while you clean the insoles.
Using an old toothbrush or soft brush, gently swipe the insoles in circular motions, focusing on the heel and toe areas where grime tends to hang out. Don’t scrub too hard or you might damage the material.
After they're nice and clean, rinse them thoroughly with clean water and let them air dry for at least 4–6 hours before sliding them back into your shoes. It's a simple, safe routine that gets the job done without harsh chemicals.
For insoles with heavy buildup that need some serious attention, vinegar is your secret weapon.
Just mix equal parts white distilled vinegar and water in a container large enough to fit your insoles, then let them soak for 2–3 hours. This breaks down stubborn grime and kills bacteria that regular soap can't touch.
After soaking, give them a gentle scrub with a brush if needed, and be sure to rinse them thoroughly to get rid of the vinegar smell.
Let them dry completely (press them firmly with a paper towel to check) before slipping them back into your shoes. It takes a little more time, but this method seriously delivers when it comes to rescuing problem insoles.
For insoles with strong odors but little visible dirt, baking soda is your best friend. It’s a natural deodorizer that actually absorbs smells instead of just covering them up.
Toss your insoles into a plastic bag, add 1 teaspoon of baking soda for size 6–9 shoes or 2 teaspoons for size 10 and up, then give the bag a gentle shake to coat them evenly. Let them sit for 8–12 hours so the baking soda has time to do its magic.
Then just take them out and brush off the excess powder with an old toothbrush or cloth. It’s simple, really works, and chances are you already have a box of baking soda sitting in your kitchen.
If you don’t want to mess with creating your own cleaning solutions, SneakERASERS SOAK is the perfect formula for cleaning and deodorizing any insole that can be submerged in water.
Just mix it up and throw your insoles and laces in for a couple of hours. Then rinse, let everything dry thoroughly, and you’re good to go.
The special detergent is gentle but powerful, and it gets your insoles clean and fresh without harsh chemicals.
If your insoles aren’t removable, you obviously can’t soak them, so you’ll need to do the best you can with a brush or cloth, along with a deodorizing spray or powder.
If your insoles are made of a material that can handle a little water, you can use one of the solutions described above (soap and water, vinegar and water, or SneakERASERS SOAK) on a soft brush or cloth to gently scrub them.
Then wipe them down a couple of times with some clean water, and let them dry completely. If you need more deodorizing, use one of these next methods.
You can make a simple sterilizing and deodorizing solution by mixing equal parts rubbing alcohol and water in a spray bottle. Then just spritz the inside of your shoes, focusing on the heel and toe areas.
The alcohol takes care of the bacteria, while the water helps lift away dirt. Let them air dry for 2–3 hours.
If you don't have rubbing alcohol handy, there are other options that work equally well for cleaning non-removable insoles. Hydrogen peroxide is excellent for killing germs and disinfecting your shoes. Just spray it inside and let it air dry for 1-2 hours.
Antibacterial sprays from the store are another quick option that's convenient when you're in a hurry and need something that works fast.
Both of these solutions are easy to find and don't require any measuring or special preparation, which makes them perfect for those moments when you just need to get the job done quickly.
Baking soda is a great deodorizer, and if your insoles aren’t removable, you can still use it safely. Just sprinkle a small amount in each shoe and shake it around so it covers the whole insole.
Let them sit overnight, and then shake them out thoroughly before wearing them. If you have a pair of shoes that get smelly fast, you can do this after each wear to prevent those odors building up.
When you’re cleaning your shoes, it’s important to include the insoles, because otherwise you’ll still get odors and other problems.
Your shoe insoles are a breeding ground for harmful microorganisms you can't see. Every time you wear your shoes, sweat and moisture get trapped inside, creating the perfect environment for bacteria and fungi to multiply.
This microbial buildup doesn't just make your shoes smell terrible; it can actually cause infections, athlete's foot, and other painful problems that nobody wants to deal with.
When you clean your insoles regularly, you eliminate these unwanted microbes before they can cause real damage to your feet. It's one of those simple preventive steps that saves you from bigger headaches (and foot aches) down the road.
This is especially crucial when cleaning thrifted shoes, since you don't know the previous owner's hygiene habits or what kind of bacteria might be lurking inside.
The constant moisture and bacteria that your insoles are absorbing don't just create odors. They literally break down the fibers and foam that provide your feet with comfort and support.
Maintaining clean insoles keeps them supportive and comfortable for significantly longer periods, which means you're not constantly buying replacements. A few minutes of cleaning can save you serious money and keep your feet happy with the cushioning and support they need.
Related: How to Clean Your Running Shoes
Drying your insoles correctly is as crucial as cleaning them properly.
Never throw them in the dryer or place them near a heater, radiator, or hair dryer. The heat will make them shrink, crack, or lose their shape, which defeats the whole purpose of cleaning them in the first place.
Instead, find a spot with good air circulation like near an open window or fan, but keep them out of direct sunlight which can also cause shrinking and material damage.
The most important rule is to ensure they're completely dry (you don’t see any moisture when you press them firmly with a paper towel) before you put them back in your shoes. Otherwise, you'll trap moisture and create an ideal environment for bacteria and foul odors all over again.
Sometimes cleaning isn't enough, and you need to know when to throw in the towel and buy new insoles.
If you can see visible damage like cracks, holes, or pieces falling off, it's definitely time for replacements, because no amount of cleaning can fix structural damage. Persistent odors that won't go away even after thorough cleaning are another clear indicator that your insoles are beyond saving.
You should also replace insoles when they stop providing adequate support. If your feet hurt because the insoles have lost their cushioning or support, or if the material is separating and coming apart, new insoles will make your feet significantly more comfortable.
There are some major mistakes that can ruin your insoles, so here's what to avoid.
Never throw your insoles in the washing machine because it can mess up their shape and destroy any glue that holds them together. The agitation and heat are too harsh for most insole materials.
Stay away from harsh chemicals like bleach that can eat away at the materials and potentially harm your feet when you wear the shoes. Never use direct heat like hair dryers or radiators to dry them, as this can cause permanent damage.
If you have leather insoles, don't soak them with excessive water, and remember that suede materials can't handle conditioning products at all. These mistakes can turn a simple cleaning job into an expensive replacement situation.
Before you start cleaning, it's smart to think about safety first. Always test any cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area (like the edge or underside) of your insole to make sure it won't cause damage or discoloration.
If you have sensitive skin or allergies, wear rubber gloves to protect your hands from irritation. Use strong cleaners like vinegar or rubbing alcohol in well-ventilated areas or outdoors to avoid inhaling concentrated fumes.
The easiest way to avoid safety issues is to choose products that have already been tested and proven safe, like SneakERASERS, which take the guesswork out of cleaning.
If you’ve been frustrated with lingering odor in your shoes, your insoles might’ve been collecting bacteria and setting the stage for foot issues you didn’t even realize were brewing.
Maybe cleaning them felt like too much of a hassle, or you just weren’t sure how to do it without ruining them. But now you’ve got a full toolkit of proven methods, whether it’s a baking soda overnight treatment, a deep soak with vinegar, or a fast and effective all-in-one clean with SneakERASERS SOAK.
The key to healthier feet and longer-lasting shoes is finding a routine that works for you and sticking with it. Whether you're doing weekly refreshes or monthly deep cleans, it doesn’t have to be complicated.
With the right tools and a little consistency, insole maintenance becomes a simple habit that leaves your shoes smelling better, feeling more comfortable, and lasting a whole lot longer.
