Reboot your Reeboks at home with these simple cleaning steps

If your favorite pair of Reeboks has seen better days—dusty from trail runs, marked up from gym sessions, or simply dulled by everyday wear—don't worry. You don't need a professional cleaner or a trip to the mall to bring them back to life. With just a little time and some basic shoe care essentials, you can easily reboot your Reeboks at home.

Whether you wear them for workouts, street style, or casual comfort, keeping your Reeboks looking fresh will make you feel more confident and extend their life. Here's how to do it.

A. Cleaning session using handwashing method

Step 1: Know your materials

Before diving in with soap and water, take a good look at what your Reeboks are made of. Are they mostly mesh, leather, suede, or synthetic? Each material needs slightly different care. Here's a quick breakdown:

• Mesh or knit: Gentle and breathable, but can trap dirt easily.

• Leather: Durable and stylish but requires specific shoe cleaning products.

• Suede: Trendy, but delicate—no soaking allowed!

• Synthetic materials: Often the easiest to clean and the most forgiving.

Check the label or product description if you're not sure, and tailor your cleaning method accordingly.

Step 2: Gather all the items you need

Before you start, make sure you have everything ready. You don’t need a lot of things. Here’s what you’ll need:

• A shoe cleaning solution.

• Soft, medium, and hard brushes.

• A small bowl with water.

• A clean microfiber towel.

If you want better results, using a shoe cleaning kit like SHOEGR Ultimate Shoe Cleaning Kit or The Supreme Shoe Cleaning Kit is a good idea. It often includes everything you need in one box.

Shop now for The Supreme Shoe Cleaning Kit.

Step 3: Start the process by removing the laces and insoles

The first thing to do is remove the shoelaces. This makes it easier to clean all parts of the shoe, especially around the eyelets and tongue. You can wash the laces separately in soapy water or the cleaning solution.

Next, take out the insoles. Removing them helps the shoes dry more quickly and evenly after cleaning. It also allows air to circulate inside, preventing odor buildup and extending the life of both the shoes and the insoles. 

Step 4: Dry brush the shoes

Use a dry brush to remove loose dust and dirt from the shoes. Do this gently, especially if your shoes are made of soft materials. Dry brushing before using water helps avoid spreading the dirt around. Don’t forget to brush the soles too. This step makes the rest of the cleaning process easier and efficient.

Step 5: Prepare the cleaning solution and start cleaning

Now it’s time to clean the shoes properly. In a bowl, mix a small amount of shoe cleaning solution with water, for SHOEGR Sneaker Cleaner we recommend 3 small squirts in 200-250ml of water. 

Start with the uppers: dip the soft brush into the cleaning solution and gently scrub your shoes.

Be careful if your Reeboks are made of leather or mesh. For leather, suede, or nubuck, use less water, and be gentle. For mesh or fabric, you can use more water but don’t soak the shoes completely. 

Step 6: Now, clean the midsoles and outsoles

The soles are often the dirtiest part. Use a medium brush to scrub the midsoles and a hard-bristles brush to clean the outsoles. 

Scrub each thoroughly—don’t rush this part. Clean soles can make your shoes look almost new. If they don’t come clean on the first try, don’t hesitate to go in for a second round.

Step 7: Wipe and dry

After scrubbing, take a clean microfiber towel and wipe off the cleaning solution and residue. Make sure there is none left on the shoes.

Now dry your shoes. Do not put them under direct sunlight or near a heater. Heat and agitation can damage the material. Instead, let them air dry in a cool place. You can stuff shoe trees inside the shoes to help them keep their shape and dry faster.

Buy now the Shapeit - Adjustable Shoe Trees for your favorite pair of shoes.

Step 7: Clean the laces and insoles

While your shoes dry, you can refresh the laces and insoles. Throw the laces in your cleaning solution, scrub lightly, rinse, and hang to dry. For insoles, use the medium brush or soft brush (depending on the material) to clean them off. Let them air out completely before putting them back in.

For suede Reeboks: Be extra careful. Avoid water based cleaning, until absolutely necessary and even then never soak the shoes completely. For suede, stick to dry cleaning regularly with a suede cleaning kit, which includes a suede brush and eraser and avoid exposure to excess water as it can damage the texture and leave stains.

First, brush the suede material using a suede brush to lift dirt and restore the nap. Then, use a suede eraser to remove any remaining spots or stains. Finish by gently brushing off the residue—and just like that, your shoes are good to go!

B. Machine wash if necessary

You can machine wash your Reeboks if they’re made of mesh or synthetic materials (avoid this for suede or leather). Start by removing the laces. Then follow the steps:

• Pre-clean shoes with shoe cleaning kit to remove stains and clean the outsoles. 

• Place each shoe in a mesh laundry bag, and add a cleaning cube to one of the bag’s pockets.

• Run a 30-minute cold wash cycle in the washing machine.

• Air dry overnight, and they should be ready to wear!

Buy now the Ultimate Shoe Cleaning Kit.

Remember, machine washing is a deep clean process that’s only recommended once in a while and for certain shoe materials. So, check the recommendations from the manufacturer before you machine wash. 

C. Protect with water repellent spray

Once your Reeboks are sparkling clean, you might want to spray them with a stain and water repellent spray. This invisible shield helps repel dirt and stains, making future cleanups easier and keeping your kicks fresher for longer.

D. Control odor with shoe freshener

After cleaning and drying your Reeboks, place a shoe freshener inside each shoe to absorb moisture and prevent odors. You can use store-bought inserts or a simple home remedy—like filling a sock with baking soda and tying it closed. Leave them in after each wear to keep your shoes smelling fresh.

Final thoughts

Your Reeboks aren’t just sneakers—they’re your go-to companions for everything from errands to personal records. Giving them a regular clean is like hitting a reset button: they look better, feel better, and last longer.

So next time your Reeboks look a little tired, don’t toss them in the back of the closet. Just reboot them—with a shoe cleaning kit.

Your soles—and their soul—will thank you.