How to Clean Allbirds Trail Runner Shoes After Muddy Runs
By Allbirds | Published: 2026-10-16
Category: How-to Guides
A practical step-by-step guide to cleaning Allbirds Trail Runner shoes after muddy runs, from dry-brushing to air-drying, plus the mistakes that shorten shoe life.
Quick answer
Clean your Allbirds Trail Runner shoes after a muddy run by letting the mud dry, brushing it off, hand washing the uppers with a mild soap and lukewarm water, and air-drying them away from direct heat. Skip the washing machine and dryer; they can break down the upper and outsole faster than trail dirt ever will.
Why mud needs a dry-first approach
Wet mud smears deeper into knit and mesh uppers, so brushing it off while dry removes most of the grit before it can work into the fabric. If you start with a wet sponge, you push muddy water further into the shoe and often need more soap and scrubbing than the shoe can comfortably take.
What you need (and what to leave out)
A soft-bristle brush, a microfiber cloth, mild dish soap or a dedicated shoe cleaner, lukewarm water, and a dry towel cover almost every muddy run. Avoid bleach, harsh solvents, and stiff wire brushes, which can damage the upper and shorten the life of the shoe.
Cleaning the laces and insole separately
Laces and insoles trap mud and sweat, and cleaning them apart from the shoe gives both a better chance to dry fully. Hand wash laces in the same mild soap solution, rinse them well, and press the insoles with a towel before air-drying them flat.
Drying without wrecking the fit
Air-drying at room temperature keeps the upper and midsole from warping. Stuff the shoes with dry towels or newspaper to absorb moisture and hold their shape, then let them sit in a ventilated spot away from radiators, direct sun, and the dryer. If you must speed things up, point a fan at them rather than adding heat.
Step-by-step Trail Runner cleaning routine
- Let the mud dry completely: Leave the shoes outside or in a ventilated spot until the mud turns from wet and shiny to dry and crumbly. Checkpoint: if the mud still smears when you touch it, wait longer.
- Brush off dry mud: Use a soft-bristle brush to work the dried mud off the upper and outsole over a bin or outdoors. Pay attention to the lugs and the seam where the upper meets the sole. Common mistake: scrubbing wet mud deeper into the knit or mesh.
- Remove laces and insoles: Pull both out so you can clean them separately and let air reach the inside of the shoe. Checkpoint: if the insole is soaked, press it with a towel before drying.
- Hand wash the uppers: Mix a few drops of mild soap with lukewarm water. Dip the brush or a cloth, scrub gently in small circles, and avoid soaking the shoe more than needed. Common mistake: using hot water, bleach, or a washing machine.
- Rinse and blot: Wipe away soap with a clean damp cloth, then blot the whole shoe with a dry towel to pull out excess water. Checkpoint: no soapy residue should come off on the towel.
- Air-dry with shape support: Stuff the shoes with dry towels or newspaper and leave them at room temperature away from heat and direct sun. Replace the stuffing if it becomes damp. Common mistake: drying on a radiator or in a dryer, which can warp the fit.
- Reassemble and check traction: Once everything is fully dry, put the insoles and laces back and press a thumb along the outsole to feel for remaining grit or damage. Next step: repeat the routine after every muddy run to keep the outsole and upper in shape.
Product facts
- Women's Trail Runner - True Navy/Hazy Indigo (Natural Black Sole): The Trail Runner is a trail running shoe built to handle off-road terrain, with a durable outsole, stable upper, and strong traction. Mud and grit are expected, so routine cleaning protects the outsole and upper instead of treating them as delicate.
