How to clean retro runners: mesh, suede and leather, the right way
Care · 31 October 2026
Why retro runners need the gentle treatment
Shoes like the GEL-1130, the KAYANO 14, the ProGrid Omni 9 and the Nike P-6000 mix three materials: breathable mesh, synthetic or real leather overlays, and sometimes suede accents. Machine washing strips the glues and knocks the shape out of the midsole, so a retro pair should always be cleaned by hand. Done properly it takes fifteen minutes and adds years of life.
What you need
- A soft brush (an old toothbrush is perfect)
- A bowl of lukewarm water with a small drop of mild detergent or dish soap
- A clean microfibre cloth or an old towel
- Optional: a specialist suede brush and a protector spray
Step by step
1. Dry-brush first. Remove laces and insoles, then brush off loose dirt and dust over a bin. Most everyday grime comes off at this stage without any water at all.
2. Mesh and fabric. Dip the brush in the soapy water, shake off the excess, and work in small circular strokes. You want the brush damp, not dripping — soaking the mesh watermarks it. Wipe each section with the damp cloth as you go.
3. Leather and synthetic overlays. Use the damp cloth rather than the brush. Wipe along the panel, then dry immediately with the towel. Brushed or matte finishes scratch, so keep the pressure light.
4. Suede and nubuck. Water stains these, so keep them dry: use the suede brush in one direction only, and for stubborn marks a pencil eraser works surprisingly well. Only use a dedicated suede cleaner if brushing fails.
5. Midsole and outsole. These take the hardest scrub. Use the brush with slightly more pressure on the white rubber edges — a paste of bicarbonate of soda and water lifts yellowed foxing stripes gently.
6. Dry properly. Stuff the shoes with paper towel and leave them to air-dry at room temperature, ideally with airflow. Change the paper after an hour. Never force-dry.
What never to do
- No washing machine, no tumble dryer — heat and tumbling warp the midsole and delaminate the upper.
- No radiators, hairdryers or direct sun for drying; it yellows and cracks midsole foam.
- No bleach or harsh household cleaners on mesh — they turn it brittle and yellow.
- No wire brushes anywhere.
Keep them cleaner for longer
A protector spray applied to a clean, dry pair makes mesh and suede resist water and staining for weeks. Re-apply every month or so through winter. And if you rotate between two pairs rather than wearing the same shoes daily, both last noticeably longer — the foam gets a day to decompress.
When you're ready for the next pair, every shoe we stock ships in whole UK sizes 3–12, and free uk delivery on orders over £75 and 30-day returns on every pair.