The midsole is the band of rubber or foam between the upper and the ground, and it is usually the first part of a sneaker to look dirty. Most of what you see is surface dirt and scuff marks, which come off. Some of it may be yellowing from age, which is a different problem.
Is it dirt or yellowing?
Rub the mark with a damp cloth. If the cloth picks up colour, it is dirt and it will clean off. If the rubber itself has turned an even yellow or cream, that is oxidation: the material has changed colour with age, light and air. A cleaner removes what sits on the surface. It cannot reverse oxidation.
What you need
- A foam shoe cleaner
- A soft brush
- A damp cloth
- A toothpick for the tread
How to clean the midsole
- Brush off loose dirt while the shoe is dry.
- Shake the can and spray an even layer of foam along the midsole.
- Work it in with a soft brush, following the grooves and texture.
- Wipe clean with a damp cloth.
- Repeat on scuff marks, then let the shoes air-dry at room temperature.
How to clean the outsole
The underside holds packed mud and grit. Let the mud dry, pick small stones out of the tread with a toothpick and brush the loose dirt away. Then spray foam on the sole, brush it into the tread and wipe it off with a damp cloth.
Keeping soles clean for longer
- Wipe the midsoles after a few wears, before dirt sets in.
- Store sneakers away from direct sunlight.
- Let them dry fully before you put them away.
The cleaner we make for this
Shinezy Shoe Cleaner Foam Spray removes dirt and tough stains from rubber soles and midsoles, as well as canvas, mesh, leather and faux leather uppers. Keep the foam off suede and nubuck panels, and air-dry the shoes away from direct heat.