How to Clean On Running Shoes: The Complete Care Guide
On Running shoes contain patented technology that requires specific care to maintain performance and longevity. Machine washing, harsh chemicals, and improper drying can damage CloudTec pods, degrade Helion foam, and destroy LightSpray uppers. As authorised UK stockists who handle these shoes daily, we've put together the definitive care guide based on On's official guidance and our own experience.
1 | Can You Machine Wash On Running Shoes?
No. On Running explicitly advises against machine washing any of their shoes. The agitation, heat, and detergent concentration inside a washing machine can damage the materials that make On shoes perform the way they do.
What Machine Washing Actually Damages
The spin cycle warps CloudTec pods and compresses Helion foam unevenly, reducing cushioning performance. Hot water degrades adhesives bonding the Speedboard to the midsole. Detergent residue clogs mesh breathability. Machine washing can also void the manufacturer's warranty.
Every On Running shoe — from the Cloud 6 to the Cloudmonster to the Cloudboom Strike — should be hand washed only. LightSpray models require even gentler treatment, which we cover in section 3.
The Quick Answer
- Machine wash: No — never
- Hand wash: Yes — lukewarm water + mild detergent
- Tumble dry: No — never
- Air dry: Yes — room temperature, away from direct heat
- LightSpray shoes: Brush off dry dirt only, or hand wash with warm water — no detergent on the upper
2 | How to Clean On Running Shoes Step by Step
This method works for all standard On Running shoes including the Cloud 6, Cloudmonster, Cloudswift, Cloudrunner, Cloud X, Cloudtilt, Cloudvista, and Cloudpulse. For LightSpray models, see section 3.
What You Need
- Lukewarm water (never hot)
- Mild detergent or soap (avoid bleach and harsh chemicals)
- Soft-bristle brush or old toothbrush
- Clean cloth or sponge
- Newspaper or kitchen roll for drying
Step-by-Step Method
- Remove laces and insoles. Wash laces separately by hand in soapy water. Remove insoles and wipe them down with a damp cloth.
- Knock off loose dirt. Tap the soles together to dislodge dried mud and debris from the CloudTec pods. Use a dry brush on the upper to remove surface dust.
- Prepare cleaning solution. Mix a small amount of mild detergent into a bowl of lukewarm water. Avoid anything containing bleach, fabric softener, or strong solvents.
- Scrub the outsole. Dip the brush into the solution and clean the CloudTec pods thoroughly. Mud and grit trapped between pods accelerates wear, so work into every gap.
- Clean the upper. Use a damp cloth or soft brush with the cleaning solution. Work gently in circular motions. Pay attention to high-dirt areas around the toe box and heel.
- Clean the midsole. Wipe the Helion foam midsole with the damp cloth. Avoid saturating the foam — surface cleaning is sufficient.
- Rinse. Wipe the entire shoe with a clean, damp cloth to remove soap residue. Do not submerge the shoe in water.
- Dry properly. See section 5 for the correct drying method.
Pro Tip: Clean After Every Run
- A quick wipe-down after each run prevents dirt building up in CloudTec pods
- Removing insoles after running allows moisture to evaporate faster
- Regular light cleaning is far better for shoe longevity than occasional deep cleans
3 | How to Clean LightSpray Shoes (Special Care)
LightSpray is On Running's revolutionary upper technology — a robotic arm sprays a single 1.5km filament directly onto the midsole in just 3 minutes, creating a seamless, glueless one-piece upper weighing as little as 30 grams. This is completely different construction from standard mesh, and it requires completely different care.
Critical Warning: Do NOT Machine Wash LightSpray Shoes
LightSpray uppers are engineered for breathability and race performance, not water resistance. The single-filament construction has no stitching, no glue, and no layering — machine washing will damage the bonding and compromise the structural integrity of the upper. Hand washing with detergent should also be avoided on the upper itself.
LightSpray Cleaning Method
- Daily care: Use a dry, soft-bristle brush to remove surface dirt from the upper. This is all most runs require.
- Deeper clean: Dampen a clean cloth with warm water only — no soap, no detergent on the LightSpray upper. Wipe gently.
- Outsole and midsole: Clean these as normal using the standard method with mild detergent.
- Dry immediately: Pat the upper dry with a clean towel. Allow to air dry at room temperature.
LightSpray Key Facts
- Found in: Cloudboom Strike LS and Cloudmonster 3 Hyper LS
- Upper weighs as little as 30 grams
- Road running only — not designed for trails or technical terrain
- True to size with a "second-skin" fit
- Standard width only — less stretch than traditional mesh
- 75% less CO2 vs. other On racing shoes when produced at On Labs Zurich
4 | How to Remove Mud from Trail Shoes
On Running trail models like the Cloudvista 2 and Cloudsoma use Missiongrip outsoles — specialised rubber compounds developed in the Swiss Alps for maximum traction on wet, rocky, and muddy terrain. Mud trapped in the lugs and around CloudTec pods reduces grip performance, so cleaning after trail runs is essential.
Trail Shoe Cleaning Method
- Let mud dry first. Wet mud smears and embeds deeper into materials. Let the shoes dry naturally before cleaning.
- Knock off dried mud. Tap soles together firmly. Use a stiff brush or wooden stick to remove dried mud from between Missiongrip lugs and CloudTec pods.
- Rinse the outsole under running water. Trail shoes can handle more water on the outsole than road shoes. Direct a gentle stream of cool water over the sole to flush out remaining grit.
- Brush the upper. Use a soft brush with lukewarm water and mild detergent on the mesh upper. Trail uppers are built tougher, but still avoid soaking.
- Clean debris from the lacing system. Grit can accumulate around eyelets and under lace loops. Wipe these areas with a damp cloth.
- Air dry at room temperature. Stuff with newspaper and dry away from heat sources.
Prevent Odour Build-Up
Trail shoes get wetter than road shoes. Remove insoles immediately after every run and allow both the shoe and insole to dry separately. Sprinkle baking soda inside the shoe overnight if odour develops, then shake it out before the next run.
5 | How to Dry On Running Shoes
Improper drying causes more damage than improper cleaning. Heat warps CloudTec pods, degrades Helion foam, and can crack adhesive bonds. Every On Running shoe should be air dried at room temperature.
Never Do This
Tumble dryer, radiator, hairdryer, direct sunlight, car dashboard, airing cupboard at full heat. All of these apply concentrated heat that warps foam and weakens structural bonds.
Always Do This
Stuff with scrunched newspaper or kitchen roll to absorb moisture from inside. Replace the paper every few hours. Place in a well-ventilated room at normal temperature. Allow 24-48 hours to dry fully.
The Newspaper Method
- Remove laces and insoles completely
- Scrunch newspaper loosely and stuff inside each shoe — don't pack it too tightly
- Place shoes upright on their outsoles in a well-ventilated area
- Replace saturated newspaper every 2-3 hours for the first half-day
- Allow 24-48 hours for complete drying before wearing again
Waterproof Models (Cloud 6 Waterproof, Cloudhorizon WP)
- Waterproof membranes take longer to dry because moisture can't escape as freely
- The newspaper method is especially important for waterproof models
- Never force-dry with heat — the waterproof membrane will delaminate
- Open the tongue fully and prop the shoe open to maximise airflow
6 | When to Replace Your On Running Shoes
Even with perfect care, running shoes have a finite lifespan. The cushioning foam compresses, the outsole wears down, and the upper loses its structure. Running in worn-out shoes increases injury risk and reduces performance.
Road Running Shoes
600-800km (375-500 miles). Models like the Cloud 6, Cloudmonster, and Cloudsurfer fall in this range. Heavier runners and those with aggressive heel strikes may reach the lower end.
Trail Running Shoes
500-700km (310-435 miles). The Cloudvista 2 and Cloudsoma see harsher terrain, sharper impacts, and more abrasive surfaces. Missiongrip outsoles wear faster on rock than road rubber on tarmac.
Training Shoes
500-700km. The Cloud X 4 and Cloudpulse 2 handle lateral movements, jumps, and multi-directional stress that accelerates wear compared to pure road running.
Lifestyle Shoes
12-18 months with regular daily wear. The Cloudtilt uses CloudTec Phase which wears more gradually during walking, but the midsole still compresses over time.
Signs Your On Shoes Need Replacing
- CloudTec pods are visibly compressed, cracked, or no longer spring back
- The outsole rubber is worn smooth — you can see the foam underneath
- You feel less cushioning than when the shoes were new
- The upper is stretched out and no longer holds your foot securely
- You're developing new aches, pains, or blisters during runs
- The midsole creases when you press the Helion foam — it should bounce back
7 | How to Store On Running Shoes
Where and how you store your shoes between runs affects how long they last. Helion foam needs time to decompress after each run, and UV light degrades rubber compounds over time.
Storage Best Practices
- Room temperature: Store in a cool, dry area. Avoid garages, car boots, and conservatories where temperature fluctuates
- Out of direct sunlight: UV radiation breaks down rubber and fades upper materials
- Not compressed: Don't stack heavy items on top of your shoes — it flattens CloudTec pods permanently
- Loosened: Undo laces and open the tongue after every run to allow moisture to escape
- Insoles removed: Take insoles out between runs to allow both the shoe and insole to breathe
- Shoe trees optional: Cedar shoe trees help absorb moisture and maintain shape, but are more common for leather shoes — newspaper works fine for running shoes
If you're storing shoes long-term (off-season or rotation), stuff them loosely with acid-free tissue paper to maintain shape and store in a breathable cotton bag. Avoid sealed plastic containers — trapped moisture causes mildew and degrades adhesives.
8 | Running Shoe Rotation: Why You Need More Than One Pair
Rotating between two or more pairs of running shoes isn't a marketing trick — it's backed by biomechanics research and extends the life of every pair in your rotation.
Why Rotation Works
- Foam recovery time: Helion foam needs 24-48 hours to fully decompress after a run. Running on partially compressed foam reduces cushioning performance and accelerates breakdown.
- Moisture management: Shoes need time to dry completely between runs. Rotating gives each pair at least a full day to air out, preventing bacterial growth and odour.
- Varied stimulus: Different shoes have different stack heights, drops, and levels of stability. Alternating between them strengthens different muscle groups and reduces repetitive stress injuries.
- Extended lifespan: A pair that gets every other run instead of every run lasts significantly longer in real-world kilometres, even accounting for the total runs across both pairs.
A Smart Two-Shoe Rotation
Daily Trainer
Cloudmonster or Cloud 6 for most runs — comfortable, cushioned, versatile. Handles everything from easy recovery runs to moderate tempo sessions.
Speed / Workout Shoe
Cloud X 4 for gym sessions and intervals, or Cloudswift for faster road runs. A lighter, more responsive option that complements your daily trainer.
Shop On Running at OD's
Need Help Choosing Your Rotation?
Visit us at 44 Barrow Street, St Helens (Mon-Sat 9am-5pm) and we'll help you pick the right combination for your training. Or browse our full On Running collection online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you put On Running shoes in the washing machine?
No. On Running advises against machine washing all of their shoes. Machine washing damages CloudTec pods, degrades Helion foam, weakens adhesive bonds, and can void the manufacturer's warranty. Hand wash with lukewarm water and mild detergent instead.
Can you machine wash LightSpray On Running shoes?
Absolutely not. LightSpray uppers are a single sprayed filament bonded directly to the midsole without glue. Machine washing will damage the bonding and compromise the upper's structural integrity. Brush off dry dirt for daily care, or hand wash with warm water only — no detergent on the LightSpray upper.
How long do On Running shoes last?
Road running shoes typically last 600-800km depending on running style, body weight, and surface. Trail shoes last 500-700km due to harsher terrain. Lifestyle shoes like the Cloudtilt last 12-18 months with regular daily wear. Visible compression of CloudTec pods or loss of cushioning responsiveness are signs it's time to replace.
Can you tumble dry On Running shoes?
No. Tumble dryers apply concentrated heat that warps CloudTec pods, degrades Helion foam, and weakens adhesive bonds. Always air dry at room temperature. Stuff shoes with newspaper to absorb moisture and replace the paper every few hours.
How do you get mud out of On Running trail shoes?
Let the mud dry completely first — wet mud smears and embeds deeper. Once dry, tap soles together to dislodge large chunks, then use a stiff brush to clean between Missiongrip lugs and CloudTec pods. Rinse the outsole under cool running water. Clean the upper with a soft brush, lukewarm water, and mild detergent.
Is OD's an authorised On Running stockist?
Yes. OD's Designer Clothing is an authorised UK stockist of On Running. Every pair purchased from us is 100% authentic with full manufacturer warranty, sourced directly from official distribution.