How to Clean Saucony Running Shoes: The Complete Care Guide
Saucony has been making running shoes since 1898 — over 125 years of engineering that goes into every pair. From the PWRRUN PB foam in the Endorphin Speed 5 to the Vibram MegaGrip outsoles on the Peregrine 16, these materials need proper care to deliver their full lifespan. As authorised UK stockists, we've compiled the definitive care guide covering every type of Saucony shoe we sell.
1 | Can You Machine Wash Saucony?
No — not recommended for any Saucony running shoe. Machine washing degrades the foam compounds that give Saucony shoes their performance characteristics. PWRRUN PB foam contains expanded PEBA beads that can compress unevenly in a spin cycle. PWRRUN+ TPU beads are more durable but still lose resilience when exposed to machine agitation and heat.
What Machine Washing Damages
The RUNDRY collar lining loses its moisture-wicking properties when soaked in detergent. FORMFIT cushioning flattens unevenly under machine pressure, ruining the 3D foot-shaped cradle. PWRTRAC outsole rubber can delaminate from the midsole when adhesives weaken in hot water. And suede Originals models will be permanently ruined.
The Quick Answer
- Performance shoes (Endorphin, Triumph, Ride, Guide, Hurricane): Hand wash only
- Trail shoes (Peregrine, Xodus): Hand wash — extra attention to Vibram outsole
- Originals (Jazz, Shadow, ProGrid): Spot clean only — especially suede panels
- GORE-TEX models: Hand wash with specific GTX-compatible products
- Tumble dry: Never — any model
2 | How to Clean Saucony Running Shoes
This method covers all Saucony performance running shoes: Endorphin Speed 5, Endorphin Azura, Triumph 23, Ride 19, Guide 19, Hurricane 25, and Kinvara 16. For trail shoes and suede Originals, see the dedicated sections below.
What You Need
- Lukewarm water (never hot — heat damages PWRRUN foams)
- Mild detergent or liquid soap
- Soft-bristle brush or old toothbrush
- Clean cloths or microfibre towels
- Newspaper for drying
Step-by-Step Method
- Remove laces and insoles. Wash laces separately by hand. Remove the REACT2U or FORM2U memory foam insoles and wipe down with a damp cloth — do not soak memory foam.
- Knock off loose dirt. Tap soles together. Brush the upper and outsole with a dry brush to remove surface debris.
- Prepare cleaning solution. Mix a small amount of mild detergent into lukewarm water. Avoid bleach, fabric softener, and solvent-based cleaners.
- Clean the outsole. Use the brush to scrub PWRTRAC or XT-900 rubber. Work into tread grooves where grit accumulates — trapped debris wears down rubber faster and reduces traction.
- Clean the upper. Dip a soft brush or cloth into the solution. Work gently over mesh panels in circular motions. Pay attention to the RUNDRY collar area, which absorbs sweat and dirt during runs.
- Clean the midsole. Wipe the PWRRUN/PWRRUN PB/PWRRUN+ midsole with a damp cloth. These foams are resilient but should not be saturated.
- Rinse. Wipe the entire shoe with a clean, damp cloth to remove soap residue. Do not submerge.
- Dry properly. See section 6 for the correct drying method.
PWRRUN PB Care Note
- PWRRUN PB (PEBA beaded foam) delivers 88% energy return and is half the weight of EVA
- It maintains consistent performance across wide temperature ranges
- However, the individual beads can deform under sustained heat or mechanical pressure
- Always air dry — never apply heat to PWRRUN PB midsoles
3 | How to Clean Saucony Trail Shoes (Peregrine & Xodus)
Saucony's trail range uses specialised materials that need specific attention. The Peregrine 16 and Xodus Ultra 4 both feature Vibram MegaGrip outsoles with 4mm lugs designed for maximum traction on technical terrain. The Peregrine 16 also includes a forefoot rock guard (E-B-0 protection plate) that can trap debris.
Trail Shoe Cleaning Method
- Let mud dry completely. Wet mud pushes deeper into Vibram rubber compound and mesh when disturbed. Wait until it's fully dry.
- Remove dried mud aggressively. Tap soles together, then use a stiff brush or wooden stick to clean between the 4mm MegaGrip lugs. Mud packed between lugs eliminates traction.
- Clean the rock guard area. On the Peregrine 16, the E-B-0 forefoot shield sits between the outsole and midsole. Small stones can wedge around this plate — inspect and remove any embedded debris.
- Rinse the outsole under running water. Vibram MegaGrip rubber handles water well. Use a gentle stream to flush remaining grit from the tread pattern.
- Brush the upper. Trail shoe uppers are built for durability, but still use a soft brush with lukewarm water and mild detergent. Clean the drainage ports if present.
- Air dry with insoles removed. Trail shoes take longer to dry — stuff with newspaper and replace every few hours.
Vibram MegaGrip Longevity
Vibram MegaGrip is one of the most durable outsole compounds available. Regular cleaning after trail runs extends its effective life significantly. Embedded grit acts as an abrasive between the rubber and the ground, accelerating lug wear. Clean lugs = longer-lasting traction.
4 | How to Care for Saucony Suede Originals (Jazz & Shadow)
Saucony Originals — the Jazz Original, Shadow 5000/6000, and ProGrid heritage reissues — are lifestyle shoes with suede, nubuck, and premium textile panels. These materials require completely different care from performance mesh.
Never Machine Wash Suede Saucony Shoes
Water and agitation permanently damage suede nap. The texture becomes flat and stiff, colour bleeds, and the material may crack. Suede Originals should only ever be spot cleaned or dry cleaned.
Suede Care Method
- Brush regularly. Use a dedicated suede brush (soft brass bristles) to remove surface dust and restore nap direction. Brush in one direction only.
- Treat stains immediately. Blot (don't rub) any wet stains with a clean, dry cloth. For dried stains, use a suede eraser — a rubber block designed to lift marks without water.
- Spot clean stubborn marks. Dampen a cloth very slightly with cold water and white vinegar (50/50 mix). Dab the stain gently. Allow to dry, then brush to restore nap.
- Protect with spray. Apply a suede protector spray before first wear and reapply every 4-6 weeks. This creates a barrier against water and stains without affecting the look or feel.
- Clean non-suede panels normally. Mesh and synthetic panels on Originals can be wiped with a damp cloth and mild detergent.
Suede vs Performance Care Summary
- Suede Originals: Dry brush only, suede eraser for stains, protector spray, never wet
- Performance mesh: Lukewarm water, mild detergent, soft brush, air dry
- Never combine methods: Do not use water-based cleaning on suede panels
5 | When to Replace Saucony Running Shoes
Different Saucony foams have different durability profiles. PWRRUN PB is dramatically more durable than standard EVA, while PWRRUN+ TPU beads are the most long-lasting. Knowing your foam helps you predict replacement timing.
PWRRUN PB Shoes
600-800km. Endorphin Speed 5, Triumph 23, Hurricane 25. PEBA beaded foam with 88% energy return — dramatically more durable than EVA, consistent across temperature ranges.
PWRRUN+ Shoes
700-900km. Ride 19. TPU steam-fused beads — the most durable Saucony foam. Exceptionally resilient over long distances. The "workhorse" foam built to last.
PWRRUN Shoes
500-700km. Guide 19, Kinvara 16, Peregrine 16. Blended EVA — versatile and protective but standard EVA durability. Trail shoes hit the lower end due to terrain impact.
IncrediRUN Shoes
400-600km. Endorphin Elite 2. Next-gen TPEE superfoam designed for maximum race performance — lighter and softer means shorter lifespan. Race-day shoes, not daily trainers.
Signs Your Saucony Shoes Need Replacing
- PWRRUN foam feels flat or dead — press the midsole and it doesn't bounce back
- Outsole rubber is worn through to the foam underneath
- The FORMFIT cradle no longer holds your foot snugly — upper is stretched
- RUNDRY collar no longer wicks moisture — it stays damp after runs
- You're developing new joint pain, shin splints, or blisters
- Asymmetric wear pattern — one side of the outsole worn significantly more than the other
6 | How to Dry Running Shoes
Heat is the enemy of every running shoe foam. PWRRUN PB beads deform under sustained heat. PWRRUN+ TPU loses resilience. Even standard PWRRUN EVA degrades. Every Saucony running shoe should be air dried at room temperature — no exceptions.
Never Do This
Tumble dryer, radiator, hairdryer, direct sunlight, car dashboard. All of these apply heat that permanently degrades foam performance and weakens adhesive bonds between outsole and midsole.
Always Do This
Remove laces and insoles. Stuff with scrunched newspaper to absorb moisture. Place in a well-ventilated room at normal temperature. Replace newspaper every 2-3 hours. Allow 24-48 hours.
Memory Foam Insoles (REACT2U / FORM2U)
Saucony's memory foam insoles are especially sensitive to heat and saturation. Remove them after every run and allow to dry separately at room temperature. Never place memory foam insoles on a radiator or in direct sunlight — the foam hardens permanently and loses its contouring properties.
7 | GORE-TEX Saucony Care
Saucony offers GORE-TEX waterproof versions of several models: the Triumph 23 GTX, Peregrine 16 GTX, Ride TR2 GTX, Excursion TR17 GTX, and Echelon 10 GTX. The GORE-TEX membrane requires specific care to maintain its waterproof-breathable performance.
GORE-TEX Care Rules
- Clean regularly: Dirt clogs the membrane's pores, reducing breathability. Wipe down after every wet-weather run.
- Use GTX-compatible cleaners: Standard detergents can leave residue that blocks membrane pores. Use Nikwax or Grangers footwear-specific products.
- Reproof the DWR coating: The Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish on the outer fabric wears off over time. When water stops beading on the surface and starts soaking in (wetting out), apply a spray-on DWR reproofing product.
- Never use fabric softener: Fabric softener destroys DWR coatings permanently.
- Dry thoroughly: GORE-TEX shoes take longer to dry because the membrane restricts airflow. Open the tongue fully and stuff with newspaper. Allow 48 hours minimum.
When to Reproof
If water no longer beads on the outer fabric and instead soaks in — even though you don't feel wet inside — the DWR coating needs refreshing. Apply a spray-on reproofing product (Nikwax Fabric & Leather Proof or Grangers Footwear Repel) to the clean, dry shoe. Allow to dry completely before wearing.
Shop Saucony at OD's
Not Sure Which Saucony Is Right for You?
Visit us at 44 Barrow Street, St Helens (Mon-Sat 9am-5pm) for expert fitting advice. We stock the full Saucony performance and Originals range. Or browse our full Saucony collection online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you machine wash Saucony running shoes?
No. Machine washing degrades PWRRUN foam compounds, damages the RUNDRY moisture-wicking collar, and can delaminate outsole adhesives. Hand wash with lukewarm water and mild detergent instead. Saucony Originals with suede panels should never get wet — spot clean only.
How do you clean suede Saucony Jazz shoes?
Use a suede brush to remove surface dirt, brushing in one direction. For stains, use a suede eraser (rubber block). For stubborn marks, dampen a cloth very slightly with cold water and white vinegar, dab gently, then allow to dry and brush. Apply suede protector spray before first wear and every 4-6 weeks. Never machine wash or soak suede.
How long do Saucony running shoes last?
It depends on the foam. PWRRUN PB shoes (Endorphin Speed 5, Triumph 23) last 600-800km. PWRRUN+ shoes (Ride 19) last 700-900km — the most durable Saucony foam. Standard PWRRUN shoes (Guide 19, Peregrine 16) last 500-700km. Race-day IncrediRUN shoes (Endorphin Elite 2) last 400-600km.
How do you care for GORE-TEX Saucony shoes?
Clean regularly with GTX-compatible products (Nikwax or Grangers). Never use fabric softener — it destroys DWR coatings. When water stops beading on the outer fabric, reproof with a spray-on DWR product. Dry thoroughly with the tongue open and newspaper stuffed inside — allow 48 hours minimum as the membrane restricts airflow.
What is PWRRUN PB and how do you care for it?
PWRRUN PB is Saucony's premium PEBA beaded foam delivering 88% energy return at half the weight of EVA. It maintains consistent performance across temperature ranges. To care for it: hand wash only, never apply heat (no radiators, no tumble dryers), and air dry at room temperature. The individual beads can deform under sustained heat.
Is OD's an authorised Saucony stockist?
Yes. OD's Designer Clothing is an authorised UK stockist of Saucony. Every pair purchased from us is 100% authentic with full manufacturer warranty, sourced directly from official distribution.