Shoe Care Guide

Looked after properly, a good pair lasts years. Here’s how to clean, dry and store every style we make — running shoes, sneakers, slides and flip-flops.

Running shoes

To keep your RCD running shoes at peak performance, structural integrity and appearance, follow the steps below. Proper upkeep extends the life of the technical materials, cushioning systems and sustainable components.

Daily care & post-run maintenance

Air them out. After every run, remove the insoles and let your shoes dry completely in a well-ventilated, shaded area. Avoid direct sunlight or high heat — hair dryers, radiators — which can warp midsoles and degrade technical adhesives.

Remove debris. Gently brush loose dirt, mud and small stones off the outsole treads and upper mesh with a soft-bristled brush or dry microfibre cloth.

Cleaning

Hand wash only. Do not submerge your running shoes or put them in a washing machine — mechanical agitation and harsh detergents damage specialised textiles, bonded seams and cushioning tech.

Cleaning solution. Mix a small amount of mild, eco-friendly liquid soap with lukewarm water.

Upper & midsole. Dip a soft-bristled brush or cloth in the soapy water and gently scrub in circular motions. Wipe away residue with a clean, damp cloth.

Outsole. For heavy grime on the rubber outsole, a slightly firmer brush can be used to clear out the treads.

Insoles & laces. Remove them, wash separately by hand in soapy water, rinse thoroughly and let them air dry completely before reinserting.

Storage

Store properly. Keep your running shoes in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, high humidity and extreme temperature swings.

Maintain shape. For long-term storage, stuff them with clean, unprinted tissue paper so they hold their form.

When to replace them. Even with meticulous care, cushioning and shock absorption degrade over time. Replace your RCD running shoes every 480 to 800 kilometres (roughly 300–500 miles), or sooner if you notice visible midsole compression, uneven outsole wear, or a drop in underfoot support.

Sneakers

Cleaning your sneakers keeps them in good condition so they always look their best. We recommend avoiding the washing machine — try the following instead.

Full-grain leather trainers

  1. Let any dirt dry. If the soles are dirty, remove loose dirt first by tapping the soles together.
  2. Using a damp cloth soaked in warm soapy water (washing-up liquid will do), lightly wipe over the surface to remove any soiling.
  3. Let the trainers air dry at room temperature before wearing.

Suede trainers

With suede we believe in prevention over cure — a suede protector spray is well worth it.

  1. Before spraying, make sure the trainers are clean and completely dry, then spray from a distance (or as per the product’s directions). Leave them for at least an hour before wearing.
  2. If they get soiled, let the mud dry, then lightly work a suede brush over the suede areas.

Canvas trainers

  1. Use a damp cloth soaked in warm soapy water and wrung out well.
  2. Spot clean the canvas upper to lift any marks.
  3. Let the trainers air dry at room temperature.

Slides & flip-flops

To preserve the comfort, material quality and clean look of your RCD slides and flip-flops, a little daily upkeep goes a long way. Open footwear meets sweat, moisture and the outdoors more often than most, so these steps matter.

Daily care & post-wear maintenance

Rinse after exposure. After the beach, the pool or a heavy sweat session, rinse them with clean lukewarm water to remove salt, chlorine, sand and body oils.

Air dry naturally. Always let them dry completely in a well-ventilated, shaded space. Never use direct sunlight, hair dryers or artificial heat — extreme temperatures warp the specialised foams and eco-friendly materials.

Cleaning

Hand wash only. Never put slides or flip-flops in a washing machine or dishwasher, and avoid soaking them for long periods.

Mild solution. Lukewarm water with a few drops of mild, eco-friendly liquid soap.

Footbed & straps. With a soft brush, sponge or microfibre cloth, gently wipe the straps, upper bands and textured footbeds to lift dirt and sweat build-up.

Outsole. Use a slightly firmer brush to clear dirt and pebbles from the tread grooves.

Rinse & wipe. Remove all soap residue with a clean damp cloth, pat dry with a towel, then leave to air dry fully.

Storage

Avoid direct sunlight. Don’t leave them in hot environments for long — inside a parked car on a sunny day, for instance. High heat can shrink, distort or degrade high-performance foam.

Store flat. Keep them flat in a cool, dry place, and avoid stacking heavy objects on top, which permanently crushes the straps and footbed contours.

Not sure how to treat a particular pair? Email support@rcdwwd.com and we’ll talk you through it.