Cleaning New Balance shoes is mostly about using mild products, avoiding full soaking, and matching the method to the material (mesh, leather, suede, etc.). Keeping them dry, brushed, and spot‑cleaned regularly will make them look newer for longer.

Quick Scoop

  • Use mild, dye‑free detergent and soft brushes; harsh cleaners and bleach are a no‑go.
  • Never fully submerge New Balance shoes in water or put them in a hot dryer; always air‑dry at room temperature.
  • Adjust your routine for suede, mesh, or leather uppers so you do not damage the surface.

Basic Cleaning Steps (Most Models)

  1. Prep the shoes
    • Tap soles together outside to knock off loose dirt, then use a soft dry brush (old toothbrush works) to remove surface dust and dried mud.
 * Remove laces and any removable insoles so you can clean everything separately and reach seams and tongue areas.
  1. Mix a safe solution
    • In a small bowl, mix a little mild, dye‑free dish or laundry detergent with warm water (around 1:10 soap‑to‑water is plenty).
 * Test on a hidden spot first to check for colorfastness, especially on darker or vintage pairs.
  1. Clean the uppers
    • Dip a soft brush or cloth into the solution, squeeze out extra water, and gently scrub the uppers in small circles, working section by section.
 * Wipe away soap and loosened dirt with a clean damp cloth so residue does not dry on the fabric.
  1. Clean midsoles and soles
    • Use a slightly stiffer brush on rubber midsoles and outsole tread to lift scuffs and caked dirt.
 * For stubborn marks on white midsoles, specialized sneaker sponges or mild “eraser” products can help, but avoid overly abrasive scrubbing.
  1. Laces and insoles
    • Hand‑wash laces in the same mild solution, rinse well, and air‑dry flat or hanging.
 * Gently scrub fabric insoles with soapy water, rinse, then squeeze out excess water carefully and let them dry completely before reinserting.
  1. Drying the shoes
    • Pat with a towel to remove excess moisture, stuff with paper or a dry towel to help them hold shape and absorb dampness, and let them air‑dry 24 hours away from direct heat or sun.

By Material: Mesh, Leather, Suede

Mesh / Knit Uppers

Mesh running and lifestyle models (like many modern New Balance trainers) are fairly forgiving but can stain if soaked.

  • Use a very soft brush or microfiber cloth with diluted detergent; avoid aggressive scrubbing that can fuzz the knit.
  • Do not pour water directly on the shoe; keep things “damp, not drenched” and always finish with a clean damp wipe to lift out soap.

Smooth Leather (e.g., 550s)

Smooth leather New Balance pairs are usually the easiest to clean.

  • Wipe everyday dirt with a cloth slightly dampened with warm water; for scuffs and grime, add a drop of mild soap and work gently.
  • Dry with a separate clean cloth and, once fully dry, you can use a light leather conditioner if you want to keep the leather more supple.

Suede / Nubuck (Classic 990/991/993 Style)

Suede New Balance is where you need to be the most careful.

  • Start with a dry suede brush to raise nap and remove loose dust; always do this before any moisture so you do not create mud.
  • For marks, use a suede eraser or a specialized suede block first; rub lightly just on the stain.
  • If the shoe is still very dirty, use a suede‑safe cleaner or very diluted soap solution with a soft brush, and clean the entire panel evenly to avoid water rings.
  • After drying, brush the suede again to restore its soft texture and even out the nap.

What Not To Do (Important)

  • Do not machine‑wash or fully soak suede or leather models; this can warp structure, damage glue, and ruin the finish.
  • Avoid bleach, strong chemicals, or rough scouring pads, which can discolor mesh and strip finishes from leather and suede.
  • Skip direct heaters (radiators, hairdryers, strong sun), since high heat can cause shrinking, hardening, and midsole yellowing.

Keeping Them Fresh Longer

  • Brush off dry dust and dirt quickly after wear so it does not grind into fabric or suede over time.
  • Consider a fabric or suede protector spray (used correctly) on new or freshly cleaned pairs to help repel future stains.
  • Rotate pairs and give them full dry‑out time, especially if you sweat in them or get caught in rain.

TL;DR: For “how to clean New Balance shoes,” think gentle soap, soft brushes, spot cleaning, and air‑drying, with special care for suede and mesh; avoid soaking, harsh chemicals, and heat for best long‑term results.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.