How to Clean an Ultra Boost Sole

A clean, white sole can make your ultra boost sneakers really pop. Because they are soft and spongy, boost soles can pick up a lot of dirt. There may be dirt on the rubber bottom (or outsole) of the shoe as well as the spongy “boost” along the edges. If you just have small stains, you can remove them individually with wipes or pens. More difficult stains may need to be washed in a washing machine or scrubbed out using sneaker cleaner. With a little effort, your ultra boost soles will look as good as new.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Removing Stains

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1
Run a wet wipe along the bottom and edges. On the bottom or outsole of the shoe, run a wipe between the rubber grooves. Take a fresh wipe and gently rub along the edges of the boost.^{[1]XResearch source}
- After you use the wet wipe, gently dry the boost by wiping the edges down with a paper towel.
- Any wet wipe will do, although you may want to use one with antibacterial or stain removing properties to help remove dirt.
If the marks don’t respond to a wet wipe, a bleach pen may be able to lighten the stain. Take the cap off and rub the marker over the stain completely. For the best results, put the shoes in the washing machine afterwards.^{[2]XResearch source}
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3
Hide permanent stains with a white paint pen or oil-based marker. You can get paint pens and oil-based markers at craft stores. Take off the cap and gently run the tip over the stained area. You may need to go over the whole boost so that the entire sole is the same color. Let it dry for a few hours.^{[3]XResearch source}
- Paint pens and oil-based markers can give off fumes. Make sure you are working in a well-ventilated area. If you start to feel dizzy, take a break.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using a Washing Machine

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If the laces also need to be cleaned, place them in a delicates bag and throw them in the wash with the shoes.^{[4]XResearch source}
You can wash the shoes with towels, blankets, or sheets. If you have nothing else to wash, you can put the shoes in without any other laundry.^{[5]XResearch source}
Use detergent for dyed or colored sneakers to protect the colors. Use bleach for white boosts. Pour the detergent or bleach into the drum of the washing machine. Close the door of the machine.^{[6]XResearch source}
Turn the dials or buttons so that the temperature is set to warm and the cycle is set to "regular" or "normal." Warm water will get the dirt out more effectively than cold water. As the machine starts, you may hear the shoes clank or rattle inside of the machine. This is normal.^{[7]XResearch source}
Put the shoes in a dry, clean area. Do not put the shoes in the dryer, as it could damage the shoes. The shoes should be dry by morning. Put the laces back in before you wear them.^{[8]XResearch source}

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Washing the Shoes by Hand

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1
Gather a bowl of water, 2 scrub brushes, shoe cleaner, and paper towels. Keep these materials handy so that you can use them as you work. You should use both a soft and stiff bristled brush for this job.^{[9]XResearch source}
- You can get shoe cleaner at a shoe store, grocery store, or online.
- If you don’t have shoe cleaner, mix water and a small amount of laundry detergent until you have a soapy mixture.^{[10]XExpert SourceRio Jongsae Kim
  Designer Shoe & Bag Care SpecialistExpert Interview. 15 April 2021.}
Dip the softer brush in water and squeeze some shoe cleaner onto the bristles. Instead of scrubbing, gently run the brush along the edges of the shoe. Use a light pressure to protect the delicate material.^{[11]XExpert SourceRio Jongsae Kim
Designer Shoe & Bag Care SpecialistExpert Interview. 15 April 2021.}^{[12]XResearch source}
Now dip the stiff-bristled brush into the water and apply shoe cleaner to it. As you scrub, the shoe cleaner will start to foam. Make sure to get inside each of the grooves on the rubber outsole. Move the brush in small circles to get all of the dirt out.^{[13]XExpert SourceRio Jongsae Kim
Designer Shoe & Bag Care SpecialistExpert Interview. 15 April 2021.}^{[14]XResearch source}
Get all of the foam off of the bottom of the shoe. Wipe down the sides of the boost as well. You may need to use 2 or 3 paper towels to get all of the foam off.^{[15]XResearch source}
You can let them air dry.^{[16]XExpert SourceRio Jongsae Kim
Designer Shoe & Bag Care SpecialistExpert Interview. 15 April 2021.} It may only take an hour or 2 for the shoes to dry. If they're still wet, wipe them down with a paper towel again. Once they are dry, you can wear the shoes again.^{[17]XResearch source}