Apparel & Shoes

How to Clean adidas Ultraboost Shoes

adidas Ultraboost shoes typically combine a flexible knit or textile upper, molded support pieces, a textured Boost foam midsole, and a rubber outsole. Dirt that is safe to scrub from rubber can fuzz or stretch the knit, while strong chemicals used to brighten white shoes can alter colored yarns and bonded components. adidas publishes both general shoe and running-shoe cleaning methods, but Ultraboost generations and collaborations vary. The safest default is material-aware hand cleaning, gentle motion on the knit, thorough rinsing, and room-temperature air-drying.

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Primary reference: adidas: official shoe-cleaning guide. Always check the manual for your exact model.

Quick reference

Upper
Use a microfiber cloth or very soft brush with light motion on knit.
Sole
Use a separate soft toothbrush on rubber and exposed Boost foam.
Washer
Use only when the exact product instructions explicitly allow it.
Avoid
Bleach, hot water, soaking, abrasive scrubbing, dryers, and direct sun.
Dry
Blot, support the shape, and air-dry all parts separately.

What you will need

  • A soft dry shoe brush
  • A soft toothbrush for rubber grooves
  • Two microfiber cloths
  • Cool or lukewarm water
  • Mild color-safe liquid detergent
  • A small bowl
  • A mesh bag only if the exact product care explicitly permits machine washing
  • Plain white paper or clean socks for shaping

Step-by-step instructions

Step 1: Identify the exact Ultraboost materials

Check the product page and tongue label for knit, textile, suede, leather, reflective, waterproof, or special-edition components. Most Primeknit-style uppers need gentler handling than the outsole. Test diluted detergent under the tongue or near the heel and allow the spot to dry before cleaning the entire upper.

Step 2: Remove loose dirt before adding water

Take out laces and removable insoles. Use a soft dry brush to lift dust from the knit and cage, then use a separate firmer toothbrush on dry outsole grooves. Do not grind sand deeper into Boost foam or pull at knit loops. Tap soles together lightly to release stones without striking the uppers.

Step 3: Prepare a weak detergent solution

Mix a few drops of mild color-safe liquid detergent into cool or lukewarm water. Avoid hot water, bleach, and concentrated stain removers. adidas publishes several cleaning recipes for different shoe types, but a method for another running model—especially one explicitly labeled machine washable—should not automatically be transferred to Ultraboost.

Step 4: Clean the outsole and Boost midsole

Use the toothbrush and solution on the rubber tread, then work lightly along the exposed Boost pellets and sidewall. Wipe the brush frequently so black outsole soil does not spread onto a white midsole. Do not dig between foam pellets with metal or aggressively sand the surface; permanent discoloration is preferable to damaging the cushioning.

Step 5: Blot and brush the knit upper

Dampen a microfiber cloth or very soft brush, squeeze out excess, and work in small circular motions with the direction of the knit. Support the upper from inside so it does not collapse. Blot stains instead of scrubbing repeatedly. Clean molded cages and heel counters with the cloth, keeping solution away from printed or reflective details until tested.

Step 6: Clean laces and insoles separately

Massage laces in fresh mild solution, rinse, and blot. Wipe removable insoles with a lightly damp cloth and minimal detergent, then wipe with clean water. Avoid soaking foam or machine-washing insoles unless the product page expressly allows it. Glued insoles should remain in place and receive only a surface wipe.

Step 7: Remove all cleaner without soaking

Use a second cloth dampened with clean water to lift detergent from the knit, cage, and midsole. Rinse and wring the cloth repeatedly until it no longer produces foam. Do not hold the complete shoe under a running faucet; water trapped between the upper, foam, and liner slows drying and can leave rings.

Step 8: Shape and air-dry away from heat

Blot with a towel, place plain white paper or clean dry socks loosely inside, and leave every component in a ventilated room. adidas says not to use a dryer or direct sunlight because intense heat can melt, curl, or distort shoes. Rotate them during drying and reinstall dry insoles and laces only when the interior no longer feels cool or damp.

Specific cleaning questions

Open a question for a concise answer about stains, odors, safety, frequency, and troubleshooting.

Can adidas Ultraboost shoes go in the washing machine?
Do not assume they can. adidas permits machine washing for some specific models, while Ultraboost materials and bonded parts vary. Use the exact product care; otherwise, hand-clean with mild detergent and minimal water.
How do I clean a white Boost midsole?
Brush off dry grit, use diluted mild detergent with a soft toothbrush, wipe dirty foam away frequently, and finish with a clean damp cloth. Avoid bleach and abrasive tools that can damage or roughen the foam.
Can I use bleach on white Ultraboost shoes?
No. Bleach can yellow foam, alter knit fibers, weaken adhesives, and spot colored details. A mild color-safe detergent and patient repeated cleaning are safer.
How do I clean the knit without making it fuzzy?
Support the upper from inside, use a microfiber cloth or very soft brush, and apply light circular motion. Do not use a stiff outsole brush, snagged sponge, or repeated aggressive scrubbing on knit loops.
Why do my Ultraboost shoes smell after cleaning?
The interior or insole may still be damp, or detergent may remain. Remove insoles, wipe away residue, and provide longer room-temperature airflow. Do not re-lace or store the shoes until fully dry.
Can I soak Ultraboost shoes overnight?
Avoid full soaking unless the exact adidas care instructions for that model say otherwise. Long immersion can saturate foam and lining, stress adhesives, and transfer dye. Use controlled surface cleaning instead.
How do I remove mud from Ultraboost knit?
Let heavy mud dry, flex and soft-brush off as much as possible, then blot remaining soil with mild solution. Starting with wet scrubbing can push mud deeper into the knit.
How long do Ultraboost shoes take to dry?
Often a full day or longer depending on humidity and how wet the lining became. Air-dry at room temperature, rotate the shoes, and change damp shaping paper rather than applying heat.