How to Clean and Care for ASICS Mesh Trainers

August 27, 2026

ASICS retro runners look fantastic in cream, white and silver. They also show every mark, which is the trade-off. Here is how to keep them looking the way they did on day one. Shop the ASICS collection at Shoe Religion.

Protect them before you wear them

The single most effective thing you can do happens before the first wear. A suitable sneaker protector spray on clean, dry mesh creates a barrier that makes dirt and moisture far easier to remove later. Reapply periodically, especially through a British autumn.

This matters most on light colourways like the GEL-1130 White Cloud Grey or the Kayano 14 White Ivory.

The basic clean

Remove the laces and insoles and clean them separately.
Dry brush loose dirt off the mesh with a soft brush. Do this first; adding water to dry dirt just spreads it.
Mix a small amount of mild cleaner with lukewarm water.
Work in small circles with a soft brush on the mesh, gently. Mesh is delicate and hard scrubbing will fuzz it.
Wipe away residue with a clean damp microfibre cloth.
Stuff with paper and air dry at room temperature, away from radiators and direct sun.

Midsoles and GEL windows

Midsoles take more abuse and can handle a firmer brush. A magic eraser style sponge works well on scuffed white midsole edges. Around the visible GEL window, be gentler and avoid harsh solvents that could cloud or damage the finish.

What not to do

Do not put them in the washing machine. It can break down adhesives and distort the midsole, and on structured shoes like the Kayano 14 it can wreck the shape.
Do not dry them on a radiator. Heat warps midsoles and can separate glue lines.
Do not use bleach on white mesh. It can yellow the material over time.
Do not soak them. Water trapped in the midsole takes days to leave and can cause odour.

Dealing with yellowing

White midsoles yellow with age and UV exposure. Storing them out of direct sunlight slows it considerably. Once oxidation has set in it is difficult to fully reverse, so prevention genuinely is the strategy here.

Storage

Keep them somewhere cool and dry, out of direct sun, ideally with shape retained by paper or shoe trees. If you rotate between pairs rather than wearing one into the ground, everything lasts longer, which is a decent excuse for buying a second pair.

Frequently asked questions

Can you machine wash ASICS? It is not recommended. Machine washing risks the adhesives, midsole and overall structure.

How do I clean white ASICS mesh? Dry brush first, then clean gently with mild cleaner and a soft brush, and air dry away from heat.

How do I stop midsoles going yellow? Keep them out of direct sunlight and store them properly; prevention is far easier than reversal.

Which ASICS colourways are easiest to maintain? Greys and darker pairs such as GEL-NYC Black Graphite.