How to Clean an Ultra Boost Sole

Last Updated: October 21, 2021 References

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

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]
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- 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.
2
Use a bleach pen on dark or stubborn stains. 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]
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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]
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- 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

1
Remove the laces from the sneakers. If the laces also need to be cleaned, place them in a delicates bag and throw them in the wash with the shoes.^{[4]
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2
Put the shoes in the washing machine. 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]
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3
Measure out 1/4 cup (75 grams) of detergent or bleach. 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]
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4
Turn the machine on to a warm regular cycle. 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]
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5
Let the shoes air dry overnight. 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]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Washing the Shoes by Hand

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]
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- 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]
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  Expert Source
  
  Rio Jongsae Kim
  Designer Shoe & Bag Care Specialist
  Expert Interview. 15 April 2021.}
2
Brush the white boost edges gently with the soft bristled brush. 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]
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Expert Source

Rio Jongsae Kim
Designer Shoe & Bag Care Specialist
Expert Interview. 15 April 2021.}^{[12]
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3
Scrub the bottom of the shoe with the stiff bristled brush. 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]
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Expert Source

Rio Jongsae Kim
Designer Shoe & Bag Care Specialist
Expert Interview. 15 April 2021.}^{[14]
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4
Wipe the soap off with a paper towel. 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]
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5
Let the shoes dry before wearing them. You can let them air dry.^{[16]
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Rio Jongsae Kim
Designer Shoe & Bag Care Specialist
Expert 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]
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