What's the best way to wash your New Balance/Nike/Avia, etc., running/walking shoes?

[raccoon]

Some say washing machine, some say no way.

[KG]

1. been laundering my athletic shoes for years. don't use dryer tho. just let em air dry.

[dysfunctional press]

2. take the laces out and wash them in the washing machine...

i usually air dry them, because if i put them in the dryer, it doesn't take too long for them to knock the door open and the dryer stops.

[MrCoffee]

3. With the tears of slower runners that you trample on the road

[jobycom]

4. Don't. Keep them clean. Only wear them inside and in dry weather.

And don't sweat in them. Once you do, just toss them and buy new ones.

Or pound the hell out of them without worrying about whether they are dirty. Usually by the time mine need a wash, they need new shoes, too.

[woo me with science]

5. Well, this is weird.

eHow recommends the dishwasher:

http://www.ehow.com/how_2304338_clean-nike-shoes.html

[brendan120678]

6. Dishwasher works well for ball caps as well...

but why anyone would want to clean a ball cap is beyond me.

I've got a fitted Mets cap I've had for about 14 years or so. It's more brown than blue now, stained with layers of sweat and dirt, but that's what makes it great! During the summer it's my regular weekend wear.