To safely wash your Hoka shoes in a washing machine, first remove the laces, insoles and any other removable parts. Place the shoes in a mesh laundry bag and set your washer to cold water with a regular detergent on gentle cycle. After the cycle is complete, air dry the shoes indoors away from direct sunlight or heat for 12-24 hours.
What You Should Do: You should clean your HOKA shoes by hand as soon as you see any noticeable dirt on them.
What You Shouldn’t Do: Don’t wash your HOKA’s in the washing machine frequently. The washer is not good for shoes, they will age your shoes rapidly, and there’s a good chance the glue and other fastenings can be damaged in the wash.
Things you need to start the washing: a mild, liquid detergent or specialty cleaning product made specifically for shoes; a soft brush or old toothbrush; and paper towels.
Step 1: Remove the laces and insoles
First, remove the laces and insoles when you wash Hoka shoes. Your washer’s inner part can get damaged if both parts hold dirt, debris, and bacteria that could ruin what you’re washing.
Take out the insoles from your shoes and set them aside for cleaning. Remove the laces by pulling up on either end of the lace locks. Start on one side of the shoe and gently pull the lace up until it comes loose from its eyelets – then repeat on the opposite side so that both ends come out simultaneously. After you’re done, set aside all laces to clean separately.
Step 2: Pre-treat Stains
Washing Hoka shoes in a machine requires pre-treating stains in order to remove tough-to-remove dirt and grime that might otherwise remain after a wash cycle.
Use a mild detergent, like dish soap or laundry detergent, mixed with warm water to pre-treat your Hoka shoes. Spot clean any stained areas before washing. You may also need to scrub away dirt with an old toothbrush or nail brush before thoroughly rinsing.
Before you wash your shoes, soak them for at least 15 minutes; this will allow the detergent to break down stubborn stains so they will be easier to remove. Adding 1/2 cup of white vinegar to warm water to soak suede and mesh panels will prevent color bleeding.
Step 3: Place in the Washing Machine
Put the shoes into the washing machine after pre-treating and soaking for at least 15 minutes.
Lastly, never place Hoka running shoes in an automatic dryer under any circumstances as excessive temperatures may result in irreparable damage and reduce durability.
Step 4: Select Appropriate Cycle
To properly clean your Hoka shoes, select the right cycle in your washing machine. It’s best to choose a gentle, cold cycle with minimal agitation. Your shoes will last longer if you do not damage the material. Do not use hot water or high-powered cycles since they can fade, crack, or permanently damage them.
If you’re not sure which cycle to use, check out the care instructions Hoka provided when you bought your shoes or check out their website.
Step 5: Air Dry Shoes
After washing your Hoka shoes in a machine, you should air dry them to ensure they come out looking as good as new. To do this, remove the laces and soles of your shoes and place them on a flat surface such as a towel. You should avoid direct sunlight when air drying to avoid damage from water pooling in the shoe. This will prevent the shoe from becoming discolored or cracked.
Also, stuff the shoes with newspaper or paper towels to make sure any moisture left in the fabric dries completely. This keeps sneakers in shape and prevents creasing caused by moisture shrinking the fibers inside. For faster drying times and to make sure no water stays hidden in seams or stitching lines, let it sit near an open window or fan.
Note: Don’t use appliances like hairdryers since heat can damage some materials used for shoes, such as leather, suede, rubber, and canvas fabrics, leaving you with costly repairs. After they’re dry, replace the shoelaces and reattach the soles to the sole plates to ensure long-lasting results.
Step 6: Put on Brand New insoles and Laces
I think it’s better to put on some newly purchased insoles and laces instead of putting on the old ones. The laces and the insoles are not very expensive. You can get them very cheap with unlimited customization.
Before tying your shoelaces back up again, replace your insoles, making sure they fit snugly inside your shoes.
There you go, the shoes are now new and ready to be worn until you make them dirty again.
