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.
Also, never put your hoka shoes in the dryer to avoid damaging the shoe.
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.
After you are done cleaning the laces, you need to have a good knowledge on how to lace your shoes perfectly.
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: Reassembling Your Cleaned Hoka Shoes
After your Hoka shoes are completely dry, it is time to put them back together. Start by inserting the insoles back into the shoes.
Make sure they are properly aligned with the shape of your shoes. Next, thread the shoelaces through the eyelets and tie them up.
It’s best to use the same lacing pattern as before to ensure a proper fit. If you have any extra shoe inserts or accessories such as arch support or heel pads, now is a good time to insert them as well.
Maintenance Tips
To make sure that your Hoka shoes last for a long time, there are some maintenance tips that you should keep in mind. With proper care, your shoes can continue to provide the support and comfort that you need for many months or even years to come.
Regularly Clean Your Hoka Shoes to Prolong Their Lifespan
The easiest way to keep your Hoka shoes looking great is to clean them regularly. You don’t have to do a deep cleaning every time you wear them, but it’s a good idea to wipe them down after each use.
Use a soft cloth or brush to remove any dirt or debris from the surface of the shoe. If there are any stubborn stains, you can use a mild detergent and water solution or a specialized shoe cleaner designed for athletic footwear.
Be sure to rinse the shoes well with cold water after cleaning and allow them to air dry completely before wearing them again.
Over time, sweat and bacteria can build up inside the shoes, leading to unpleasant odors and potential health hazards if left unchecked. To prevent this from happening, remove the insoles from your shoes after each use and let them air out separately while you clean the rest of the shoe.
Avoid Exposing Them To Extreme Temperatures Or Harsh Chemicals
It’s also important not to expose your Hoka shoes to extreme temperatures or harsh chemicals. This can cause damage not only on their appearance but also on their performance levels.
For example, extreme heat or cold can cause the materials in your shoes (especially foams)to break down over time and lose their shape and cushioning ability which means less support and more risk of injury.
Similarly, harsh chemicals like bleach or certain cleaning solutions can damage the materials of your shoes. They can also cause the colors to fade or become discolored, so it’s best to avoid using these types of products on your Hoka shoes.
If you do need to use a cleaner, make sure it’s one that’s specifically designed for athletic footwear and follow the instructions carefully.