Ever noticed your beloved Hokas looking a little worse for wear and wondered if the washing machine could save the day? You’re not alone. With their popularity for comfort and performance, keeping your Hokas fresh is essential—but washing them the wrong way could ruin them.

In this article, we’ll walk you through exactly how to wash your Hokas in a washing machine, share practical tips, and offer helpful insights to keep your shoes looking and feeling their best.

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Can You Wash Hokas in the Washing Machine? A Complete Guide

Hoka shoes are well-known for their remarkable comfort, lightweight structure, and supportive cushioning. After many miles on the road or trails, even the toughest Hokas can start to look a little worse for wear. If you’re wondering whether you can toss your Hokas into the washing machine for a thorough clean, you’re not alone. Let’s break down everything you need to know about machine-washing Hokas, so you can keep your shoes looking and smelling fresh—without risking damage.

The Short Answer

While it is possible to wash Hoka shoes in a washing machine, it’s not the most recommended method. Hoka, like most athletic shoe brands, usually advises hand washing to prolong the life of your shoes. However, if you choose to machine wash your Hokas, you can do so safely by following a few careful steps to minimize damage and preserve the shoe’s structure and materials.

Step-by-Step: How to Wash Hokas in a Washing Machine

Before you get started, remember to always check your specific shoe’s care instructions. Here’s how to give your Hokas a machine wash for a fresh, clean reset:

1. Prepare Your Hokas

• Remove laces and insoles: Take out the shoelaces and insoles. This allows for a more thorough clean and protects these components from potential damage. Wash them separately by hand or in a mesh bag.
• Brush away loose dirt: Use a soft brush or cloth to remove excess dirt, mud, and debris from the shoe’s surface and outsole.
• Check for damage: If your Hokas have any rips, tears, or loose adhesives, avoid machine washing and opt for hand washing instead.

2. Protect Your Shoes

• Use a laundry bag: Place each shoe in a mesh laundry bag. This keeps them from getting knocked around too harshly inside the machine.
• Add padding: Add a few towels to the wash to cushion the shoes, helping to prevent them from banging against the washing machine drum.

3. Choose the Right Washing Settings

• Gentle cycle only: Use the machine’s gentle or delicate cycle. This reduces agitation, which protects the structure of your Hokas.
• Cold water: Always use cold water. Hot water can weaken materials, glue, and adhesives.
• Mild detergent: Select a mild liquid detergent. Avoid bleach, fabric softener, or any harsh chemicals—these can damage both color and fabric.

4. Washing Process

• Load everything: Put the laces and insoles in small mesh bags and add them to the wash with the shoes and towels.
• Start the cycle: Begin the gentle, cold water cycle. Let the machine run its course.

5. Drying Your Hokas

• Never use the dryer: Avoid putting Hokas in the dryer, as heat can deform the midsole and damage the glue that holds the shoe together.
• Air dry only: Remove each shoe from the laundry bag and gently reshape them.
• Stuff with paper: To help the shoes retain their shape and dry faster, stuff them with clean paper towels or newspaper.
• Dry in shade: Dry your Hokas at room temperature in a well-ventilated area, out of direct sunlight to prevent color fading and material hardening.

Pros and Cons of Machine-Washing Hokas

Every cleaning method has its ups and downs. Here’s what to consider before heading to your laundry room:

Benefits

• Convenience: Tossing Hokas in the machine is a time-saver compared to hand scrubbing.
• Thorough cleaning: The gentle agitation can lift out hidden grime from hard-to-reach areas.

Challenges

• Potential for damage: Machine washing may weaken adhesives, warp the midsole, or cause material breakdown if done improperly.
• Not suitable for all shoes: Pricier or specialty models with delicate fabrics benefit most from hand washing.
• Drying time: Air drying, while necessary, can take 24–48 hours depending on humidity and ventilation.

Best Practices and Expert Tips

Want your Hokas to last as long as possible? Keep these professional tips in mind:

• Regular cleaning routine: Brush off dirt after every run to reduce the need for deep cleaning.
• Spot clean when possible: For small stains, spot cleaning with a soft brush and mild soap is gentler and more effective.
• Alternate pairs: Rotate your shoes so each pair gets plenty of drying time between uses.
• Avoid harsh chemicals: Strong detergents and bleach can ruin the look and structure of your Hokas.
• Don’t forget ventilation: Always dry Hokas in an area with good air flow to prevent mold or mildew.

Special Considerations for Different Hoka Models

Not all Hoka shoes are created the same:

• Trail vs. Road shoes: Trail models often have sturdier materials but can pick up more stubborn dirt. Pay extra attention to cleaning their treads and uppers.
• White Hokas: Prone to staining, these require extra care. Use a gentle brush pre-wash to target mud and grass stains.
• Waterproof models: For shoes with a waterproof membrane, avoid machine washing to preserve water resistance. Stick with gentle hand washing.

Alternative Cleaning Methods: When Machine Washing Isn’t Ideal

Some situations call for a different approach. Here are effective alternatives:

Hand Washing

1. Fill a basin with cool water and mild detergent.
2. Scrub shoes gently with a soft brush or cloth.
3. Rinse thoroughly and air dry.

Quick Spot Clean

• Dab stains with a mixture of water and mild soap.
• Use a brush or toothbrush for stubborn spots.
• Wipe with a damp cloth and let air dry.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Washing with other laundry: Always wash Hokas separately from heavy or heavily soiled items to avoid additional wear.
• Skipping the laundry bag: Shoes knocking around inside the washer can lead to unnecessary damage.
• Using heat to dry: Heat shortens the life of your shoes—always air dry.

Final Thoughts

Washing Hokas in the washing machine is possible and can be fairly effective if you follow certain precautions. Always opt for the most gentle treatment possible, and remember that hand washing is usually the safest way to extend your shoes’ longevity. Regular maintenance will keep your Hokas looking, smelling, and performing their best for mile after mile.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Will washing Hokas in the machine ruin them?
Washing Hokas in a washing machine can shorten their lifespan if not done carefully. Always use a gentle cycle, cold water, and a laundry bag to minimize wear and tear.

2. How often should I wash my Hoka shoes?
Aim to deep clean your Hokas every 1–2 months, or whenever they become noticeably dirty. Spot cleaning after each run helps maintain freshness longer and reduces the need for frequent machine washing.

3. Can I put my Hokas in the dryer?
No, you should never use a tumble dryer for Hokas. The heat can damage the cushioning, adhesives, and overall structure. Always let them air dry at room temperature.

4. What’s the safest way to clean white Hokas?
Spot clean with mild soap and a soft brush first, then follow up with a gentle machine wash if needed. Air dry out of direct sunlight to prevent yellowing.

5. Are all Hoka models safe to wash in the machine?
Most synthetic Hoka models withstand gentle machine washing, but premium, waterproof, or specialty pairs should be cleaned by hand to avoid compromising their features and fit. Always check your shoe’s care label before proceeding.