After a muddy trail run or sweaty workout, you might be eyeing your trusty Hokas and wondering, “Can I just toss these in the washing machine?” It’s a tempting thought—after all, it promises a quick clean with minimal effort.
Knowing the right way to clean your Hokas is key to keeping them comfortable and in great shape. In this article, we’ll tackle whether machine washing is safe, and share the best steps, tips, and expert insights to care for your favorite shoes.
Can You Put Hokas in the Washing Machine? The Definitive Answer
If you’re an avid runner or love your Hoka shoes for daily comfort, it’s natural to want to keep them looking fresh and clean. One of the most common questions is: “Can I just toss my Hokas in the washing machine?” The short answer is no, you shouldn’t put Hokas in the washing machine.
Although it might seem easy and tempting, washing machines can actually damage the delicate construction of Hokas, reduce their lifespan, and affect their performance.
Let’s break down why that’s the case, how to clean your Hokas properly, and what tips and best practices can help you keep your favorite shoes in top condition.
Why You Should Not Wash Hokas in the Washing Machine
While it might save you time, here are several reasons machine washing Hokas is not recommended:
- Potential Damage to Materials: Hokas use specialized foam midsoles and mesh uppers. Machine agitation can break down the foam and loosen the upper material.
- Sole Separation: The glue holding your shoes together can be weakened in the washer, leading to the sole separating from the upper.
- Loss of Cushioning: Aggressive washing may compress or deform the cushioning that makes Hokas so comfortable.
- Color Fading and Staining: Machine wash cycles and detergents can discolor fabrics or leave unsightly stains.
- Manufacturer Recommendations: Hoka advises against machine washing, as it can void warranties or shorten shoe life.
In short, washing machines are just too harsh for the construction of most athletic shoes, especially ones that rely on advanced cushioning like Hokas.
How to Properly Clean Your Hoka Shoes
To maintain both the look and function of your Hokas, manual cleaning is your best bet. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide:
1. Remove Loose Dirt
- Take off the laces and insoles.
- This makes it easier to clean all surfaces.
- Tap your shoes together.
- Knock off loose mud, dirt, and debris.
- Use a soft brush.
- An old toothbrush or a soft-bristle shoe brush works well.
- Gently brush away dried dirt from the uppers, midsoles, and outsoles.
2. Prepare a Cleaning Solution
- Fill a small bucket with cool water.
- Add a small amount of mild soap (like dish soap or gentle laundry detergent).
- Avoid bleach or harsh chemicals.
3. Clean the Shoes
- Dip the soft brush or a sponge into the soapy water.
- Scrub the uppers carefully without saturating the material.
- Too much water can seep inside and take a long time to dry.
- Focus on any stubborn stains or dirty spots.
- Wipe the midsoles and outsoles.
- These areas can take a bit more scrubbing.
4. Clean Laces and Insoles
- Laces: Wash them separately in soapy water, then rinse and air dry.
- Insoles: Gently scrub flat insoles. Allow them to air out and dry completely before reinserting.
5. Rinse
- Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe away any soapy residue.
6. Dry Properly
- Air dry only.
- Never put Hokas in a dryer, as high heat can warp the foam and melt adhesives.
- Stuff shoes with paper towels or newspaper.
- This absorbs moisture and helps the shoes retain their shape.
- Keep them out of direct sunlight or heat sources, such as radiators.
Practical Tips for Keeping Hokas Clean
Keeping your shoes looking and smelling fresh doesn’t have to be a chore. Here are some best practices:
Prevention is Key
- Wear clean socks. This reduces odor and sweat absorption.
- Let shoes air out after each use. Don’t store them in a closed gym bag while damp.
- Rotate shoes. If you run or walk daily, rotating pairs allows each to dry fully.
Spot Cleaning
- Address stains as soon as possible.
- Fresh stains are always easier to remove.
- Use specialized sneaker wipes for quick, on-the-go cleaning.
Odor Control
- Sprinkle baking soda inside.
- It absorbs odors and moisture overnight.
- Remove insoles regularly and air them out.
Maintenance Reduces Heavy Cleaning
- Brush off dirt frequently.
- Regular, light care means you’ll spend less time on deep cleans.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to make cleaning errors that harm your shoes. Avoid these pitfalls:
- Machine Washing or Drying: Both can damage materials and adhesives.
- Using Harsh Chemicals: Bleach and strong detergents fade color and degrade fabric.
- Soaking Shoes: Excess water leads to prolonged drying and possible mold growth.
- Drying Over Heat Sources: High heat distorts the shape, ruining cushioning and support.
- Neglecting Insoles: Dirty insoles are a major source of odor.
The Benefits of Hand-Cleaning Your Hokas
Why go the extra mile with hand cleaning?
- Extends Shoe Life: Gentle cleaning prevents unnecessary wear and tear.
- Maintains Performance: Shoes retain their comfort, support, and fit.
- Keeps Shoes Looking New: Manual cleaning preserves material color and integrity.
- Saves Money: Well-cared-for shoes don’t need to be replaced as often.
How Long Should Hokas Take to Dry After Cleaning?
Drying time depends on humidity and air flow, but allow at least 12-24 hours for shoes to dry completely. Removing the insoles and stuffing the shoes with newspaper helps speed up the process.
Extra Tips for White Hokas
Keeping white Hokas bright can feel like a challenge. Combat yellowing and keep them crisp by:
- Cleaning promptly after stains.
- Using a bit of baking soda mixed with water for stubborn spots.
- Avoiding harsh bleach or direct sun—which can cause fading and yellowing.
What If My Hokas Are Really Muddy?
For especially muddy shoes:
- Let mud dry completely, then knock off big clumps before brushing or washing.
- If necessary, rinse the outsoles under running water before proceeding with the regular cleaning steps.
Can You Use the Washing Machine in an Emergency?
If you absolutely must use a washing machine (though it’s not recommended):
- Use a gentle cycle with cold water.
- Place shoes inside a pillowcase or laundry bag to reduce agitation.
- Avoid high-spin settings.
- Never use the dryer.
- Be aware this can shorten the life of the shoes.
Again, hand cleaning is always the safer and best choice for maintaining your Hoka shoes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use a washing machine on a gentle cycle for my Hokas?
It’s not recommended. Even the gentle cycle can harm the foam and glue that keep Hokas together. Hand cleaning is always safer and will help your shoes last longer.
2. How often should I clean my Hokas?
This depends on use and dirt levels. For regular runners, light cleaning every couple of weeks and deep cleaning once a month is a good rule of thumb. Dirty incidents, like muddy runs, might call for quicker action.
3. What’s the best product for cleaning Hoka shoes?
A mild soap or gentle detergent mixed with cool water works best. Avoid bleach, strong chemicals, and heavy scrubbing tools, which can damage materials.
4. How do I get odors out of my Hokas?
Remove the insoles when not in use and allow shoes to air out. Sprinkle a little baking soda inside overnight to absorb odors, and regularly clean the insoles by hand.
5. Will cleaning my shoes affect their performance or appearance?
If done gently by hand, cleaning will actually help maintain both their look and performance. Avoid harsh methods like machine washing, soaking, or applying heat, as these can cause damage.
In Summary
Putting Hokas in the washing machine is not recommended and risks damaging your favorite shoes. With a little care and by following easy hand-cleaning steps, you’ll keep your Hokas feeling supportive, looking fresh, and performing at their best. Remember: a little prevention and regular maintenance go a long way in preserving your investment in comfort and performance.
Keep your runs happy and your shoes happy, too!