How To Clean Hoka Shoes?

Keeping your Hoka shoes in pristine condition doesn’t require a trip to a professional cleaner. In fact, with just a few simple steps and common household products, you can maintain your Hokas at home, ensuring they last longer and continue to provide the support and comfort you love.

This blog post will guide you through the essentials of Hoka shoe maintenance. Whether you wear your Hokas for intense running sessions or for everyday comfort, we’ll cover everything you need to know to keep them looking and feeling great. Here’s what you’ll learn:

• Basic Cleaning: How to perform regular light cleans to keep your Hokas fresh.
• Deep Cleaning Tips: Techniques for tackling tougher stains and giving your shoes a thorough seasonal clean.
• Best Practices: The dos and don’ts of washing Hokas, including why the washing machine might not be your best option.
• Product Recommendations: Our picks for the most effective and safest cleaning supplies.

By the end of this post, you’ll be well-equipped to handle everything from a quick refresh to a deep clean, ensuring that your Hokas are always ready for the next adventure. Let’s dive into the world of Hoka shoe care and see how simple maintaining these comfy shoes can be.

Step 1: Remove Insoles and Laces

Removing the insoles and laces from your Hoka shoes before cleaning is crucial for several reasons, primarily to ensure thorough cleanliness and maintain the structural integrity of each component.

Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Enhanced Cleaning Efficiency:

• Insoles: Removing the insoles allows for individual cleaning, which is essential as they absorb sweat and can harbor bacteria and odors.
• Laces: Freeing the laces permits you to clean hard-to-reach areas, ensuring no dirt or grime remains tucked under the laces.

Prevention of Damage:

• Water Exposure: Both insoles and laces can deteriorate if soaked in water unnecessarily, especially if they are not designed to withstand machine washing.
• Shape Preservation: Insoles can warp or lose their supportive properties if not dried properly after washing.

Longevity and Appearance:

• Regular and careful cleaning of each separate part helps maintain the overall condition of the shoes, keeping them looking new and functioning well for longer.

Step 2: Make a Mild Soap Solution

To make a mild soap solution that’s effective for cleaning your Hoka shoes, follow this straightforward guide.

This method ensures that your shoes remain in pristine condition without the use of harsh chemicals that could damage the fabric and affect their performance.

Ingredients:

• Warm water – It should be comfortably warm, not hot.
• Mild liquid soap – Choose a gentle, non-detergent soap to avoid harming the shoe materials.

Method:

• Prepare the Solution: In a bowl or bucket, mix about 500ml of warm water with a teaspoon of mild liquid soap. Stir gently to combine the ingredients without creating too much foam.
• Application: Dip a soft cloth or a soft brush into the soap solution. Wring it out slightly to avoid excessive soaking.
• Cleaning: Gently scrub the surfaces of your Hoka shoes. Focus on areas that are particularly dirty, but be sure to go over the entire outer part of the shoe to maintain an even clean.
• Rinsing: After scrubbing, wipe the shoes with a cloth dipped in plain water to remove any soap residue.
• Drying: Allow your shoes to air dry away from direct heat or sunlight to prevent any material damage.

Ingredients and Tools:

Ingredient/Tool	Quantity	Description
Warm water	500 ml	Warm to touch, not hot, to protect shoe material.
Mild liquid soap	1 teaspoon	Gentle, non-detergent to prevent material damage.
Soft cloth or soft brush	1	Used for applying the soap solution and cleaning the shoes.

This soap solution is ideal for regular cleaning, maintaining both the aesthetic and functional aspects of your Hoka shoes.

Regular, gentle cleaning as described not only keeps your shoes looking fresh but also extends their lifespan, ensuring they’re ready for whatever miles you wish to cover.

Step 3: Scrub Away Dirt

To effectively scrub away dirt from Hoka shoes without causing damage, it’s vital to select materials that are gentle yet efficient. Below is a breakdown of recommended materials and their specific uses:

Material	Description	Use
Soft-bristled brush	A brush with soft bristles ensures that the shoe’s material is not abraded during cleaning.	Use to gently scrub the entire shoe exterior, especially effective for mesh and fabric areas.
Old toothbrush	Small and precise, an old toothbrush can reach areas that are harder to clean, like the grooves in the sole.	Target visibly dirty high-wear areas and details like eyelets and the edge of the soles.
Microfiber cloth	Ultra-soft and highly absorbent, microfiber cloths are ideal for cleaning without leaving scratches.	After rinsing, use to blot dry the shoes and remove any remaining moisture and soap traces.

Begin by using a soft-bristled brush to gently dislodge and remove dirt from the larger surfaces of the shoes, ensuring you maintain the integrity of the shoe’s materials. An old toothbrush is excellent for detailed scrubbing around areas that accumulate more dirt, such as the lace area and the join between the sole and the upper. Finish by rinsing the shoes under cool running water to wash away any loosened dirt and soap.

Gently blotting with a microfiber cloth not only helps in absorbing excess moisture but also in picking up any leftover dirt particles, keeping your Hoka shoes in tip-top condition. Always air dry your shoes away from direct heat to preserve the materials and maintain their shape.

Step 4: Rinse and Dry

After rinsing your Hoka shoes, it is advisable to let them air dry for at least 12 to 24 hours. This duration ensures that the shoes are thoroughly dried and helps maintain their structural integrity and comfort.

Air drying should be done in a well-ventilated area away from direct heat sources, like radiators or direct sunlight, which can degrade the materials and alter the fit. Patience during the drying process prevents moisture from remaining trapped in the materials, which can lead to odors or degradation of the shoe. Here’s a straightforward guide to assist you in drying your Hoka shoes effectively:

Step	Action	Recommended Duration
1	Rinse shoes thoroughly to remove all soap	Immediate
2	Remove excess water gently	5 minutes (post-rinsing)
3	Place shoes in a ventilated area	12 to 24 hours

Utilize this method after each cleaning to maximize the longevity and performance of your Hoka shoes.

Key Things to Look For When Cleaning Hokas:

When cleaning your Hoka shoes to maintain their condition and prolong their lifespan, several key factors should be considered. These considerations aim to ensure that the cleaning process does not compromise the shoe’s integrity, comfort, or functionality. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

• Choose the Right Cleaning Method: Hand washing is preferable as it is gentler on the shoes compared to machine washing, which can be harsh and potentially alter the shape or material integrity.
• Use Appropriate Cleaners: Avoid harsh chemicals which can damage the materials of your Hoka shoes. Gentle detergents or a simple mixture of water with a mild soap are usually sufficient.
• Tackle Stains Promptly: For tougher stains, a paste made from baking soda and water can be effective. Apply it on the stain, let it sit for a few hours, then gently brush off.
• Dry Thoroughly: After cleaning, shoes should be air-dried in a well-ventilated area away from direct heat, which can warp the shape of the shoes or damage the material.
• Odor Prevention: Keeping your shoes dry is crucial to prevent odor buildup. If they’re exposed to moisture, ensure they are completely dry before storing them.

What Not to Do When Cleaning Your Hokas:

Cleaning your Hoka shoes improperly can lead to premature wear, damage, and diminished functionality. Here are key missteps to avoid to keep your Hokas in pristine condition:

• Avoiding the Removal of Insoles: Not taking out the insoles can trap moisture and odors inside your shoes. Always remove them before cleaning to ensure they and the shoes dry completely.
• Skipping the Mesh Bag in Washing Machines: Tossing your Hokas directly into the machine can expose them to harsh conditions. Using a mesh bag protects them from getting snagged or overly agitated during the wash cycle.
• Choosing Incorrect Wash Settings: Avoid using standard or heavy wash cycles that are too intense for sports footwear. The gentle cycle is more appropriate and helps preserve the integrity of your shoes.
• Improper Drying Techniques: Never use a standard tumble dryer. The high heat can warp and shrink your shoes. Always air dry them or use an air-only cycle if drying with a machine.
• Neglecting Thorough Drying: Ensure your shoes are completely dry before wearing them again. Moisture can degrade the materials and lead to the growth of bacteria and mold.

Conclusion

Maintaining your Hoka shoes at home is not only feasible but remarkably straightforward, ensuring your footwear remains in tip-top condition for your next outing.

Starting with the removal of insoles and laces to achieve a comprehensive clean, we then progress to creating a mild soap solution tailored to be gentle on your shoes. The application of a soft brush or cloth facilitates a meticulous cleanse, targeting every nook and cranny without damaging the materials.

When it comes to the drying process, patience is your ally; air-drying your shoes away from harsh heat sources guarantees the preservation of their structure and performance readiness. By adhering to these methods, you extend the life and enhance the functionality of your Hokas, safeguarding your investment in quality footwear.

Remember, the path to prolonging the lifespan of your Hoka shoes involves routine care and the avoidance of harsh cleaning methods, such as machine washing and tumble drying, which can compromise their integrity.