How to Wash Hokas Shoes

My Hoka Men’s Carbon X3 was soaked with sweat when running in 80% humidity this morning. After reaching home, the pair smelled like bigfoot’s taint and tortured my olfactory nerves. Washing becomes the only solution to make the shoes look new and odor-free.

So, how do wash Hokas? I prepared a mixture of regular detergent and water. Then, I removed the laces and insoles. Next, I soaked the laces in the mixture and left them for 10 minutes. By then, I grabbed a brush and cleaned the loose dirt from the outer and insoles. After that, I used a rag to clean the exterior. Finally, brushed the laces and left the pair in a well-ventilated area for air drying.

I’m wondering why I didn’t put the Hokas in the washing machine. Continue reading and learn the answers related to the cleaning process.

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How to Wash Hokas – Step by Step

Over time, dirt and grime can build up on Hokas. Happily, cleaning them makes them easy to fry. A few household supplies are necessary to make your pair bright and fresh.

1: Gather all the Supplies

As said, you can use household materials to clean the Hokas.

• A soft-bristled brush is necessary to scrub off the accumulated stains, soil, dirt, and debris.
• Use mild or regular detergent to treat hard stains. Dandruff shampoo, hand soap, or dish soap can also be good alternatives. 
• Warm water for preparing the water-detergent mixture.
• A cloth rag to handwash the outer part of the sneakers.
• An old toothbrush (optional) is needed to remove stubborn stains.
• Laces (optional) in case you need to replace the shoelaces.
• A clean towel will remove soapy residue from the exterior.

2: Disassemble the Laces, Liners & Insoles

Consider removing the laces, liners, and insoles. Such an activity ensures a thorough washing. Otherwise, the laces may disturb the cleaning process. 

3: Machine Wash the Laces

Wash the laces with your other dirty clothes. Pour the required amount of regular detergent and set the loading size. Once washed, take the laces out and allow them to air dry.

One query must have popped up in your mind: what if the laces get tangled with other clothes? 

Here is a pro tip:

• Put the laces inside a mesh bag or sock. Thus, the laces will not get trapped in the washing machine.

4: Brush off the Collected Loose Soil & Dirt

Grab the soft-bristled brush. Then, start removing the loose soil and dirt. Debris can gather on the corners and crevices. So focus on these areas most. 

5: Scrub the Outer Part with a Water-detergent Mixture

Now, prepare a water-detergent mixture in a small bowl. Stir the solution with your hand for an even combination. 

Next, soak the cloth rag and insole into the mixture. Take the cloth rag out from the solution and scrub the exterior gently. Use the brush if you see a hard stain. 

Apply the same process for washing the insole.

Pro Tip:

• Follow a circular motion to scrub off the hard debris.

6: Wipe with a Clean Towel

Use a clean, wet towel to remove soapy residue from the exterior of the Hoka shoes. Then, get a dry towel and remove any additional water.

7: Air Dry the Sneakers

We are at the final step of the washing process. 

Stuff newspaper inside of the shoes so that they maintain their shape. Leave them in a well-ventilated place for quick drying. Once the sneakers are dried completely, put the laces and insoles back in.

Pro Tip:

• Avoid using a blow dryer to dry the shoes, as it can damage the glue.
• Don’t place the shoes near a heat source, under direct sunlight, or outside.

If your Hokas are still dirty, follow the above steps 2-3 times. 

Pat on your back!

You have done washing your Hoka sneakers.

Can I wash my hokas in a washing machine?

No. According to Hoka, machine washing can damage the shoes. Glue and fastenings will age more quickly if you do so. Machine washing or drying should be avoided.

However, if there is no option left except machine washing, ensure to use a gentle cycle. 

Here are a few tips when cleaning your Hokas in the washing machine.

• Keep the load size as minimal as possible.
• Allow the warm water to set.
• Use “gentle” spin mode.
• Also, maintain a “gentle” or “air dry” setting in the dryer.

Can I use Hokas Shoe Cleaner for washing?

Yes, shoe cleaner is an excellent choice for Hoka shoe washing. All you need to do is follow the steps below.

• Get a foam-based shoe cleaner and a soft-bristled scrub brush. 
• Put your hokas under running water and wash them. 
• Then, apply the cleaner to the liners, exterior, and other parts where you want. 
• Now, it is time to scrub. Gently scrub the sneakers. If you see hard stains, apply more shoe cleaner and scrub with a circular motion.
• Air dry the shoes for a minimum of 24 hours. 

Tips to Follow When Washing Different Hoka Shoe Materials

The washing process of different Hoka sneakers is the same. Although, you will need to follow tips depending on the exterior materials,

Hoka Shoe Materials	Tips
Mesh	Choose suede or Nubuck-specific shoe cleaner.  Make sure to dry them completely.
Suede or Nubuck	Use an odor-fighting agent when washing the insole. Wipe down the exterior thoroughly to prevent moisture
Leather	Use an odor-fighting agent when washing the insole. Wipe down the exterior thoroughly to prevent moisture.
GORE-TEX	Submerge the insole in lukewarm water and mild detergent mixture
Canvas and Natural Fabric	Use warm water and baking soda solution for effective washing

FAQ

How often do you wash Hoka sneakers?

The answer depends on the wearability of the Hokas. Wash your Hokas thoroughly once per season if you wear them occasionally. On the other hand, rigorous washing is necessary if you wear them several times a week. Ensure spot-cleaning for specific stains every time.

Can I put my Hokas in a dryer?

No. The manufacturer recommends air drying. Excessive heat can damage the materials of the sneakers. 

Wrap Up

I had a clean, fresh, almost new Hokas the next day after washing. Periodic washing, following the correct steps and techniques, is necessary to extend the lifespan of your sneakers.

Follow the above-outlined steps in the “How to wash Hokas” section and take your next adventure to a different level.

Happy running!

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