How to clean HOKA shoes without hurting the foam

Step by step: how to clean hoka shoes without hurting the foam

1. 1

   Remove the insoles and laces

   Pull out the laces and the insoles so you can reach every part of the shoe and so they dry faster. Soak them in warm water with a dash of mild detergent while you work on the shoes, then rinse and air dry them.

2. 2

   Knock and dry brush the dirt off

   Outside, knock the soles together to shake out gravel. Use a stiff brush or old toothbrush on dried mud in the outsole lugs and around the toe bumper, then a softer brush on the midsole and upper. Let wet mud dry first so it brushes off.

3. 3

   Mix lukewarm water and mild detergent

   Fill a bucket or sink with lukewarm water and add a small amount of mild detergent or shoe cleaner. Avoid hot water: HOKA warns it can harm the EVA and PEBA foams used in its midsoles.

4. 4

   Scrub the upper gently

   Dip a soft brush or sponge in the solution and scrub the upper in small circles, focusing on stains and the heel collar where sweat collects. HOKA’s engineered mesh and woven uppers are light, so use gentle pressure to avoid fuzzing or tearing them.

5. 5

   Clean the midsole and outsole

   Scrub the foam midsole with the toothbrush and soapy water to lift scuffs and road grime, and work the stiff brush into the outsole tread. You should see the midsole brighten as the gray film comes off.

6. 6

   Rinse with a damp cloth, not a soak

   Wipe the soap off with a cloth dipped in clean water and wrung out, or mist stubborn soap spots with a spray bottle. Do not dunk the shoes or hold them under running water; too much water can degrade the foam.

7. 7

   Stuff with newspaper and air dry

   Stuff the shoes with newspaper or a small towel to absorb moisture and hold their shape, replacing the paper every few hours if they are soaked. Let them dry in a shaded, airy spot for 12 to 24 hours. Keep them away from heaters, hair dryers and direct sun.

8. 8

   Put the insoles and laces back when fully dry

   Check that the insoles and the inside of the toe box are dry to the touch before you reassemble. Damp insoles are the main cause of lingering odor.

Can you put HOKAs in the washing machine?

Hand cleaning is the safer choice, because a washer soaks the foam and tumbles the shoe, and HOKA’s own cleaning advice describes hand washing only. The midsole foam is the part that wears out first, and soaking speeds that up.

HOKA’s cleaning guide says to wipe soap off with a damp cloth rather than submerging the shoes, because too much water can degrade the EVA foam, and to never put the shoes in a dryer or next to a heater, which can warp the midsole, delaminate the sole or ruin the fit. Nike takes the same line for its running shoes: it does not recommend the washing machine and suggests a mild cleaning solution, a soft brush and air drying.

If you choose to machine wash an old pair anyway, use a mesh bag, cold water and the gentlest cycle, and accept that it may shorten their life. Our guide to washing shoes in the washing machine covers that routine.

Cleaning road HOKAs vs trail HOKAs

Road shoes mostly need the upper and midsole brightened; trail shoes need the mud out of the lugs and a waterproofing touch-up.

HOKA suggests a quick brush-off after each run so buildup never gets heavy. White pairs need more frequent attention; our white shoe guide has more stain tips.

How to get the smell out of HOKAs

Wash the insoles, dry the shoes completely, and use baking soda overnight once they are dry.

HOKA suggests sprinkling a little baking soda inside clean, dry shoes overnight to deodorize them. Nike’s drying guide explains why to skip the dryer even when you are in a hurry: heat can shrink shoes and change the fit. If you run daily, rotating two pairs gives each one a full day to dry, which keeps odor down and the foam rebounding.

Mistakes to avoid

• Using hot water, which can harm the EVA and PEBA midsole foams.
• Soaking the shoes or holding them under running water instead of wiping the soap off.
• Drying them in the dryer, by a heater or with a hair dryer.
• Scrubbing the thin mesh upper hard enough to fuzz or tear it.
• Putting insoles back in while they are still damp.