Wondering how to clean Hoka shoes? Hoka shoes are renowned for their exceptional quality and durability, making them a top choice among athletes and fitness enthusiasts. However, to ensure their long-lasting performance, proper cleaning is essential.
This comprehensive guide offers a step-by-step process on how to effectively clean and maintain your Hoka shoes, preserving their superior comfort and performance characteristics over time. Whether you wear them every day or use them for intense running sessions, these simple yet effective tips will help keep your Hoka shoes in optimal condition, ready to support you in every step of your fitness journey.
How to Clean Hoka Shoes Quick Guide
Stop asking how to clean Hoka shoes and get to it with these simple five steps. For more details on each step, make sure to continue reading below and get all the tea!
- Cleanse Shoelaces and Insoles
- Gently Remove the Dirt
- Clean using a gentle solution of soapy water
- Remove the remaining residue
- Drying the shoes
How to Clean Hoka Shoes: Steps
After a brief overview of how to clean Hoka shoes, it’s time to really understand each step for a successful cleaning session.
Step 1: Cleanse Shoelaces and Insoles
Shoelaces are notorious for attracting dirt and water, making them susceptible to stains. And let’s not forget about the insoles, where odorous sweat, moisture, and other unsightly marks tend to accumulate. It’s time to give them a thorough cleaning.
Begin by removing the shoelaces and insoles from your footwear. Proceed to wash them using detergent powder. You have two options: either handwash them or toss them into the washing machine.
Since insoles tend to absorb moisture and become soiled quickly, it’s best to wash them separately for a fresh and revitalized appearance.
Apply a few drops of mild soap and water to the insoles, then delicately scrub them with a toothbrush. Once you’ve cleaned the insoles, gently wipe them down with a clean cloth and set them aside to dry.
Step 2: Gently Remove the Dirt
Delicately remove any excess dirt from the shoe’s exterior using a shoe brush or toothbrush. Take care to be gentle during this process to prevent the nap of the shoes from rising and damaging the mesh upper. If your shoes have fresh mud stains, allow them to dry before brushing.
Step 3: Clean using a gentle solution of soapy water
It is now time to give your HOKA running sneakers a thorough cleaning to remove those stubborn spots. Begin by using a solution of soapy water for this step.
To create the soapy solution, mix a few drops of dye-free liquid detergent with a bowl of cool water.
Next, dip a toothbrush into the solution and gently brush the areas of the shoes that have heavy stains. The more diligently you work on the dirty areas with the toothbrush, the cleaner your shoes will become.
Step 4: Remove the remaining residue
After ensuring that all traces of filth are eliminated, gently remove any residual soap using a dry washcloth. This step is crucial as it helps prevent excessive drying of the shoe fabric caused by any lingering soap.
Step 5: Drying the shoes
Properly drying HOKA running shoes is the final and most crucial step in their cleaning process. To do so, stuff your footwear with newspaper balls to maintain their shape. Then, find a well-ventilated area to allow them to dry naturally.
Avoid using heat sources or exposing the sneakers to direct sunlight, as excessive heat can overly dry out the shoes, making them brittle.
Common Questions About How to Clean Hoka Shoes
If you still have some doubts, in this section we’ll try to answer some of the most common questions when it comes to how to clean Hoka shoes.
How to clean Hoka shoes’ different materials?
Mesh:
Mesh fabric offers a trifecta of benefits – it’s lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying. However, it does have one vulnerability – fraying under intense scrubbing. To prevent this, it’s best to apply minimal force. Instead of wiping, opt for repetitive dabbing. If available, a toothbrush with softer bristles can be used for added gentleness.
Suede:
To effectively clean suede and nubuck areas, it is recommended to wait until the shoes are completely dry. Begin by blotting aggressively with a dry towel or rag. Once the suede or nubuck has fully dried, gently brush away dirt using a dry brush. For direct stains, apply a treatment solution, followed by another round of blotting. Consider purchasing cleaning solutions or waterproofing agents specifically designed for suede or nubuck.
Leather:
Simply follow the method mentioned above, wipe your shoes down after use, and consider using odor-fighting agents like baking soda or dryer sheets when stuffing them with dry wadding.
Gore-Tex
Opt for lukewarm water instead of cold water. Combine it with a mild detergent in a large bowl or basin, ensuring there’s enough to submerge both the inners and outers. After cleaning, place both shoes upside down with the tongue out on an absorbent cloth to air dry. Once completely dry, test the waterproofing and reapply a DWR (durable water repellent) if the water does not bead up and run off the outer surface of each shoe.
Canvas:
To prevent any risk of shrinking, most running shoes are crafted using synthetic fabrics. However, if certain parts of your shoes feature natural fabric, you can effectively clean them by gently scrubbing them with a soft bristle brush. Create a mixture of warm water and baking soda (a 1:1 ratio should suffice) and dip the brush into it. This simple solution will do the trick without requiring excessive effort.
Is it OK to Clean HOKA Shoes With Household Items?
Cleaning HOKA shoes is actually a breeze with a few simple household items. All you need are three common kitchen staples: baking soda, vinegar, and water!
These magical ingredients will not only leave your HOKA shoes looking brand new, but they also have deodorizing properties to eliminate any unpleasant odors. Here’s how you can make your shoes dirt-free using these three magic ingredients:
- In a mixing bowl, combine one cup of water, one tablespoon of vinegar, and two tablespoons of baking soda.
- Dip a toothbrush into the cleaning solution and gently brush your HOKA boots in small circular motions.
- Once you’ve finished cleaning, wipe off any excess solution with a dry cloth and allow the shoes to air dry.
How can you extend the life of your Hoka shoes?
- Waterproof solutions: After ensuring that your shoes are completely dry, apply a reliable waterproofing solution. Allow the spray to dry thoroughly to achieve optimal weatherproofing. Once treated, you’ll find it much easier to clean off water and mud. Repeat the process as needed.
- Odor prevention: Rainwater and muddy puddles can expedite the growth of mold, mildew, and unpleasant odors caused by bacteria. Additionally, your own foot sweat can contribute to the odor. Consider occasionally lightly dusting your shoes with baking soda, even when they are dry. This simple measure can help keep your shoes fresh and odor-free.
- Considerations for Shoe Storage: Tossing your running shoes haphazardly by the door can lead to premature wear and tear. To maximize their lifespan, try placing your shoe sole down after each run. This simple act reduces stress on the joint points between different shoe materials and features.
Video HOW TO CLEAN RUNNING SHOES | Running Gear Hacks | Run4Adventure
If images aren’t enough for you, here’s a helpful video demonstration on how to clean Hoka shoes the right way!
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, learning how to properly clean your Hoka shoes not only improves their visual appeal but also extends their lifespan significantly. With some simple household items like vinegar, water, and baking soda, you can effectively solve the problem of stubborn stains and unpleasant odors.
Whether your shoes are made of mesh, suede, leather, Gore-Tex, or canvas, the cleaning process can be accomplished smoothly. Remember, the key is patience and gentle care, as aggressive scrubbing can damage the shoe fabric. Following these steps will ensure your Hoka shoes remain in top-notch condition and ready for your next run.
