How to Clean Hoka Shoes Without Damaging Them

Cleaning Hoka shoes this way can remove everyday dirt and odors while helping protect the upper, cushioning, and adhesives. Start by checking the care instructions for your specific model and materials; Hoka shoes vary, and suede, leather, waterproof, or specialty uppers may need different care. Set aside a little time for drying, since damp shoes should not be worn or stored away.

What You’ll Need

A soft-bristled brush, such as a clean shoe brush or old toothbrush
A clean cloth or non-abrasive sponge
A small bowl of cool or lukewarm water
A small amount of mild liquid soap or gentle detergent
A towel and plain paper for drying and reshaping
Optional: a separate brush for the outsole and a mesh laundry bag for removable laces

Use only a little soap; a concentrated, foamy mixture is harder to rinse out. Avoid harsh cleaners, bleach, solvents, and fabric softener. If your shoes have suede or leather panels, use products intended for that material and follow its care label rather than soaking or scrubbing it with soapy water.

Step-by-Step

Check the care instructions. Look at the shoe label or product-care information before starting. Identify delicate panels, waterproof finishes, or special materials. If instructions say not to use water or detergent, follow them and use a suitable dry-cleaning method instead.
Remove the laces and insoles. Take out the laces and removable insoles so you can clean the tongue and inside more easily. Do not force out an insole that is fixed in place. Set each part aside and clean it separately; avoid soaking insoles, which can take a long time to dry and may lose their shape.
Brush off dry dirt. Hold the shoe over a bin or outdoors and brush away loose dust, dried mud, and grit from the upper and outsole. Use light strokes on mesh and knit fabric. Removing grit first helps prevent it from rubbing into the material and scratching or abrading it during washing.
Mix a mild cleaning solution. Add a small drop of mild soap to a bowl of cool or lukewarm water. The water should look only slightly soapy. Do not use hot water, bleach, or a strong household cleaner; heat and aggressive chemicals may affect colors, finishes, or bonded components.
Clean the upper gently. Dip the soft brush or cloth in the solution and squeeze out excess water. Work in small areas using gentle circular or short strokes. Pay attention to dirty spots, but avoid saturating the shoe or pressing hard on mesh. For knit or delicate panels, use a damp cloth rather than vigorous brushing.
Wash the outsole separately. Use the brush to loosen dirt from the tread and midsole. You can apply slightly firmer pressure to durable rubber than to the upper, but keep water and soap from flooding the shoe. Remove trapped stones or debris carefully rather than digging at the material with a sharp tool.
Wipe away soap. Dampen a clean cloth with fresh water and wipe the cleaned areas until they no longer feel slippery or soapy. Rinse and wring the cloth as needed. Do not hold the shoes under a running tap or submerge them; excessive water can soak the lining and make drying difficult.
Clean laces and insoles. Hand-wash laces in the mild solution, rub them gently, then rinse and press them in a towel. Wipe removable insoles with a lightly damp, soapy cloth and then a clean damp cloth. Avoid twisting, wringing, or soaking these parts. Check their care instructions before using a washing machine.
Dry the shoes slowly. Blot the exterior with a towel. Loosely fill each shoe with clean, plain paper to absorb moisture and help hold its shape; replace the paper when it becomes damp. Leave the shoes and separate parts in a well-ventilated spot at room temperature, away from direct sun, radiators, hair dryers, and other heat sources.
Reassemble only when fully dry. Let the upper, lining, insoles, and laces dry completely before putting the shoes back together or wearing them. Drying time depends on how wet they became and the room conditions. If any part still feels damp or smells musty, give it more time and improve airflow.

Common Mistakes

Putting them in the washing machine: A washer can be rough on the materials, structure, and adhesives. Hand-cleaning is the safer default unless the care instructions for your exact shoes explicitly allow machine washing.
Using heat to speed drying: A dryer, heater, or sunny windowsill can expose shoes to damaging heat. Air-drying takes longer but is gentler on the shoe’s construction.
Soaking the whole shoe: Saturating the upper and lining makes drying harder and can affect bonded parts. Clean with a damp brush or cloth, not a bucket of water.
Scrubbing mesh aggressively: Hard bristles and heavy pressure can rough up or snag delicate fabric. Use light strokes and repeat them rather than forcing a stain out at once.
Using too much detergent: Soap left in fabric can attract dirt or leave a residue. Use a small amount and wipe thoroughly with a clean damp cloth.
Putting damp shoes away: Trapped moisture can lead to persistent odor. Wait until the inside and all removable parts are dry before storage.

Tips

Clean small dirt marks soon after they appear; dried grime is often harder to remove.
Test the cleaning solution on a discreet area first, especially on colored or textured uppers.
Use separate brushes for the dirty outsole and the upper to avoid transferring grit.
For routine care, brush away dry dust and wipe the outsole instead of washing the entire shoe each time.
Store clean shoes in a dry, ventilated place. Keep them away from prolonged direct sunlight and damp areas.
For suede, leather, waterproof membranes, or unusual stains, follow the material-specific instructions. A general soap-and-water method may damage a specialized finish.

Troubleshooting

The stain is still visible

Let the shoe dry before judging the result, since a wet patch can look darker. If the stain remains, repeat a gentle spot-clean with fresh mild solution and a clean cloth. Do not switch immediately to bleach or a strong stain remover. For oil, paint, or an unknown substance, consult the care instructions or a shoe-cleaning professional before applying a solvent.

The shoes smell after cleaning

Check that the insoles and lining are completely dry; lingering moisture is a common reason odors return. Remove the insoles if they are designed to come out and air both parts separately. Do not mask a damp smell with fragrance or put the shoes away while wet.

The color or finish looks different

Stop cleaning and avoid adding more product. Blot gently with a clean damp cloth if soap remains, then air-dry. A change may be related to the material or finish, so check the model’s care guidance before trying another cleaner.

The shoes are still wet inside

Remove the insoles if possible, blot moisture with a towel, and replace damp paper with dry paper. Leave the shoes in a ventilated room. Avoid direct heat, which can harm materials even when the inside feels slow to dry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you put Hoka shoes in the washing machine?

Hand-washing is the safer general method because machine agitation can stress the shoe’s materials and construction. Use a washer only if the care instructions for your exact model say it is acceptable.

Can I use dish soap to clean Hoka shoes?

A small amount of mild dish soap can work on washable fabric and rubber, but test it on a hidden spot first. Avoid it on suede, leather, or specialty finishes unless their care instructions permit it.

How long do Hoka shoes take to dry?

There is no single drying time; it depends on how wet the shoes are, their materials, and airflow. Let them dry at room temperature until the lining, upper, insoles, and laces are completely dry.

Can I use baking soda on Hoka shoes?

Do not use it as a substitute for cleaning or apply it to delicate materials without checking their care guidance. If you use any deodorizing product, follow its label and make sure the shoes are dry before storage.

How often should I clean my Hoka shoes?

Clean them when dirt or odor builds up rather than following a fixed schedule. Brushing off loose dirt after use can reduce the need for full cleaning.

Can I clean Hoka shoes with suede or leather panels the same way?

No. Water and ordinary detergent can mark or damage some suede and leather. Use care products intended for that material and follow the shoe’s specific instructions.

Further reading: HOKA. Details can change, so check the official page for anything that matters to you. Spotted a mistake? Tell us. How we write an answer.