Apparel & Shoes

How to Wash Allbirds Wool Runners

Standard Allbirds Wool Runners use a merino-wool upper, removable merino-lined insole, laces, and a SweetFoam-based sole. Allbirds designs most of its shoes to be washable, but the company notes exceptions, and waterproof Mizzle or other specialized versions may favor spot cleaning. For a standard machine-approved Wool Runner, the official sequence is unusually clear: remove the laces and insoles, brush away dirt, place shoes in a delicates bag, wash cold on gentle with a small amount of mild detergent, and air-dry without fabric softener, bleach, or machine heat.

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Primary reference: Allbirds: official shoe wash and care guide. Always check the manual for your exact model.

Quick reference

Check
Confirm the exact Wool Runner is machine approved and not an exception.
Prepare
Remove insoles and laces and soft-brush away dry soil.
Machine
Use a delicates bag, cold water, gentle cycle, and little mild detergent.
Avoid
Bleach, fabric softener, hot water, and every form of machine or direct heat.
Dry
Shake out water and air-dry shoes, laces, and insoles separately.

What you will need

  • The product page for the exact Allbirds model
  • A soft dry brush or towel
  • A delicates bag or clean pillowcase
  • A small amount of mild liquid detergent
  • A soft toothbrush for hand washing
  • Cold water for machine washing
  • A clean absorbent towel
  • A fan or well-ventilated drying area

Step-by-step instructions

Step 1: Confirm the pair is machine approved

Read the exact product's Wash & Care section. This guide targets regular Wool Runners that are approved for machine washing. Waterproof Mizzles, leather alternatives, limited editions, and newer constructions may have exceptions or recommend spot cleaning first. Do not infer care only from the Allbirds brand name.

Step 2: Remove insoles and laces

Pull out the laces and removable insoles before any deep clean. Allbirds makes this the first step because the absorbent insoles need separate care and can be a major odor source. Do not put insoles in the machine unless their exact instructions permit it; set them aside for hand washing.

Step 3: Brush off excess dirt

Use a towel or soft brush on dry shoes to remove soil from the wool, sole edge, and tread. Avoid yanking at pills or brushing wool aggressively. If mud is heavy, let it dry enough to lift away rather than sending a layer of grit through the washer and deeper into the knit.

Step 4: Bag the shoes for machine washing

Place the shoes together in a delicates bag; Allbirds says a pillowcase can work as an alternative. Close it securely so the shoes do not strike the drum or snag. Wash only with items whose color will not transfer, and avoid an overloaded cycle that prevents thorough rinsing.

Step 5: Select cold, gentle, and mild

Choose a gentle cycle with cold water and add only a small amount of mild detergent. Allbirds specifically says not to use bleach or fabric softener. Skip hot water, wool shrink cycles with heat, stain pods placed against the upper, and sanitizing additives. More detergent can leave wool stiff or attract new dirt.

Step 6: Hand-wash laces and insoles

Place laces in warm soapy water, massage them, rinse, and blot. Wipe or gently hand-wash the insoles with mild soapy water, then rinse without twisting the foam. Allbirds sells replacement insoles for pairs whose odor or cushioning no longer recovers after complete cleaning and drying.

Step 7: Remove water and restore shape

Take shoes out promptly, shake out excess water as Allbirds directs, and blot with a towel. Smooth the wool upper and tongue with your hands rather than stretching it. Do not wring the shoes or pack them tightly. Minor shape changes normally settle; Allbirds says shoes regain their original shape within one or two wears.

Step 8: Air-dry with good movement

Set shoes, laces, and insoles apart in a place with strong airflow—near an open window, outside in suitable shade, or under a fan. Avoid machine drying, radiators, and strong direct heat. Wool and the foam interior may need more than a day. Reassemble only when every part is dry and odor-free.

Specific cleaning questions

Open a question for a concise answer about stains, odors, safety, frequency, and troubleshooting.

Can Allbirds Wool Runners go in the washing machine?
Standard machine-approved Wool Runners can. Remove laces and insoles, use a delicates bag, cold water, a gentle cycle, and a small amount of mild detergent. Verify the exact model because Allbirds lists exceptions.
Can Allbirds insoles go in the washer?
Allbirds says to remove them before machine washing the shoes. Hand-wash or wipe them separately, rinse gently, and air-dry. Do not twist or reinstall damp foam.
Can I put Allbirds in the dryer?
No. Allbirds directs owners to air-dry with good air movement and avoid machine drying. Heat can shrink wool, deform foam, and affect bonded construction.
Can I use fabric softener on Wool Runners?
No. Allbirds explicitly says not to use fabric softener or bleach. Use only a small amount of mild detergent and ensure the gentle cycle rinses it away.
How do I clean Allbirds Mizzles?
Check the Mizzle product care. Allbirds recommends spot cleaning waterproof shoes with warm water and gentle soap when possible and limiting machine washing. Do not assume the standard Wool Runner method.
Why did my Allbirds lose shape after washing?
Smooth the upper while damp and air-dry without heat. Allbirds says washed shoes should regain their original shape after one or two wears. Distortion from hot water or a dryer may be permanent.
How do I remove odor from Wool Runners?
Clean the removable insoles separately, wash the eligible shoes, and dry everything completely. Because insoles absorb sweat, worn or persistently odorous insoles may need replacement rather than stronger fragrance.
How often should I machine-wash Allbirds?
Use spot cleaning for small marks and reserve a machine wash for a real deep clean. Frequent washing is unnecessary; airing shoes and insoles after wear helps extend time between washes.