Apparel & Shoes

How to Clean HOKA Running Shoes

HOKA running shoes use lightweight mesh or woven uppers, thick compression-molded foam, bonded overlays, removable insoles, and road or lugged rubber outsoles. Their high cushioning can hold water longer than it appears, and aggressive scrubbing can damage a thin upper or alter the foam surface. HOKA's general care guidance is clear: hand-wash with cold water and mild soap or detergent, then dry naturally away from direct heat and sunlight. Trail mud, road salt, odors, and waterproof versions still need slightly different handling within that rule.

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Primary reference: HOKA: running-shoe cleaning and care guide. Always check the manual for your exact model.

Quick reference

Official default
Hand-wash with cold water and mild soap or detergent.
Trail mud
Remove clumps and dry-brush first; clean woven uppers gently.
Separate
Take out laces and insoles and clean and dry them on their own.
Avoid
Washers, dryers, hot water, bleach, direct sun, and radiators.
Dry
Drain, blot, shape loosely, and provide room-temperature airflow.

What you will need

  • A soft dry shoe brush
  • A soft toothbrush or sponge
  • Cold water
  • A small amount of mild soap or liquid detergent
  • Two microfiber cloths
  • A basin for controlled hand cleaning
  • Plain white paper for shaping
  • The product care for any GORE-TEX or specialty model

Step-by-step instructions

Step 1: Check the model and upper

Identify whether the shoe is a road model such as Clifton or Bondi, a trail model such as Speedgoat, or a waterproof version. Look for mesh, woven textile, suede, reflective films, and membrane labels. HOKA's cold-water hand-wash guidance is the default, but specialty materials should be spot-tested before a full clean.

Step 2: Remove laces, insoles, and loose debris

Take out the laces and removable insoles. Shake stones from inside and brush dry dust from the upper. For trail shoes, use a blunt brush to clear outsole lugs and flex the sole gently to release dried mud. Avoid digging between lugs with a sharp tool or pulling on welded overlays.

Step 3: Deal with mud before it spreads

After a muddy run, remove thick clumps outdoors before they harden completely; if mud has dried, soft-brush it off before adding water. HOKA's trail guidance calls for gentle scrubbing because lightweight woven uppers can be damaged by excess force. Keep a separate brush for the outsole so grit is not moved onto mesh.

Step 4: Hand-wash with cold mild solution

Mix a small amount of mild soap or detergent into cold water. Dip a sponge or soft brush, squeeze out excess, and work on one area at a time. Clean mesh and overlays gently, then use firmer motion only on durable rubber lugs. Do not use bleach, harsh stain remover, hot water, or a washing machine.

Step 5: Clean laces and insoles separately

Massage laces in fresh mild solution, rinse, and blot. Wipe or gently hand-wash removable insoles, then rinse with limited water so their foam does not remain saturated. Never twist or wring an insole. If it is damaged, compressed, or persistently odorous after drying, replacement may be more effective than stronger chemicals.

Step 6: Wipe away soap and road salt

Use a clean cloth dampened with cold water to remove cleaner from every panel and foam edge. Rinse and wring the cloth frequently. For winter salt, clean the entire affected panel lightly rather than creating a sharply wet spot that can dry as a ring. Repeat with clean water instead of increasing detergent strength.

Step 7: Drain and support the shape

Hold shoes with the opening downward and let trapped water drain without twisting the upper. Blot with a towel and loosely insert plain white paper to support the toe and absorb moisture. Replace the paper once it becomes damp. Do not pack it tightly enough to stretch the upper or distort a rocker-shaped sole.

Step 8: Dry naturally and ventilate after runs

Place shoes, insoles, and laces separately in a well-ventilated room at room temperature. HOKA says to keep them away from direct heat and sunlight. After ordinary runs, remove insoles and open the shoes to air even when they do not need washing. Reassemble only after thick midsoles and heel linings are fully dry.

Specific cleaning questions

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

Can HOKA running shoes go in the washing machine?
HOKA's official guidance is to hand-wash footwear with cold water and mild soap or detergent. A machine can stress bonded overlays, foam, and lightweight mesh, so use the hand method.
Can HOKA shoes go in the dryer?
No. HOKA says to dry naturally away from direct heat or sunlight. Dryer heat can distort foam, shrink materials, and weaken adhesives.
How do I clean mud from HOKA trail shoes?
Remove heavy clumps, dry-brush remaining soil, loosen dirt from outsole lugs, and then hand-clean with cold mild solution. Use gentle pressure on woven uppers and keep the dirty outsole brush away from the upper.
How do I clean white HOKA midsoles?
Use cold water, a little mild soap, and a soft brush or cloth. Wipe away residue repeatedly. Avoid bleach and abrasive melamine on exposed foam because appearance can improve while the surface is damaged.
Can I soak HOKA shoes?
Controlled hand washing is better than prolonged soaking. Thick cushioning and liners can retain water, and full immersion can stress glued construction. Use only as much water as needed and drain promptly.
How do I remove odor from HOKA shoes?
Remove and clean insoles separately, wipe the interior lightly, and dry every layer completely. After runs, open the shoes and air the insoles. Do not mask dampness with fragrance or return wet insoles.
Does the same method apply to waterproof HOKA shoes?
The cold-water, mild-soap principle still applies, but check the exact waterproof model's care. Avoid conditioners or strong cleaners that can affect a membrane or durable water-repellent finish.
How long should HOKA shoes air-dry?
Dry until the heel lining, toe, and removable insole are no longer cool or damp, commonly overnight or longer. Thick foam can make the exterior seem dry before the interior is ready.