How to Clean OOFOS Shoes, Slides, and Sandals

Step-by-step instructions

Step 1: Check the style and inspect for damage

Identify whether the pair is an open OOahh slide, OOriginal sandal, clog, or closed-toe OOmg-style shoe and read its current care information. Look for torn straps, loose fabric, separated seams, or damaged tread. Cleaning will not repair structural damage, and machine agitation can make an existing tear worse. If the product-specific instructions differ from this general routine, follow the product instructions.

Step 2: Knock off loose grit

Let mud dry, then tap the soles together outdoors and brush away sand, pebbles, and soil from the tread and upper. Pay attention to channels where the footbed meets straps or fabric. Removing grit before wet cleaning prevents the particles from acting like sandpaper and keeps them out of a washing machine.

Step 3: Hand-wash for the lowest-risk routine

Mix cool water with a small amount of mild soap. Wipe or softly brush the footbed, straps, sides, and outsole. For closed-toe fabric uppers, work gently and avoid flooding the interior. Clean in short passes, then rinse with cool fresh water or wipe repeatedly with a clean damp cloth until no slippery soap remains. Hand washing is the best first choice for one stain or light soil.

Step 4: Use a gentle machine cycle only when suitable

OOFOS states that its footwear is machine washable. Place the pair in a mesh laundry bag, choose cold water and a gentle cycle, and use a small amount of mild detergent. Wash with soft, colorfast items rather than heavy towels or hardware. Do not add bleach, fabric softener, stain solvent, or high-sudsing excess detergent. If the pair is already damaged or has a special finish, hand-wash instead.

Step 5: Address footbed odor without masking it

Odor usually persists when oils and soap remain in textured surfaces or the footwear stays damp. Give the footbed another gentle soap-and-water pass, brush into grooves without gouging the foam, and rinse thoroughly. Avoid perfume, essential oil, disinfectant, and harsh deodorizing chemicals unless OOFOS approves them for the exact product; residue can contact bare skin and a fragrance does not remove soil.

Step 6: Rinse after pool, ocean, or sweaty use

Fresh water helps remove salt, chlorine, sunscreen, and perspiration before they dry on the footwear. Rinse promptly, especially around straps and fabric seams, then shake off water. Do not leave a wet pair sealed in a gym bag or hot vehicle. Repeated light rinsing is gentler than waiting for heavy residue that needs aggressive scrubbing.

Step 7: Air-dry away from heat

Set the pair upright in a shaded place with room-temperature airflow. Open the tongue of closed shoes and change their position once so trapped water can escape. Do not use a tumble dryer, boot dryer, radiator, hair dryer, dishwasher, or direct high heat. Do not leave the pair on a hot car dashboard. Wear or store it only when the footbed, straps, and lining are dry.

Step 8: Check the result and preserve traction

Once dry, inspect the tread and footbed under good light. Remove any newly visible pebble by hand and verify that all soap is gone. A permanently smooth outsole, split strap, or altered foam feel is wear or damage rather than a cleaning problem. Retire footwear that no longer provides secure traction or support instead of trying to roughen or chemically restore it.