Apparel & Shoes

How to Wash Rothy's Shoes and Insoles

Many Rothy's knit shoes are designed to be washable, but cold water and air drying are essential. Insoles, laces, outsoles, and special materials may have their own instructions, and not every Rothy's product follows one identical routine. Confirm the exact style in Rothy's care guide, remove the parts it tells you to remove, and keep the entire cleaning process free of bleach and heat.

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Primary reference: Rothy's official care guide. Always check the manual for your exact model.

Quick reference

Check first
Use Rothy's care guide for the exact style and its removable components.
Wash
Cold water, delicate cycle, mesh bag, and a small amount of mild detergent.
Separate
Remove only the insoles and laces designed to come out and follow their own care directions.
Avoid
Bleach, fabric softener, harsh stain remover, aggressive brushing, and wringing.
Drying
Air-dry every component in shade; never use a dryer or direct heat.

What you will need

  • Rothy's care instructions for the exact style
  • A soft dry brush or cloth
  • Mild laundry detergent
  • A mesh laundry bag
  • Cold water
  • A soft toothbrush for outsole grooves
  • A clean towel and shaded drying area

Step-by-step instructions

Step 1: Confirm that the exact style is machine washable

Find the style on Rothy's current care guide. Knit flats, loafers, sneakers, boots, bags, and accessories can differ in removable components and permitted methods. Look for leather, metallic details, hardware, or other sections that change the instructions. If the style is not listed or the label conflicts with general advice, use its label and contact Rothy's before washing.

Step 2: Remove loose soil and separate approved parts

Brush off dry mud and shake out grit. Remove insoles and laces when the style is designed for removal. Do not pull up a liner that appears bonded. Check the insole and shoe interior for sand, pet hair, or a small object that could abrade the knit during a cycle. Pre-clean heavy outsole mud so it does not circulate through the fabric.

Step 3: Spot-treat without bleach

Mix a little mild detergent with cold water and test inside an inconspicuous area. Dab a mark with a white cloth or soft brush; do not use chlorine bleach, oxygen bleach, solvent stain remover, or fabric softener unless the exact care page explicitly allows it. Vigorous rubbing can fuzz the knit or produce a visibly lighter patch.

Step 4: Bag the shoes and choose a cold gentle cycle

Place the shoes in a mesh laundry bag. Wash in cold water on a delicate cycle with mild detergent. Follow Rothy's directions for whether the removed insoles may join the wash or should be cleaned separately. Avoid a crowded load and keep the shoes away from clothing with zippers, hooks, or loose dye. More detergent does not mean cleaner shoes; excess can remain in the knit.

Step 5: Hand-clean the outsole and stubborn grooves

After the cycle, inspect the rubber outsole. Use cold water, a small amount of mild detergent, and a soft toothbrush in grooves, keeping abrasive tools away from the knit and finished edges. Wipe or rinse until soap is gone. Do not use a magic eraser across colored or finished sections without explicit approval because it cleans by abrasion.

Step 6: Reshape gently

Smooth the upper with clean hands and return the opening and toe to their normal shape. Do not wring, twist, or pull the knit. If light support is needed, use loosely placed clean white cloth—not printed newspaper—and do not overfill the toe. Set removable components beside the shoes so all surfaces receive airflow.

Step 7: Air-dry with no heat

Rothy's directs owners to air-dry. Place the shoes, insoles, and laces in a shaded, ventilated area at room temperature. Never use a tumble dryer, heated drying rack, radiator, hair dryer, or strong direct sun. Heat can shrink or deform the knit and can affect soles and adhesive. Wait until the interior and insole are fully dry.

Step 8: Reassemble and prevent the next buildup

Return the insole flat in its intended orientation and relace the shoe only after every component is dry. Air the pair after wear rather than storing it damp. Brush off dry soil early and spot-clean a new mark so a full wash is needed less often. If the knit, sole, or insole changed shape, contact Rothy's instead of using heat to force it back.

Specific cleaning questions

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

Can all Rothy's shoes go in the washing machine?
No single rule should be applied to every product. Many Rothy's knit shoes are washable, but exact parts and methods vary. Check the current care guide for the style, especially when it includes leather, metallic details, hardware, or bonded components.
What temperature should I use to wash Rothy's?
Use cold water and a delicate cycle when machine washing is approved. Hot water and heat drying can change the shape or fit and may affect the sole and adhesive.
Can I wash Rothy's insoles?
Remove an insole only if the style is designed for it, then follow that style's care directions. Some can be washed, while others need a separate gentle clean. Never reinsert an insole while either surface is damp.
Can I put Rothy's in the dryer?
No. Air-dry the shoes and removable parts in shade at room temperature. A tumble dryer, radiator, hair dryer, or heated rack can shrink, distort, or damage them.
Can I use bleach on white Rothy's?
Rothy's care guidance calls for mild detergent and no bleach. Bleach can discolor fibers, affect finishes, and weaken materials. Use gentle spot treatment and a cold wash instead.
How do I get mud out of the knit?
Let heavy mud dry, brush off as much as possible, and pre-treat the remaining mark with diluted mild detergent before an approved wash. Do not grind wet grit deeper into the knit.
Why do my Rothy's smell after washing?
The interior or insole may still be damp, or detergent may remain. Separate removable parts, allow more airflow, and ensure everything dries completely. If the style permits, rinse or rewash with the proper small amount of detergent.
How often should I wash Rothy's?
Spot-clean and brush between washes, then use a full wash when general soil or odor remains. Washing after every wear is unnecessary; prompt drying and small cleanups reduce repeated agitation.