Can You Wash Skechers in a Washing Machine? 2026 Guide to Safe Shoe Care

TL;DR: The Quick Answer

Yes, you can wash many Skechers in a washing machine, but not all of them. Always check the shoe tongue or box for the “Machine Washable” icon.

• Safe to Wash: Most mesh, knit, and fabric “Go Walk” or “Go Run” series.
• Do NOT Wash: Light-up shoes (Skech-Air), Suede, Nubuck, or Full-Grain Leather.
• The Golden Rule: Use a gentle cycle, cold water, place shoes in a laundry bag, and ALWAYS air dry. Never put shoes in the dryer; heat destroys the glue and shrinks the EVA soles.

Introduction: The “Dirty Shoe” Dilemma

We all know the feeling. You bought that crisp, comfortable pair of Skechers or casual sneakers a few months ago. They were perfect—lightweight, bouncy, and pristine. But after a few muddy walks, a spilled coffee, or just the daily grind of city commuting, they look tired. They smell a bit “off.” And you’re standing in front of your washing machine, wondering, “Can I just throw these in and hope for the best?”

In my 20+ years running a physical shoe store, I have seen thousands of pairs of shoes returned or brought in for repair. I’ve seen shoes that looked brand new after a wash, and I’ve seen expensive pairs completely ruined—soles peeled off, fabric shrunken, and lights short-circuited—because the owner didn’t follow the rules.

While modern footwear technology has come a long way, making shoes machine washable is a specific engineering choice, not a universal standard.

In this guide, I’m going to share the exact advice we give our customers on the shop floor. We will cover how to identify if your Skechers are safe to wash, how to clean suede shoes (spoiler: keep them dry!), and how to remove the smell from shoes effectively.

Why This Topic Matters: A Global Perspective

Whether you are a nurse in London on your feet for 12 hours, a tourist walking the streets of Tokyo, or a daily commuter in New York, footwear hygiene is universal. However, the biggest mistake buyers make worldwide is assuming that “synthetic” means “indestructible.”

From my experience behind the counter, about 30% of “defective” returns aren’t manufacturing defects at all—they are maintenance errors. People boil their shoes in hot water cycles or melt the adhesive in tumble dryers.

When you buy online, you don’t always get the care instructions handed to you. This guide bridges that gap, ensuring your investment lasts longer than a single season.

The “Skechers Rule”: How to Know If Yours Are Safe

Skechers has been a pioneer in creating strictly “Machine Washable” lines, but they also make high-end leather and delicate suede boots. You cannot treat them all the same.

1. Check for the Icon

Skechers is very good at labeling. Look at the box your shoes came in or the tag on the tongue of the shoe. If you see a “Machine Washable” icon (usually a small washing machine symbol), you are green-lit to wash them.

2. The Material Test

If you don’t have the box, look at the materials:

• Nylon / Mesh / Canvas: Generally safe for a gentle wash.
• Suede / Nubuck: NEVER machine wash. Water ruins the nap of the suede, leaving it hard and stained.
• Leather: NEVER machine wash. Leather needs hydration (polish/conditioner), not saturation.
• Light-Up / Battery Operated: NEVER machine wash. You will destroy the electronics instantly.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Wash Skechers (The Safe Way)

If your shoes are eligible for a bath, don’t just toss them in loose. The tumbling action can damage the machine drum and the structure of the shoe. Follow this “Shop Standard” method.

Step 1: Preparation

Remove the laces. Laces often get tangled or don’t get clean inside the knots. Put them in a separate mesh bag. If the insoles (footbeds) are removable, take them out. Washing insoles separately ensures they dry faster and don’t trap bacteria.

Step 2: The Pre-Clean

Knock off the heavy chunks of mud. If you put muddy shoes in the washer, you’re just making mud soup. Use an old toothbrush to scrub the sidewalls of the soles.

Pro Tip: This is the best time to address how to clean whites of shoes. If your white soles are yellowing, mix a little baking soda and toothpaste and scrub the rubber rim before the machine cycle. The machine will rinse it off, leaving them sparkling.

Step 3: Bag It

Place one shoe in an old pillowcase or a specialized laundry mesh bag. This prevents the shoes from banging violently against the glass door of your washing machine (and saves your ears from the noise!).

Step 4: The Wash Cycle

• Detergent: Use standard liquid laundry detergent. Avoid powder (it can clump in the mesh).
• Temperature: COLD WATER ONLY. High heat (above 30°C/86°F) can warp the EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) foam soles.
• Speed: Low spin or “Delicate” cycle.

Step 5: The Drying (Crucial!)

DO NOT USE THE DRYER. I cannot stress this enough. The heat from a tumble dryer does two things:

1. It reactivates the glue, causing the sole to separate from the upper.
2. It shrinks the foam cushioning, making the shoe tight and uncomfortable.

How to dry correctly: Stuff the wet shoes with white paper towels or newspaper (be careful with ink transfer on light shoes). This absorbs moisture from the inside and helps the shoe keep its shape. Place them in a shaded, airy spot. Avoid direct sunlight, which can yellow white fabrics.

Dealing with Delicate Materials: Suede and Leather

Many people ask me how to clean suede shoes when they get dirty. If you wash suede Skechers in a machine, they will come out stiff as a board and likely discolored.

The Suede Protocol:

1. Dry Brushing: Use a suede brush or a clean toothbrush. Brush in one direction to lift dust.
2. The Eraser Trick: For scuff marks, use a specialized suede eraser (or a clean white pencil eraser). Rub gently to lift the mark.
3. Vinegar for Stains: If there is a stubborn stain, dip a cloth in white vinegar and lightly dab (don’t soak). It will smell for a minute but evaporates quickly.
4. Waterproofing: Always spray new suede shoes with a protector spray before wearing them.

How to Remove the Smell From Shoes (Without Washing)

Sometimes the shoes aren’t dirty, they just… smell. This is usually caused by bacteria breeding in sweat trapped in the foam. You don’t always need a full wash to fix this.

Here is how to remove the smell from shoes effectively:

1. The Freezer Method: Place your shoes in a sealed Ziploc bag and put them in the freezer overnight. The cold kills the odor-causing bacteria.
2. Baking Soda Bomb: Fill two old socks with baking soda and knot the ends. Stuff them into your shoes and leave them for 24 hours. Baking soda is a master at absorbing moisture and odors.
3. Essential Oils: Put a few drops of tea tree oil on the insoles. It is a natural antifungal and smells fresh.
4. Rotate Your Shoes: In the shop, we tell customers: “Shoes need a day off.” Don’t wear the same pair two days in a row. Letting them air dry for 24 hours prevents the “swamp foot” environment where bacteria thrive.

Retailer Insights: Material Deep Dive

Why do we care so much about heat? Modern shoes, especially brands like Skechers, Nike, and Adidas, rely heavily on EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) and Memory Foam.

• EVA is that white, squishy material in the sole. It is full of tiny air bubbles. Heat collapses these bubbles. If you dry your shoes in heat, you lose the bounce.
• Memory Foam is a polyurethane base. It retains water like a sponge. If you wash Memory Foam insoles, you must ensure they are 100% dry before wearing them, or mold will grow inside the sole.

Comparison: Washing Methods

4 Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using Fabric Softener: Never use fabric softener on athletic shoes. It leaves a waxy residue that clogs the breathable mesh and reduces the moisture-wicking ability of the lining.
2. Washing Laces In-Shoe: This leaves dirt trapped under the eyelets and prevents the tongue from getting clean.
3. Ignoring the “Glue Line”: If you see the glue starting to yellow or peel at the edges before washing, do not put them in the machine. The agitation will finish the job and separate the sole completely.
4. Bleach Overload: Bleach can turn white rubber soles yellow and degrade the stitching. Use oxygen-based cleaners (like OxiClean) instead.

People Also Ask (PAA)

Q: Can I put my Skechers Go Walk in the washing machine? A: Generally, yes. Most Go Walk models are designed with mesh uppers that are machine washable. Always air dry them.

Q: How do you clean the white part of Skechers soles? A: Use a Magic Eraser (melamine sponge) or a paste of baking soda and dish soap. Scrub with a toothbrush and wipe clean.

Q: Why do my shoes smell worse after washing? A: They likely didn’t dry fast enough. If shoes stay damp for too long, mildew grows. Dry them in a well-ventilated area with paper towels stuffed inside.

Q: Can I wash memory foam insoles? A: Yes, but they take a long time to dry. It is often safer to hand wash the insoles gently and squeeze out excess water before air drying.

Pro-Tips from the Shop Floor

In my years of retail, I’ve noticed that customers who use shoe trees (or even just stuff the toes with paper) when the shoes are drying extend the life of the shoe shape by years. Also, if you are washing shoes machine washable types, throw a couple of old towels into the drum with the shoes. The towels act as buffers, preventing the shoes from banging loudly against the drum, which protects both your expensive appliance and your footwear.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it safe to wash Skechers in the washer? Yes, provided they are synthetic/mesh and not leather or light-up models. Use cold water and low spin.

2. How long do Skechers take to dry? Air drying typically takes 10 to 12 hours depending on humidity. Never rush it with a heater.

3. Will washing shoes ruin the washing machine? It can if they are heavy or loose. Always use a laundry bag and wash with towels to balance the load.

4. How do I clean Skechers that are not machine washable? Use a damp cloth with mild soap for the upper, and a toothbrush for the soles. For suede, use a dry brush only.

5. Can I use dish soap to wash shoes? Yes, mild dish soap is actually better than harsh laundry detergents for hand washing shoes as it cuts through grease without damaging glue.

6. How often should I wash my sneakers? Only when necessary. Over-washing degrades the materials. Spot clean when possible; machine wash maybe once every 2-3 months.

7. Can I wash Skechers with lights? Absolutely not. Water will corrode the batteries and wiring within the sole. Clean these with a damp cloth only.

8. Why did my Skechers shrink in the wash? You likely used hot water or put them in the dryer. Heat causes the synthetic fibers and foam soles to contract.

9. How do I clean muddy Skechers? Let the mud dry first. Bang the soles together to remove dry dirt, then brush off the rest. Only wash once the heavy soil is gone.

10. Do I need to remove insoles before washing? It is highly recommended. It ensures a deeper clean and faster drying time.

Ready to Upgrade?

If your shoes are beyond the point of cleaning and the soles are worn smooth, washing them won’t bring back the traction or support. Your foot health is worth more than saving an old pair of sneakers.

• Check today’s best-rated walking shoes on Amazon
• Compare prices on the latest Skechers collections
• Browse specialized suede cleaning kits to protect your investment

Note: As an experienced footwear enthusiast, I may earn a commission if you purchase through these links, but my advice comes from decades of handling shoes, not just selling them.