How to Clean Hoka Shoes: What Hoka and Specialists Say
Quick answer: Hoka advises hand washing in cold water with mild soap and against the washing machine and dryer. Remove laces and insoles, brush off dry mud, scrub gently, wipe with a cold damp cloth and air dry away from heat.
We compare Hoka’s own guide with specialists and show where they disagree.
How to Clean Hoka Shoes: Sources Compared
Hoka publishes a single cleaning and care guide, and several specialists add their own steps. We read the Hoka guide (UK and Estonia versions, which match), a retailer that reproduces it, Freaky Shoes, Advnture, Jason Markk, Hansen Shoes and JD Sports. They agree on hand cleaning and no dryer. They disagree on the washing machine.
| Source | Machine washing | Cleaning method | Drying and avoid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hoka (official care guide) | “Hoka advises against” a washing machine or dryer for running shoes, “as it ages them quickly.” Laces can go in on a cold cycle inside a sock. | Remove liners, insoles and laces. Dry paper towel and dry toothbrush on mud. Small amount of dye-free detergent, dish soap or dandruff shampoo in cool water, worked in with a toothbrush. Wipe with a cold damp cloth. | Blot, stuff with newspaper, dry overnight, away from heat and sun. Avoid harsh scrubbing, especially on mesh. |
| Freaky Shoes | Allows it: shoes in a large mesh bag, laces and insoles in a small bag, mild detergent, cold gentle cycle, towels for balance. | Hand wash: lukewarm water with mild detergent, soft brush or sponge, wipe soap twice. White Hokas: baking soda and hydrogen peroxide paste. | “Never use a dryer, because heat can warp the foam and ruin the fit.” No bleach. |
| Jason Markk | Not recommended. Soaking and tumbling stress glued foam midsoles and shaped uppers. If a label allows it, follow it and air dry. | Foam on the brush, not the shoe. Light pressure, small circles across the whole upper, blot with microfiber. | Air dry overnight. No dryers, radiators, hair dryers or sun. Do not apply protector to damp shoes. |
| Hansen Shoes | Does not cover it. | Uses a Bondi 9 as the example. Knock off dirt, foam, scrub toe box, midsole and outsole, blot. | Air dry in a ventilated space, avoid dryers and direct sunlight. |
| JD Sports | Does not cover it. | Hand wash in cold water with mild soap or detergent. | Leave to dry away from heat. |
| Advnture | Experts mostly advise against. A sports-shoe setting with cool water and minimal spin may be acceptable, but hand washing is safest. | Quotes Hoka’s method, plus Nike, On and Inov-8. | Hoka: stuff with newspaper, overnight. Inov-8: not in direct sun. |
Jason Markk and Freaky Shoes sell cleaning products or custom shoes, so their steps use their own range. We have not tested any of these methods.
Can You Machine Wash Hoka Shoes?
Hoka is clear on this:
- Hoka: advises against a washing machine or dryer for running shoes, as it ages them quickly.
- Jason Markk: not recommended, because soaking and tumbling stress glued foam midsoles and shaped uppers.
- Advnture: experts generally advise against it, though one source notes a sports-shoe setting may be acceptable.
- Freaky Shoes: allows a cold, gentle cycle with the shoes in a mesh bag and some towels, and never a dryer.
Hoka does allow one exception: for shoes that must dry within 12 hours, it suggests a few spin cycles in the machine, or a brief dryer air or gentle setting. It also says laces can be machine washed on cold inside a sock.
General advice: follow Hoka’s page, which is the maker’s own advice, and treat the machine as a last resort. For the full routine, if you choose to wash anyway, see our washing machine guide.
Step by Step: Hand Washing Hoka Shoes
Hoka’s own steps, with who adds what:
- Take apart. Hoka says to remove liners, insoles and laces.
- Wash the laces. Hoka says on a cold cycle with regular detergent, stuffed inside a sock so they do not tangle, and to remove them before using a dryer. See our shoelace guide.
- Remove mud. Hoka says to wipe outer dirt with a dry paper towel, then a dry toothbrush. If mud is caked on, let it dry first so it comes off in clumps. Jason Markk also dry brushes before adding moisture.
- Scrub. Hoka mixes a small amount of dye-free detergent, dish soap or dandruff shampoo into cool water and works it in with a toothbrush until it lathers. Jason Markk loads foam onto the brush, not the shoe, so the mesh does not soak.
- Rinse by wiping. Hoka wipes away dirty water and lather with a cloth dampened in cold water. Freaky Shoes wipes twice, changing the water after the first pass.
- Blot and dry. See the drying section.
Jason Markk says to scrub the whole upper, not just the dirty spot, because wetting one area leaves a ring. Hoka says to dab mesh gently rather than wipe it.
By Material: Mesh, Suede, Leather, Gore-Tex, White
Mesh. Hoka says it is light and quick-drying but prone to fraying, so dab gently with a soft-bristle brush. Jason Markk says stiff bristles can fuzz knit and mesh and recommends stuffing the toe box with a microfiber towel while scrubbing.
Suede and nubuck. Hoka says to clean only once the shoe is fully dry, blot firmly with a dry towel, brush off dirt, treat stains, then blot again, with suede-specific cleaners or waterproofing if needed. See our nubuck and suede guide.
Leather. Hoka says it is easy to clean with the standard method, then wipe down afterwards and use an odour-control agent. See our leather shoe guide.
Gore-Tex. Hoka says to use lukewarm water with mild detergent, submerging the shoes to clean the interior, then air dry upside down with the tongues out on an absorbent cloth. Once dry, check whether water beads off. If it does not, reapply DWR (durable water repellent).
Canvas and natural fabric areas. Hoka says to scrub with a soft brush dipped in a 1:1 mix of warm water and baking soda.
White Hokas. Freaky Shoes uses a paste of 1 tablespoon baking soda, half a tablespoon hydrogen peroxide and half a tablespoon warm water, left in indirect sunlight for three to four hours. Hoka does not mention this. See our white shoes guide.
Midsoles. Freaky Shoes says not to over-saturate the material with foam or vinegar because it can affect glue and foam. Jason Markk uses a stiffer brush only on rubber, never on the midsole mesh or knit. For the wider running shoe routine see our running shoe guide.
How to Dry Hoka Shoes
Every source says air dry away from heat:
- Hoka: blot with a dry cloth, stuff with newspaper, dry overnight, indoors, away from direct heat or sunlight. For odour, add a dryer sheet or a light dusting of baking soda to the stuffing. Keep insoles separate. For Gore-Tex, upside down with tongues out.
- Jason Markk: stuff loosely with paper towels or a dry towel, air dry in a ventilated spot, overnight. Avoid dryers, radiators, hair dryers and direct sun, because heat can warp foam and weaken adhesives.
- Freaky Shoes: a cool, shaded, well-ventilated spot. Direct sun can warp foam, fade colours and yellow mesh. Not in a damp or steamy bathroom.
- Hoka, urgent case: if shoes must dry within 12 hours, a few spin cycles or a brief dryer air or gentle setting.
General advice: newsprint on a pale lining can transfer ink, so paper towels are the safer stuffing. Hoka itself names newspaper, and Jason Markk names paper towels.
Where the Sources Disagree
Machine washing. Hoka and Jason Markk advise against. Freaky Shoes allows a cold, gentle cycle with bags. Advnture says one source allows a sports-shoe setting. General advice: follow Hoka and hand wash.
Spin or dryer in a hurry. Hoka allows a few spin cycles or a brief gentle dryer setting if you must dry within 12 hours. Freaky Shoes and Jason Markk say never use a dryer. General advice: use a fan and paper towels instead.
Cleaning agent. Hoka uses dye-free detergent, dish soap or dandruff shampoo. Freaky Shoes uses mild liquid detergent and a vinegar solution. Jason Markk uses its foam.
White mesh. Hoka uses baking soda only for canvas or natural fabric areas. Freaky Shoes uses baking soda and peroxide for white Hokas. General advice: test a hidden spot, as Hoka does not endorse peroxide.
Stuffing. Hoka stuffs with newspaper, Jason Markk with paper towels.
Questions Hoka Owners Ask, Answered
“Can you put Hoka shoes in the washing machine?”
Hoka advises against it for running shoes, as it ages them quickly. Freaky Shoes allows a cold, gentle cycle in a mesh bag.
“How do you clean Hoka Clifton or Bondi?”
Hand clean with mild soap in cool water, using a soft brush, and wipe with a cold damp cloth (Hoka). Hansen Shoes uses a Bondi 9 as its example.
“How do you clean white Hokas?”
Freaky Shoes uses a baking soda and hydrogen peroxide paste in indirect sun. Hoka uses baking soda only on canvas areas.
“How do you clean Hoka Gore-Tex shoes?”
Lukewarm water and mild detergent, air dry upside down with tongues out, then check DWR (Hoka).
“How do you clean Hoka suede?”
Clean only once fully dry, blot, brush, treat stains, blot again (Hoka).
“How do you get odour out of Hokas?”
A dryer sheet or light baking soda in the stuffing while drying (Hoka).
“How long do Hokas take to dry?”
Overnight (Hoka and Jason Markk).
“Can I use a hair dryer or dryer?”
No. Hoka says avoid any heat source, and Jason Markk warns heat warps foam and weakens adhesives.
Mistakes to Avoid
- The washing machine and dryer. Hoka says they age running shoes quickly.
- Direct heat and sun. Hoka says they can warp shoes. Freaky Shoes adds that sun can yellow mesh.
- Harsh scrubbing. Hoka warns about mesh fraying. Jason Markk says stiff bristles can fuzz knit.
- Wiping caked mud while wet. Hoka says let it dry first.
- Bleach and strong cleaners. Freaky Shoes says they can weaken materials and foam.
- Running in damp shoes. Hoka warns.
- Protector on damp shoes. Jason Markk says to dry first.
- Tossing shoes in a pile. Hoka says it adds wear.
How we checked this
- Steps come from the official Hoka cleaning and care guide, Freaky Shoes, Advnture, Jason Markk, Hansen Shoes and JD Sports. We name who says each thing.
- The sources differ on the washing machine and on white mesh, so we show each side. Our own reading is labelled general advice.
- Several sources sell care products or shoes. None gives test data. We have not tested any of these methods.
Hoka Shoe Care Helpers
A shoe cleaner kit with a soft brush, a delicates detergent and mesh wash bags cover the steps the sources describe. These are listed on Amazon.
Jason Markk Essential Shoe Cleaning Kit
A shoe cleaner with a brush and microfiber towel.
Check it on Amazon
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you clean Hoka shoes?
Remove laces and insoles, brush off dry mud, scrub with mild soap in cool water, wipe with a cold damp cloth and air dry (Hoka).
Can you wash Hoka shoes in the washing machine?
Hoka advises against it for running shoes, as it ages them quickly. Freaky Shoes allows a cold, gentle cycle in mesh bags.
How do you clean white Hokas?
Freaky Shoes uses a baking soda and hydrogen peroxide paste. Hoka does not mention it.
How do you clean Hoka Gore-Tex shoes?
Lukewarm water and mild detergent, air dry upside down with tongues out, then check DWR (Hoka).
How do you clean Hoka mesh?
Dab gently with a soft-bristle brush rather than scrubbing, because mesh can fray (Hoka).
How do you clean Hoka suede?
Clean only once fully dry, blot, brush, treat stains and blot again (Hoka).
How long do Hokas take to dry?
Overnight, stuffed with paper, away from heat and sun.
How do you get odour out of Hokas?
A dryer sheet or a light dusting of baking soda in the stuffing while drying (Hoka).
The Short Version
Follow Hoka’s own advice: hand wash in cool water with mild soap, dab mesh gently, skip the machine and dryer, and air dry overnight away from heat.
Keep Reading
Sources
- HOKA: A guide to cleaning running shoes
- Beatable: HOKA cleaning and care guide
- Freaky Shoes: How to wash Hoka shoes
- Advnture: Are you accidentally ruining your running shoes?
- Jason Markk: How to clean running shoes
- Hansen Shoes: Maintenance 101, how to care for your premium athletic shoes
- JD Sports: How to clean Hoka shoes
