Key takeaways
- Take the laces and insoles out first. They need different treatment.
- A soft-bristled toothbrush and mild detergent handle the whole upper.
- Dry mud lifts off cleanly. Wet mud grinds in.
- Direct heat breaks down the glue holding the midsole together.
Runners cannot compromise on shoes, and Hokas take a lot of punishment. Caked dirt stiffens the upper and shortens the life of the foam, so cleaning them is maintenance rather than vanity.
Four items cover the whole job
You need one soft-bristled toothbrush, a mild detergent, three clean cloths, and water.
Step 1: Take the shoe apart
Remove the laces and the insoles. Cleaning around them traps moisture and leaves dirt lines you will see the moment they dry.
Step 2: The laces go in the machine
Wash the laces with a little mild detergent on the coldest setting, along with the rest of your laundry. Put them in a sock or a mesh laundry bag first so they do not tangle.
Step 3: Knock the loose dirt off before anything gets wet
Tap the soles together a few times to shake dirt free, then brush the rest away with the toothbrush. Muddy Hokas want to dry completely first, because dry mud lifts off and wet mud spreads. Scrub in circles for stubborn patches.
Step 4: Scrub with detergent and water
Mix a small amount of detergent into water. Using a cloth and the toothbrush, scrub the dirty areas of the shoes and the insoles until you raise a lather, then keep going until the dirt lifts.
Step 5: Pull the water back out
Use a dry towel to draw as much excess water out of the shoes as you can. Less water left in the foam means a faster and safer dry.
Step 6: Air dry overnight, away from heat
Dry them in a well-ventilated room. Radiators, direct sun, and hair dryers all degrade the adhesive, which is how shoes come apart at the midsole.
Mesh and GORE-TEX want different handling
Mesh tears under pressure
Mesh is delicate and lightweight. Let a soft-bristled brush do the work in light passes rather than scrubbing hard.
GORE-TEX can be submerged, then needs its coating checked
Submerge GORE-TEX shoes in lukewarm water with mild detergent and clean inside and out. Lay them tongue-out on an absorbent cloth to air dry. Once they are dry, test the waterproofing by dripping water on the upper. Water that no longer beads means the shoes need a fresh coat of durable water repellent.
