Care Guide

How to Care for Waterproof Hokas

A GORE-TEX membrane keeps working only while the outer fabric stays clean. Here is the maintenance that keeps waterproof Hokas waterproof.

By Abbadabba's Updated 3 min read
How to Care for Waterproof Hokas — Abbadabba's

Key takeaways

  • Dirt on the outer fabric is what makes a waterproof shoe wet out.
  • Never soak them, because submersion stresses the membrane.
  • Reapply a DWR treatment when water stops beading.
  • Heat drying degrades both the membrane and the adhesives.

Waterproof Hokas use a membrane such as GORE-TEX to block water while letting vapor escape. The membrane keeps working for years. The outer fabric in front of it is what fails first, and it fails because of dirt.

Dirt is what makes a waterproof shoe wet out

The outer fabric carries a durable water repellent finish that makes water bead and roll off. Ground-in dirt and body oils flatten that finish, so water spreads across the surface instead of beading. The membrane is still blocking water at that point, and the shoe feels wet and cold because the saturated outer fabric has stopped breathing. Cleaning restores most of it.

Cleaning takes four steps

  1. Brush off dirt and debris. Use a soft brush or cloth on the surface and sole. Hard scrubbing damages the coating you are trying to protect.
  2. Wash gently. Mild soap in lukewarm water on a soft cloth, concentrating on visible grime. Avoid soaking the shoe.
  3. Rinse the soap off. A clean damp cloth removes residue, which otherwise weakens the water-repellent coating over time.
  4. Air dry at room temperature. Direct sun and radiators warp the shoe and degrade the materials.

Restoring the coating

Test the shoe by dripping water on the upper. Water that soaks in rather than beading means the finish needs renewing. Choose a treatment made for GORE-TEX or waterproof footwear, apply it evenly to a clean dry shoe, and let it cure fully before the next wear.

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Storage protects the membrane

  • Keep them dry. A cool, dry spot prevents mold and mildew on the lining.
  • Hold the shape. Shoe trees or crumpled paper stop the upper collapsing.
  • Stay out of damp basements and garages. Long-term moisture damages the membrane even when the shoe is not being worn.

Four mistakes shorten the life of a waterproof shoe

  1. Submerging them, which stresses the membrane and the seam tape.
  2. Using bleach or strong detergents, which erode the materials.
  3. Drying with a dryer, radiator, or hairdryer.
  4. Skipping maintenance until the shoe already wets out.

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Frequently asked questions

Why do my waterproof shoes feel wet inside?
Usually the outer fabric has wetted out, so vapor from your foot cannot escape. Clean the shoes and reapply a DWR treatment before assuming the membrane has failed.
Can I machine wash waterproof Hokas?
No. Agitation stresses the seam tape and the membrane. Clean them by hand.
How often should I reapply waterproofing?
When water stops beading on the upper. For regular wet-weather use that tends to be every few months.

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