How To Clean Running Shoes Hoka? [2024]

Hoka is a popular brand of running shoes known for their thick, cushioned midsoles that provide a soft and comfortable ride. However, after logging miles on roads, trails and treadmills, Hokas can get dirty and show signs of wear. Cleaning your shoes regularly not only keeps them looking fresh, but can also extend their lifespan. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to clean Hokas to remove stains, odors and debris.

Assessing the Damage

Before cleaning, inspect the upper mesh and outsoles closely to identify problem areas. Check for:

• Dirt, mud or soil stuck to the outsole lugs and upper mesh
• Salt stains from sweat that leave white residue
• Grass and turf stains that can discolor the upper
• Odors from bacteria buildup inside the shoes

Identify heavily soiled zones that need extra attention. Also, check if the removable sockliner and insole have accumulated dirt or odor. This initial inspection will help you customize the cleaning based on stain types and location.

Cleaning Materials and Tools

Gather all the necessary supplies before cleaning:

• Old toothbrush – to scrub the shoe upper and tread
• Medium bristle brush – for the outsole lugs
• Microfiber cloths
• Paper towels
• Mild laundry or dish soap
• Bucket of warm water
• Old towel
• Cleaning solutions (for stubborn stains)
• Running shoe cleaner (optional)
• Deodorizers

The toothbrush reaches the shoe mesh well. Brushes with harder bristles are great for the rubber outsoles. Avoid wire brushes or other abrasive tools as they can damage the upper material.

General Cleaning Method

Follow this step-by-step process for standard cleaning of moderately dirty Hokas:

1. Remove the sockliner and laces: The sockliner and laces can be cleaned separately. Removing them allows better access to the interior.
2. Rinse: Rinse the upper and sole with warm water using a cloth. This softens and loosens dried clumps of mud.
3. Prepare cleaning solution: Mix dish soap with warm water in a small bucket. Dish soap works on most stains. Make good lather with the brush.
4. Scrub upper: Use the toothbrush to gently scrub the knitted upper, crevices and lace holes. Target visibly stained zones.
5. Scrub outsole: Use a medium bristle brush on the rubber outsole, especially the lugs. The textured brush scrubs better than cloth.
6. Rinse: Rinse thoroughly with water to remove all soap residue which can otherwise leave a film.
7. Stuff with paper: Stuff with paper to absorb internal moisture and facilitate drying.
8. Air dry: Stuffing with paper or towel helps shoes retain shape while drying. Don’t machine dry.

For Basic Maintenance – This general cleaning method works great for routine maintenance after moderate runs. For muddy trails, staining or advanced odor issues, see special methods below.

Cleaning The Sockliner

Don’t ignore the removable sockliner – it contacts the socks and absorbs sweat and bacteria. To clean:

1. Take out the sockliner
2. Rinse under running water
3. Scrub with mild soap using brush or sponge
4. Dry outdoors or room temperature before replacing

For Odors

Smelly shoes provide the ideal bacterial environment for further odor issues. Alongside general cleaning methods, use these tips to combat odors:

1. Layer baking soda and leave overnight before cleaning
2. Stuff with newspaper after drying to absorb residual moisture
3. Use shoe deodorizing sprays or powders after drying
4. Expose to sunlight to kill bacteria colonies

For Stubborn Stains

Ground-In Dirt – Scrub vigorously with a brush and dish soap. Rinse and repeat if needed.

Mud – Let mud dry completely before scraping as much as possible with brush. Then scrub upper with toothbrush.

Grass Stains – Dish soap should lift most light stains. For darker stains treat with laundry pre-wash spray before scrubbing.

Sweat Salts – Make a baking soda paste with water and gently scrub using an old toothbrush. Rinse before the paste dries.

Using Shoe Cleaning Solutions

Specialized shoe cleaning solutions help break down stubborn stains easier:

1. Apply cleaner solution to upper, outsole, sockliner and other stained areas
2. Let solution sit for 2-3 minutes to penetrate stains
3. Scrub with appropriate brush according to package instructions
4. Rinse clean with water
5. Stuff to dry to retain shape

Some solutions also have anti-bacterial properties to combat odors.

Cleaning The Outsole

The high-traction rubber outsole gets easily clogged with mud lodged deep in the grooves affecting grip. Use these methods:

1. Rinse under strong running water
2. Soak in warm soapy water for 5 minutes
3. Scrub vigorously with medium bristle brush along entire outsole and lugs
4. Blast with hose on jet setting or use old cutlery knife to dislodge debris

Avoid wire brushes or metal tools that can scrape and damage the rubber.

Machine Washing Shoes

Machine washing running shoes is a disputed cleaning method with risks versus rewards. Potential benefits include deep cleaning and disinfecting. But the agitation and heat can degrade adhesives and damage material.

If machine washing, use these precautions:

• Wash on delicate, cold water setting
• Place shoes in a mesh bag for washing
• Air dry only – no machine drying
• Use tennis balls in place of detergent for gentle cleaning

Removing Salt Stains

Salt crystals from dried sweat can leave white stains and residues on shoe uppers. To remove:

1. Mix warm water and vinegar at 2:1 ratio
2. Dip soft cloth and gently rub salt stains
3. Rinse afterwards with damp cloth
4. Wash normally with dish soap if salts persist

The vinegar neutralizes and lifts salt deposits without harsh scrubbing.

Caring For Knit Uppers

Many Hokas feature knit uppers which require some care when cleaning:

• Spot clean stains instead of soaking entire upper
• Use cold water to prevent shrinkage
• Gently dab stained zones with toothbrush and soap
• Avoid excess brushing motions on knit fabric
• Rinse and air dry away from direct heat or sunlight

Check laundry tags for any special instructions on your shoes.

Cleaning Insoles

Removable insoles and sockliners absorb lots of moisture and can be conveniently cleaned separately:

1. Take out insole / sockliner
2. Scrub under running water with soap & brush
3. Rinse & squeeze out excess moisture
4. Air dry before replacing in shoe

Replace insoles every 300-500 miles as cushioning degrades.

Preventing Odors

• Always air-dry shoes fully after runs
• Store with shoe trees inserted to avoid compression
• Freeze old newspaper overnight and stuff inside shoes while not wearing – absorbs moisture
• Rotate different pairs of shoes between runs

Maintaining Your Shoes

A proper cleaning aligns with an overall maintenance regimen to maximize performance and lifespan of your shoes:

• Inspect upper, outsoles and cushioning midsole regularly for wear
• Gradually phase-out shoes around 300-500 miles
• Replace socks and shoe insoles periodically
• Consider professional cleaning for extreme cases
• Apply weather protection spray for suede shoes

Summary

Keeping your Hokas clean takes some work but pays off with better longevity and comfort. Focus on the removable parts like sockliners for cleaning. Use soft brushes and mild soap along with specialized solutions for set-in stains and odors. With some scrubbing effort followed by proper drying and storage, your shoes can continue to deliver comfort mile after mile.

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