How To Keep Hoka Shoes Clean? [2024]

Hoka shoes are a popular athletic and casual shoe brand known for their thick, cushioned soles. Originally designed for trail and ultra runners, Hoka shoes provide maximum comfort and impact protection. The oversized sole gives them a distinct look.

In recent years, Hoka shoes have gained wider popularity as a lifestyle and walking shoe. Their comfort and support make them ideal for people on their feet all day or those needing extra cushioning. The unique profile does take some getting used to.

While the extra cushioning gives them a bulky profile, it also leads to more areas that can get dirty. And the light colored EVA foam material many styles feature tends to attract dirt and stains. So keeping your Hokas looking their best requires some regular care and cleaning.

Daily Cleaning For Hokas

Inspect Soles Before WearingGive your Hokas a quick inspection before wearing, especially the soles. Check for any embedded rocks, pebbles or dirt that could scratch floors or lead to discomfort when wearing. Use your hand to brush debris away or gently scrape with a soft bristle brush if needed.

Use A Shoehorn
When putting on and taking off your shoes, use a shoehorn rather than forcefully crushing the back. This prevents damage over time.

Stuff With PaperWhen not wearing your shoes, stuff them with paper or shoe trees to absorb moisture and help them retain their shape.

Allow to Air Out
Rotate your athletic shoes daily if possible to give the materials time to fully dry out and prevent odor buildup.

Spot Clean After Wearing
Use a clean, dry microfiber cloth to gently brush dirt off the upper, sides and sole edges after each wear. This prevent dirt from getting ground in. Pay extra attention to the edges of soles which tend to pick up grime.

For mud or damp/wet conditions, allow shoes to fully dry first before brushing dirt and debris off.

Deep Cleaning Methods

Remove Shoelaces
The first step with any deep cleaning method is to remove the shoelaces to get full access to the upper.

Whiten Soles
Over time the white EVA foam of the sole edges tends to yellow and pick up stains. Use a magic eraser or soft toothbrush with baking soda and laundry detergent to gently scrub back to bright white. Rinse clean.

Wash By Hand
For simple dirt, stains, or sweat buildup – hand wash your shoes using gentle soap and warm water. Allow to fully air dry before wearing again, stuffed lightly to retain shape as they dry.

Wash Machine Method
Many Hoka styles can be washed right in the washing machine, just avoid high heat settings. Check your shoe’s label to confirm.

Place shoes inside a delicates bag or pillowcase first to prevent damage in transit. Use a small amount of mild detergent and select a gentle cycle. Allow shoes to air dry out of direct sunlight. Never put Hokas in the dryer.

• Deep Clean With Solution
  For tougher stains or really dirty athletic shoes you can also do a deep clean using a shoe cleaning solution. We recommend Jason Markk or Crep Protect that use gentle, natural ingredients that won’t damage shoes.

Use a soft bristle brush and lather solution onto entire shoe upper, absorbing foam base, and rubber sole edges. Rinse clean. Stuff lightly with paper as they dry.

Restoring Hoka Bottoms

The EVA foam bottoms of Hokas tend to show wear, scuffs and stains easily. Here are some ways to restore them:

• Magic Eraser
  The simple magic eraser works wonders to scrub scuffs off white Hoka bottoms. Gently rub over affected areas and avoid excess moisture.
• Toothbrush & Baking Soda
  For more stubborn scuffs, use a soft brush with baking soda paste. The mild abrasiveness helps lift stains without harming the foam.
• Shoe Whitener
  Liquid shoe whitener can be painted onto yellowed or stained areas of midsoles to optically brighten them back up, though doesn’t fix texture damage. Use thin coats allowing to fully dry between applications.

Preventing Odor

Hoka’s well cushioned shoes make a perfect environment for microbes and bacteria to grow, causing unwanted shoe odors. Here is how to prevent that.

• Remove Insoles To Dry
  Take out the removable cushioned footbed and mesh liner that comes in most Hokas after each wear. Allow these parts to fully air dry before replacing.
• Disinfect With Spray
  Periodically disinfect the interior lining and footbed with an antibacterial shoe spray containing alcohol. This kills odor causing bacteria.
• Deodorizing Balls
  There are many reusable deodorizer balls and packs made with activated charcoal, baking soda, or scented gels. Place them in shoes overnight or when not wearing to control moisture and odors.
• Replace Insoles
  For really stubborn odors, replacing your Hoka’s insoles with fresh ones can give them a clean slate. Or swap in custom orthotics instead.

Storing Properly

Use these storage tips to prolong the life of your Hoka shoes:

• Keep Mold-Free
  Make sure shoes are fully dry before putting them into storage to prevent mold growth in humid weather. Add drying agents or deodorizer packs too.
• Use Shoe Trees
  Shoe trees or simple tissue paper hold the shape of shoes between wears and absorb moisture – retaining freshness.
• Avoid Direct Sunlight
  Don’t store shoes directly in sunlight or areas with extreme temperature swings. This can degrade materials over time. A closet is ideal.
• Original Box Storage
  While not the most space efficient, storing shoes inside their original shoe box keeps them isolated and organized. Stack vertically to optimize closet space.
• Replace Worn Tread
  Don’t toss older Hokas just because of worn lugs or tread. You can have rubber sole guards installed by a shoe repair shop to refresh traction for casual use. The EVA foam midsole will remain cushioned and comfortable long after the outsole wears down.

Conclusion

With their plush cushioning and supportive build, Hoka shoes are designed to last many miles while keeping your feet comfortable. Show them some regular TLC with these cleaning methods and they’ll retain their performance and like-new appearance many years into ownership.

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