How to Wash Hoka Shoes? Bondi 8, Clifton 9, and Other Models

Want to know how to wash Hoka shoes the right way? The easiest way is to remove the laces and insoles, clean with mild soap and lukewarm water, gently scrub with a soft brush, wipe away soap, and air dry in the shade.

That’s it.

But does this method work for all models of Hoka, including Clifton 9 and Bondi 8? Here, you’ll find out the answer, along with some interesting information. Keep reading.

Key Takeaways

• Always remove laces and brush away visible dust before washing Hoka shoes.

• Use mild detergent and lukewarm water for hand washing.

• If you prefer to machine wash your Hoka shoes, do this with a cold, gentle cycle in mesh bags.

• Clean mesh with a vinegar solution to lift stains and odors.

• Use baking soda paste to brighten white Hokas.

• Bondi 8 responds well to mild soap and sponge deep cleaning.

• Clifton 9 cleans best with sneaker cleaning foam.

How to wash Hoka shoes? 5 Steps

Start by removing the laces and insoles from your Hoka shoes. Fill a small bowl with lukewarm water and add a little gentle liquid soap. Dip a soft sponge or brush into the soapy water and carefully clean the top, midsole, and bottom of the shoes. Once the dirt and soap are lifted, use a damp cloth to wipe everything down.

Leave the shoes to dry naturally in a cool place away from direct sunlight, so the foam stays in good condition.

Step 1: Remove the laces and insoles

To clean Hoka shoes, start by taking out the laces and insoles. This makes it easier to reach the dirt that hides in the seams and under the insole of the sneakers. Laces and insoles also need to be cleaned differently from the rest of the shoe. If you skip this, you won’t get a deep clean.

When we clean our Hokas, we put the laces in a small bowl of soapy water so they can soak while we work on the shoes. The insoles get a quick brush with mild detergent and are left to dry separately. This stops odors from building up and keeps them feeling fresh.

Step 2: Mix mild liquid detergent with lukewarm water

Fill a medium-sized bowl with lukewarm water and add a few drops of mild liquid detergent. Strong cleaners or bleach can damage the foam and weaken the fabric. Lukewarm water is best because it cleans without shrinking the material or loosening the glue.

We keep a small bottle of gentle detergent just for our running shoes. It works well with the breathable mesh that Hoka uses. Harsh cleaners make mesh brittle, and we’ve seen shoes fall apart after just a few washes when people use the wrong products.

If your water and soap mix is right, you won’t have to scrub too hard. The solution will lift most dirt, even after a muddy run.

Step 3: Scrub the uppers, midsoles, and outsoles

In the third step of cleaning Hoka shoes, dip a soft brush or sponge into the soapy water and start with the uppers. Work in small circles to loosen dirt without damaging the mesh. Then move on to the midsoles and outsoles, where most of the stubborn dirt will be.

We always begin with the uppers because they are the most delicate part of the shoe. The midsoles can take a bit more pressure, but you should still be gentle. If there’s dried mud, tap the shoes together first to knock some of it off before scrubbing.

Important Point: Scrubbing should be slow and steady. When you rush, you risk wearing down the protective layers.

Step 4: Wipe away soap residue

When you finish scrubbing, get a clean cloth, dip it into fresh water, and wring it out well. Wipe every part of the shoe to remove all the soap. Any soap left behind can make the fabric stiff and even cause skin irritation. We like to wipe each shoe twice and change the water after the first pass.

Step 5: Air dry in a cool, shaded spot

Put your shoes somewhere with good airflow but out of direct sunlight. Heat from the sun can warp the foam and fade the colors. Even a few hours of strong heat can change the feel of the cushioning.

These are the best spots to air dry your Hoka shoes after cleaning:

How to Wash Hoka Shoes in Washing Machine

If you want to wash your Hokas in the washing machine, you can do it safely if you use the right method. The key is to protect the shoes from rough tumbling and use a gentle cycle. This way, you avoid damage to the foam cushioning and fabric.

Here’s how to wash Hoka shoes in a washing machine:

1. Remove the laces and insoles and place them in a small mesh laundry bag. This keeps them from tangling and wearing out.

2. Put the shoes in a larger mesh laundry bag so they don’t get scuffed or bent while tumbling.

3. Add a small amount of mild liquid detergent. Skip bleach because it can weaken the materials and fade the colors.

4. Run the machine on a cold water, gentle cycle. Add a few towels to balance the load and reduce impact on the shoes.

5. Once done, let the shoes air dry at room temperature. Never use a dryer, because heat can warp the foam and ruin the fit.

How to Clean Hoka Shoes Mesh

Hoka’s mesh uppers can trap dirt and lose their fresh look if you don’t clean them properly. A gentle vinegar solution works well to lift stains. Just do the following:

1. Mix one part white vinegar with two parts water in a small bowl.

2. Dip a microfiber cloth into the solution and gently dab the mesh. Avoid soaking it so the glue and foam aren’t affected.

3. For stubborn spots, dip a soft toothbrush into the same solution and work in light circles.

4. Wipe the area with a clean, damp cloth to remove the vinegar smell and any leftover dirt.

5. Let the shoes air dry in the shade. Direct sunlight can cause the mesh to yellow over time.

How to Clean White Hoka Shoes

White Hokas look amazing when they’re new, but can show dirt quickly. A baking soda and hydrogen peroxide paste can help bring them back to a bright, clean look.

Follow these steps to clean white Hoka shoes:

1. In a small bowl, mix one tablespoon baking soda, half a tablespoon hydrogen peroxide, and half a tablespoon warm water into a paste.

2. Use a soft brush to apply the paste, focusing on stained or dull areas.

3. Place the shoes in indirect sunlight for three to four hours. This helps the paste work without overheating the foam.

4. Once the paste dries, brush it off gently and wipe the shoes with a damp cloth.

5. Let them air dry fully before wearing them again.

The cleaning process for Hokas is different, but if you own Crocs too, check out this simple Crocs cleaning guide.

How to Clean Hoka Bondi 8

A gentle soap-and-sponge method can clean Hoka Bondi 8.

1. Remove the laces and insoles so you can clean each part separately and reach hidden dirt inside the shoe.

2. Mix a few drops of mild dish soap into a bowl of lukewarm water. This creates a gentle cleaning solution that’s safe for foam and mesh.

3. Dip a soft sponge into the soapy water and clean the upper, midsole, and outsole. Work in small circles so you don’t damage the fabric.

4. For the soles, switch to a soft-bristle brush to remove stuck-on dirt from the grooves.

5. Rinse lightly by wiping the shoes with a clean, damp cloth. Let them air dry indoors at room temperature so the cushioning keeps its shape.

How to Clean Hoka Clifton 9

Cleaning the Hoka Clifton 9 is a bit tricky, but you can do it with a special sneaker cleaning foam. Here are the steps:

1. Choose a sneaker cleaning foam, such as Jason Markk or Crep Protect, that’s designed for delicate fabrics.

2. Pump the foam directly onto a soft shoe brush. This ensures you don’t oversaturate the material.

3. Scrub the targeted dirty areas in small, circular motions until the dirt lifts.

4. Wipe away any extra foam with a microfiber cloth to keep the fabric from stiffening.

5. Let the shoes air dry in a cool, shaded place so the upper and midsole keep their original shape and color.

If you own both sneakers and dress shoes, you’ll want to read this full leather shoe cleaning and restoration guide.

Final Words

To wash Hoka shoes, remove the laces and insoles first. Mix mild soap with lukewarm water and gently scrub the shoes using a soft brush or cloth. Wipe away any soap with clean water and let the shoes air dry before you wear them again.

When you keep your Hokas clean, you are also taking care of your feet. Dirty shoes can wear out faster and may even start to smell, but clean ones stay strong and comfortable.