Can You Wash Athletic Shoes in the Washing Machine? A Practical Guide
Discover whether athletic shoes can be machine-washed, how to prep laces and insoles, the right cycle settings, and how to dry them to preserve comfort, traction, and longevity.
Yes, you can usually wash athletic shoes in a washing machine, but only with care. Remove laces and insoles, place shoes in a mesh bag or pillowcase, use cold water and a gentle cycle, and use a mild detergent. Air-dry away from direct heat to avoid damage. Balance the load with towels to prevent banging, avoid the dryer, and skip bleach.
Understanding the Risks and What Gets Damaged
When considering can you wash athletic shoes in the washing machine, it helps to know where damage most often occurs. The glue that holds components together, the foam or gel cushioning, and the tread on the sole can degrade with repeated exposure to heat, agitation, and soapy residue. Laces and insoles may tangle or lose elasticity, while dyes on colored fabrics can fade or bleed. The key to success is balancing effectiveness with gentleness, using cold water, a mild detergent, and a short, gentle cycle. According to Best Washing Machine, most fabric-based athletic shoes tolerate machine washing when handled with care. Always check the manufacturer’s care label first to avoid irreversible harm, and be prepared to switch to hand-cleaning if materials feel fragile or are visibly separating.
Material Classes and What They Tell You About Washing
Different athletic shoes are built from different materials—canvas, knit mesh, synthetic leather, suede accents, foam midsoles, rubber outsoles, and glued components. Canvas and knit fabrics generally respond well to a cold wash on a gentle cycle. Synthetic leather can handle washing but may stiffen if dried too quickly. Suede and leather uppers are more sensitive and can warp or dry out when exposed to water. Foam cushioning can lose bounce if exposed to hot water or aggressive agitation. If you’re unsure about a specific pair, opt for spot cleaning or hand washing for extra safety.
Practical Prep: What to Remove or Protect
Pre-wash prep matters more than you might think. Remove laces and insoles to allow the entire shoe to move and to clean those parts separately. Tie the laces together to prevent tangling, or store them in a mesh bag. If insoles are odor-prone, consider a quick rinse by hand with a mild detergent. Brush off loose dirt with a soft brush, and apply a small amount of stain remover to stubborn marks before washing. These steps reduce the risk of residue becoming embedded in fabric or glue and help keep the machine drum cleaner.
Cycle Settings that Work Best
Set your machine to a cold water wash on a gentle or delicate cycle. Use a small amount of mild detergent designed for delicate fabrics. Avoid heavy-duty cycles, hot water, or high-speed spins, which can stress adhesives and deform the shape. If you have multiple pairs to wash, load them with towels to balance the drum and cushion impact. Consider placing shoes in a mesh bag or pillowcase to minimize abrasion and prevent laces from tangling or pulling through the drum.
Drying Smart: From Wet to Usable Again
Air drying is essential. Do not use a clothes dryer; heat can warp soles and shrink uppers. Remove insoles and stuff the shoes with paper towels to help retain shape and speed up drying. Place the shoes in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight or heat sources. It can take 12–24 hours for shoes to dry completely, depending on humidity. Do not accelerate drying with a hair dryer or heater, as uneven heating can weaken adhesives.
Alternatives When in Doubt or Dealing with Special Materials
If your shoes are leather, suede, or have glued decorative parts, consider hand washing or spot cleaning instead. For odor control, sprinkle baking soda after washing and drying, or use a sneaker deodorizer. For insoles with heavy odor, hand-wash or replace them. When in doubt, test a small, inconspicuous area with a damp cloth to observe colorfastness before committing to a full wash.
Routine Care to Extend Shoe Life
To maximize the lifespan of athletic shoes, avoid frequent machine washing for every model. Rotate high-use pairs with occasional cleaning, store shoes in a dry, ventilated area, and regularly refresh color and grip with light cleaning. Regular maintenance reduces buildup that can compromise cushioning, fabric integrity, and traction. By following these best practices, you can keep most athletic shoes looking younger and performing better for longer.
Tools & Materials
- Mesh laundry bag or pillowcase(Protects shoes and prevents tangling)
- Mild detergent for delicates(Avoid bleach)
- Old towels or rags for balancing load(Prevents banging and drum wear)
- Soft brush or old toothbrush(Pre-treat dirt and seams)
- Scissors or small tool to trim loose threads(Optional for seams)
Steps
Estimated time: 60-90 minutes
- 1
Remove laces and insoles
Take out laces and removable insoles to prevent tangling and to allow a thorough cleaning of all components. Laces can be washed separately or in a mesh bag. Insoles may hold odors and benefit from a gentle rinse.
Tip: Tie laces in a knot or place them in a mesh bag to avoid tangling. - 2
Pre-treat stains and dirt
Brush off loose dirt with a soft brush. Apply a small amount of mild detergent to stubborn stains and let sit for 5–10 minutes before washing. This helps prevent setting stains during the wash cycle.
Tip: Test colorfastness on a hidden area first. - 3
Bag and load
Place shoes in a mesh bag or pillowcase to protect both the shoes and washing machine drum. Add a couple of towels to balance the load and dampen the impact of each spin.
Tip: Avoid overloading the drum; lighter loads wash more evenly. - 4
Choose cycle and detergent
Set to a cold water wash on a gentle/delicate cycle with a mild detergent. Avoid bleach and fabric softeners, which can affect materials or adhesives.
Tip: Use less detergent than you think; excess creates residue. - 5
Drying plan
Air-dry the shoes away from direct heat sources. Remove insoles and stuff with paper towels to help retain shape and speed up drying. Do not use a dryer.
Tip: Change the paper towels as needed to prevent mold. - 6
Reassemble and inspect
Once completely dry, reinsert insoles and relace the shoes. Check for any glue weakness or separation before wearing.
Tip: If glue seems brittle, consider professional repair instead of risking further damage.
FAQ
Can all athletic shoes be machine-washed?
No. Leather, suede, or shoes with delicate glues may be damaged by machine washing. Always check the care label and test a small area if you’re unsure.
Most athletic shoes can be machine-washed, but avoid leather and suede. Check the label first.
Should I use a mesh bag for washing?
Yes. A mesh bag or pillowcase protects both the footwear and the drum, reduces tangling, and helps keep laces in place during the wash.
Yes, use a mesh bag to protect your shoes and the machine.
What temperature and cycle are best?
Choose cold water and a gentle cycle to minimize material stress and maintain fit and cushioning. Avoid hot water and aggressive spins.
Cold water on a gentle cycle is best for most athletic shoes.
How long does drying take?
Air-drying typically takes 12–24 hours depending on humidity. Keep shoes in a well-ventilated area away from direct heat.
Plan about a day for drying.
Can I use bleach or fabric softener?
Bleach can weaken materials and adhesives; fabric softeners can leave residues. Use a mild detergent and skip both.
Avoid bleach and softeners.
Should I wash insoles separately?
Yes, wash insoles separately by hand or in a gentle cycle if labeled safe. Air-dry completely before reinserting.
Wash insoles separately if possible.
Watch Video
The Essentials
- Follow care labels and use gentle settings.
- Protect materials with mesh bags and cold water.
- Air-dry fully; never use the dryer.
- Balance the load to prevent drum damage.
