Shoe care guide

The manufacturer's care instructions always come first. This guide covers the general principles behind them so you can judge a pair before it goes anywhere near the drum.

Materials that usually tolerate a gentle machine wash

Canvas sneakers and skate shoes
Knit and engineered-mesh running shoes
Synthetic trainers without glued embellishments
Cotton laces and most removable textile insoles

Even for these, wash only if the maker permits it. Cold water, a gentle cycle and a mild detergent are the least aggressive combination.

Materials to keep out of the washer

Leather and patent leather — water and agitation can crack or warp the finish
Suede and nubuck — the nap mats and stains
Embellished, beaded, sequinned or glued-detail footwear
Structured dress shoes, boots with shanks, and anything with a care label that says hand clean only

Before the wash

Dry-brush the outsole and knock the pair together outside to shed grit.
Pull the laces and insoles; wash them separately in a bag.
Spot-treat stubborn marks so the cycle is not doing all the work.
Zip one shoe into each wash bag and close the zipper fully.

Settings

Cold water, delicate or gentle cycle, low spin, mild liquid detergent. Add two or three towels to balance the drum and dampen noise. Skip bleach and fabric softener.

Drying without damage

Air dry only, unless the manufacturer explicitly permits a dryer. Stuff the shoes loosely with paper towel to hold their shape, keep them out of direct sun and away from radiators, and let them dry fully before wearing. Heat is what melts adhesives and shrinks uppers, not the wash itself.

Keep going

See the three-step routine, the full sneaker washing walkthrough, or the FAQ.