Which Shoes Can Go in the Washing Machine?
The material of the upper decides it. Fabric shoes usually handle a gentle wash; leather, suede and anything with electronics do not. Use this chart, then check the label inside the tongue to be sure.
Quick answer by material
| Shoe or material | Machine wash? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Canvas sneakers (low-tops, high-tops, slip-ons) | Yes | Gentle cycle, cold or warm water. Air dry. |
| Mesh running shoes | Yes | Remove insoles. Keep the water at or below 86°F (30°C) to protect the glue. |
| Knit sneakers | Yes | A padded bag stops snags. Never use the dryer: knit can shrink. |
| Nylon and polyester | Yes | Including most gym and kids' sneakers. |
| Synthetic leather | Spot clean | Soaking can crack or peel the coating. Wipe with a damp cloth. |
| Leather | No | Water can stiffen and crack it. Wipe and condition instead. |
| Suede and nubuck | No | Use a suede brush and eraser. |
| Foam clogs and slides | By hand | Rinse with soapy water. Heat can warp the foam. |
| Cork or wool footbeds | No | Soaking breaks down cork and felts wool. |
| Shoes with lights or batteries | No | Water damages the electronics. |
| Dress shoes, heels, boots | No | Structured shapes and leather don't survive a wash. |
| Glued-on decorations | No | Rhinestones, patches and sequins can come loose. |
How to check a pair you're unsure about
Read the tag
Most sneakers list the upper material inside the tongue or on the side wall. A washtub symbol means machine wash is fine; a crossed-out tub means it isn't.
Check the brand's care page
Search the shoe's name plus "care instructions". Many brands say plainly whether a model can be machine washed.
Look at how it's built
Soles that are already lifting at the edges, stiff cardboard heel counters, or a lot of exposed glue are signs the shoe should be cleaned by hand.
If a shoe can't go in the washer
Brush off dry dirt, then wipe the upper with a soft cloth dampened with warm water and a drop of mild soap. Use a suede brush on suede and nubuck. Let the shoe air dry at room temperature, stuffed with paper towels.
Before any machine wash
- Laces and insoles out.
- One pair in a padded wash bag, with two or three towels.
- Gentle cycle, water no hotter than 86°F (30°C).
- Air dry. No dryer, ever.
Full routine: how to wash sneakers in the washing machine.
