Can You Wash Adidas Shoes

Can You Wash Adidas Shoes? Yes, But Not All of Them the Same Way

The short answer is yes, you can wash Adidas shoes. But here is the catch: the method depends on the material. Throwing a pair of leather Stan Smiths into the washing machine is a fast way to ruin them. Washing a pair of mesh Ultraboosts by hand is a waste of your time. You need to match the cleaning method to the shoe material.

This guide breaks down exactly how to wash your Adidas shoes safely. We will cover the washing machine method, hand washing, and how to dry them properly. Follow these steps, and your sneakers will look fresh without falling apart.

Check the Materials First

Before you do anything, look at the label on the tongue of the shoe. It will tell you the materials. This is the most important step. Ignoring it is how people ruin good shoes.

Here is a quick breakdown of what you are dealing with:

• Canvas and Mesh: These are the safest to machine wash. Think of shoes like the NMD or Samba. They are tough and can handle a gentle cycle.
• Leather and Vegan Leather: Do not put these in the washing machine. The agitation will crack the leather and ruin the smooth finish. Use a damp cloth and saddle soap instead.
• Suede and Nubuck: Never get these fully wet. Water ruins the nap and texture. Use a suede brush and a suede eraser to clean scuffs.
• Knit and Primeknit: These are delicate. Machine washing can stretch them out of shape. Hand washing is the safer route for these.

How to Machine Wash Adidas Shoes (For Canvas and Mesh)

If you have confirmed your shoes are canvas or mesh, the washing machine is a safe bet. It is the easiest way to get them deeply clean. Here is the step-by-step process that works best.

First, remove the laces and insoles. Wash the laces in a mesh laundry bag. The insoles should be hand washed with soap and water and left to air dry. Next, knock the shoes together to remove loose dirt. Use an old toothbrush to scrub off any caked-on mud from the tread.

Place the shoes in a mesh laundry bag. This protects them from banging around inside the drum. Use a mild liquid detergent. Do not use bleach or fabric softener. Set the machine to a cold, gentle cycle with a low spin speed. Hot water can warp the glue and rubber.

When the cycle is done, do not put them in the dryer. The heat will shrink the fabric and melt the adhesive. Instead, stuff the shoes with white paper towels or a dry towel. This helps them hold their shape and absorbs moisture. Let them air dry in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. Direct sun can fade the colors.

How to Hand Wash Adidas Shoes (For Leather and Knit)

Hand washing is the safest method for almost any shoe. It gives you control and prevents damage. You will need a bowl of lukewarm water, a small amount of mild detergent, and a soft-bristled brush or microfiber cloth.

For leather shoes, mix a drop of dish soap or saddle soap with water. Dip a cloth in the solution and wring it out well. You want a damp cloth, not a soaking wet one. Wipe the surface gently to remove dirt. Do not scrub hard. Once clean, wipe with a separate damp cloth to remove soap residue. Let them dry naturally. After they are dry, apply a leather conditioner to keep the material supple.

For Primeknit or knit shoes, mix a small amount of detergent into the water. Dip a soft brush or cloth into the soapy water and gently scrub the upper in circular motions. Focus on high-dirt areas like the toe box and the collar. Rinse the brush and go over the shoe again with clean water to remove the soap. Press a towel against the shoes to absorb excess water, then stuff them with paper and let them air dry.

How to Clean Suede and Nubuck Adidas Shoes

Suede is a different beast entirely. You cannot wash it with water. Water will cause the fibers to stiffen and stain. You need a dry cleaning method.

Start with a suede brush. Use it to brush the surface in one direction to lift the nap and remove surface dirt. For scuffs, use a suede eraser. Rub it gently over the mark until it lifts away. For tougher stains, a suede cleaning block works well. These tools are inexpensive and available at most shoe stores or online.

If the shoes have a serious stain that dry brushing cannot fix, you can use a specialized suede cleaner. These are foams that are applied with a brush and wiped off. Follow the instructions on the product. Always let suede dry completely before wearing them again. Never use a hair dryer or heater on suede.

How to Dry Adidas Shoes the Right Way

Drying is where most people mess up. The heat from a dryer or radiator will damage the glue that holds the shoe together. Once that glue melts, the sole separates from the upper. It is a common and frustrating problem.

Always air dry your shoes. After washing, remove the excess water by pressing a clean towel against them. Do not wring them out. Stuff the shoes with crumpled white paper towels. The paper absorbs moisture and helps the shoe keep its shape. Replace the paper every few hours as it gets wet.

Keep the shoes in a room with good airflow. A fan can speed up the process. Avoid direct sunlight because it can fade the colors. Drying usually takes 12 to 24 hours. Do not wear them until they are completely dry inside and out. Wearing damp shoes can cause blisters and bad odors.

How Often Should You Wash Them?

You do not need to wash your Adidas shoes every week. Over-washing breaks them down faster. As a general rule, clean them when they look dirty or smell bad.

For everyday trainers you wear a few times a week, a deep clean every 2-3 months is plenty. For shoes you wear to the gym, you may need to clean them monthly because of sweat and bacteria. For casual shoes you wear occasionally, a spot clean as needed is enough.

Between washes, use a shoe deodorizer or sprinkle baking soda inside to keep them fresh. Wiping them down with a damp cloth after wearing them in the rain or mud will also extend the time between deep cleans.