A good pair of walking shoes gets a lot of use, and a little regular care goes a long way. Clean shoes look better, feel fresher, and tend to hold up longer. The good news is that caring for most mesh and knit walking shoes doesn't take special products or much time. A soft brush, mild soap, warm water, and a bit of patience are enough.

This guide gives you a simple cleaning routine, drying tips, what to avoid, and everyday habits that keep your shoes fresh between washes. Always check any care notes that came with your pair first, since materials can vary.

🧼 Why shoe care is worth a few minutes

Dirt and dust don't just make shoes look worn. Grit can wear on fabric fibers over time, and sweat and moisture that stay in the shoe can lead to odor. Cleaning your shoes regularly and letting them dry properly helps them look fresher and last longer. A simple routine also saves you money, because you can wear a pair you love for longer before replacing it.

🧰 What you need

• A soft-bristled brush, or an old toothbrush for small areas
• Mild dish soap or gentle laundry detergent
• A bowl of warm (not hot) water
• A clean cloth or towel
• Paper towels or clean white cloth to stuff the shoes while they dry

🧼 How to clean mesh and knit walking shoes by hand

1. Remove laces and insoles. If your shoes have laces, take them out. If the insoles come out easily, remove them as well so you can clean and dry each part separately.
2. Knock off loose dirt. Tap the soles together outdoors to shake off dust and small stones. Use the dry brush to loosen any caked-on dirt from the upper and the outsole.
3. Mix a gentle cleaning solution. Add a few drops of mild soap to a bowl of warm water.
4. Scrub gently. Dip the brush in the soapy water and clean the upper in small circles. Work from the top of the shoe down to the sole. Use light pressure on knit fabric so you don't snag the fibers.
5. Clean the sole. Use the brush on the outsole and midsole to remove dirt from the grooves.
6. Wipe away the soap. Use a clean damp cloth to wipe off soap residue. Repeat until the cloth comes away clean.
7. Wash laces and insoles. Hand wash the laces in the soapy water and rinse them. Gently wipe the insoles with a damp cloth and a little soap, then rinse by wiping with a clean damp cloth.
8. Dry properly. See the next section. Drying correctly matters just as much as cleaning.

Don't soak your shoes in water. Excess water can take a long time to dry and may affect the glue and materials.

💨 How to dry your walking shoes safely

• Stuff them loosely. Fill each shoe with paper towel or a clean cloth. This soaks up moisture from the inside and helps the shoe keep its shape. Replace the paper once or twice if it gets very wet.
• Air dry in a shaded, ventilated spot. A room with good airflow is ideal. Keep them away from direct sun for long periods.
• Be patient. Shoes can take a day or more to dry fully. Wait until they feel completely dry inside before you wear them.
• Dry laces and insoles separately. Lay them flat on a towel.

⚠️ What to avoid

• ❌ Heaters, radiators and hair dryers. Strong heat can warp the sole, weaken the glue, and shrink or fade materials.
• ❌ Direct sunlight for long periods. It can fade colors and make some materials brittle.
• ❌ The washing machine and dryer. Tumbling can damage the shape of the shoe and loosen the glue. Hand washing is gentler.
• ❌ Bleach and harsh chemicals. They can discolor fabric and damage materials.
• ❌ Putting wet shoes straight into a bag or closet. Trapped moisture can lead to odor.

🧼 Dealing with stains and marks

Small marks are easiest to remove when you tackle them early. Dab the spot with a cloth dampened in mild soapy water, working from the outside of the stain inward. Don't rub hard, since that can spread the stain or roughen the fabric. For stubborn marks, repeat the gentle brushing and wipe with a clean damp cloth. White and light-colored shoes show dirt more easily, so a quick spot clean after each few wears keeps them looking fresh.

🛍️ Keeping shoes fresh between washes

• Rotate between two pairs. Giving each pair a day to air out between wears helps moisture escape and helps shoes last longer. It's also a good reason to own both a slip-on and a lace-up, which we compare in our guide to slip-on vs lace-up walking shoes.
• Air them out after wearing. Take out the insoles if you can and leave the shoes open in a ventilated spot.
• Wear clean, dry socks. This cuts down on moisture and odor inside the shoe.
• Let wet shoes dry fully. After rain or sweaty walks, let them dry before wearing them again.
• Store them somewhere dry. Keep them away from direct sunlight and damp areas.
• Brush off dirt regularly. A quick brush after dusty walks prevents dirt from building up.

🔁 When it's time to replace your shoes

Even well-cared-for shoes wear out. Signs it may be time for a new pair include soles that are visibly worn down or smooth, cushioning that no longer feels as soft, uppers that are torn or have lost their shape, and shoes that no longer feel supportive when you walk. If you walk daily, consider keeping an eye on how your shoes feel, and replace them when comfort drops off.

When you're ready for a new pair, our guide to 7 things to look for in comfortable walking shoes makes choosing easy, and our foot measuring guide helps you pick the right size.

✅ Quick care checklist

• ✅ Brush off loose dirt after dusty walks
• ✅ Hand wash with mild soap and warm water
• ✅ Don't soak, and don't use the washing machine or dryer
• ✅ Stuff with paper and air dry away from heat and direct sun
• ✅ Rotate between two pairs
• ✅ Store in a dry, ventilated spot

✨ Questions about your order?

If something isn't right with your pair, we're here to help. We accept returns on unused items in their original packaging within 30 days of delivery. See our Return & Refund Policy for details, or email us at info@wellosole.com.

✨ Caring for different parts of your shoes

Each part of a walking shoe has its own needs. Treating each one properly keeps the whole pair in good condition:

• Mesh uppers: Brush gently and use light pressure, since mesh can fray if you scrub hard. Wipe with a damp cloth rather than saturating it.
• Knit uppers: Use a soft brush and mild soap, and avoid picking at loose threads, which can pull the knit. Reshape the shoe by hand while it's damp, then stuff it to dry.
• Rubber outsoles: Scrub the grooves with a brush and soapy water to remove dirt, then wipe clean. Clean treads grip better.
• Foam midsoles: Wipe with a damp cloth. Avoid soaking, since foam holds water, and keep it away from heat.
• Laces: Hand wash in soapy water, rinse, and let them dry flat. Replace them if they fray.
• Insoles: Wipe with a damp cloth and mild soap, rinse by wiping, and air dry fully before putting them back in the shoe.

🧼 How to deal with shoe odor

Odor builds up when sweat and moisture stay inside a shoe. You can keep it under control with a few simple habits:

• Air them out. After walking, take out the insoles and leave the shoes open in a ventilated spot.
• Rotate pairs. A day of rest lets moisture escape.
• Wash the insoles. They absorb most of the moisture, so cleaning them helps the most.
• Wear fresh socks. Breathable socks that you change daily reduce moisture.
• Try baking soda. Sprinkle a little inside the shoes overnight, then tap it out in the morning.

🧼 A simple care schedule

You don't need to clean your shoes every day. A light routine is enough for most people:

• After every walk: Air them out, and brush off loose dirt if needed.
• Weekly: Wipe the upper and the sole with a damp cloth, and check the laces.
• Every few weeks, or when needed: Do a full hand wash and dry.
• Every season: Check the soles and cushioning, and decide whether it's time for a new pair.

❓ Frequently asked questions

Can I put my walking shoes in the washing machine?

We recommend hand washing. Tumbling in a washing machine or dryer can damage the shape of the shoe and loosen the glue. Always check any care notes for your specific pair.

How do I dry walking shoes safely?

Stuff them loosely with paper towel or a clean cloth, and let them air dry in a shaded, ventilated spot. Avoid heaters and long periods in direct sunlight, which can warp or fade materials.

How often should I clean my walking shoes?

Brush off loose dirt after dusty walks, and spot clean marks as you notice them. Give them a full hand wash when they look dirty or start to smell, which for many people is every few weeks.

How can I keep my shoes from smelling?

Wear clean, dry socks, air your shoes out after wearing them, rotate between two pairs, and let them dry fully after wet or sweaty walks.

How do I know when it's time for new walking shoes?

Common signs are a worn or smooth sole, cushioning that no longer feels soft, an upper that's torn or out of shape, and shoes that stop feeling comfortable on your usual walks.

🛍️ Keep your walking routine going

Whether you need a fresh pair or a second pair to rotate, browse our collections for lightweight, cushioned walking shoes.