By Rick Wildhagen · Co-owner Shoefresh · July 2026
You know the feeling: after a tough workout or a walk through the mud, your shoes are anything but fresh. The temptation is real to just throw them in the washing machine. Problem solved, right?
Not quite. Putting shoes in the washing machine can work, but it's not always a good idea. In this article, I explain which shoes you can and can't wash, how to prevent damage if you do it anyway, and a smarter alternative that keeps your shoes fresh without any risk.
Which Shoes Can Go in the Washing Machine?
Not every pair is suitable for a wash cycle. Here's an overview:
| Material | Washing machine? | Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Athletic shoes (mesh/synthetic) | Carefully, yes | Glue can loosen, deformation |
| Sneakers (canvas, All Stars) | Yes, low risk | Possible discoloration |
| Leather shoes | Absolutely not | Irreversible damage, drying out |
| Suede / nubuck | No | Stains, deformation, texture loss |
| Gore-Tex / waterproof membrane | No | Membrane damage, loses functionality |
| Work boots (safety shoes) | No | Protective properties diminish |
Rule of thumb: if in doubt, don't do it. Always check the care label inside your shoe first.
The Risks of Washing Shoes in the Machine
Why is it risky? Here's what can go wrong:
- Glue loosens — Most shoes are glued, not stitched. Warm water and agitation dissolve the glue, causing soles to detach.
- Material damage — Leather dries out and cracks. Coatings wear off. Mesh deforms.
- Colors fade — Dyes dissolve in the water, especially at higher temperatures.
- Shoes deform or shrink — The combination of water, heat, and mechanical movement changes the fit.
- Washing machine damage — Shoes can damage the drum, bearings, and glass door by slamming around during the cycle.
- Laces get tangled — Loose laces can get caught in the drum or pump.
Step by Step: Washing Shoes in the Machine
Doing it anyway? Follow these steps to minimize damage:
- Remove insoles and laces. Wash these separately with lukewarm water and a soft brush. Leaving them in means they won't get fully clean and laces can jam.
- Brush off loose dirt. Remove mud, sand, and pebbles with a dry brush. This prevents damage to the washing machine.
- Put your shoes in a pillowcase. Use an old pillowcase or laundry bag and close it partially (with a rubber band). This protects both your shoes and the drum.
- Add towels. A few old towels cushion the impact and distribute the force in the drum.
- Choose the right program. Delicate wash, maximum 30°C. Use liquid detergent (powder can remain in your shoes).
- No fabric softener. Fabric softener attacks the glue and increases the chance of soles detaching.
- Never spin. Spinning deforms your shoes and can damage the washing machine. Always skip the spin cycle.
How to Dry Shoes After the Washing Machine
After washing, your shoes are soaked. How you dry them makes a big difference:
| Method | Drying time | Safe? |
|---|---|---|
| Air drying (room temperature) | 1-2 days | ✅ Yes, but slow |
| On the radiator | 4-8 hours | ❌ No — high contact temperature damages glue and material |
| In the tumble dryer | 1-2 hours | ❌ No — too hot, deformation |
| In the sun | Half a day | ⚠️ Risky — UV bleaches colors, heat deforms |
| With a shoe dryer | 60-90 min | ✅ Yes — safe low temperature, from the inside out |
Tip: stuff newspaper in your shoes to absorb the initial moisture, but replace it after an hour. Wet newspaper against leather or fabric can leave print marks.
The fastest and safest method is a shoe dryer. It gradually dries your shoes from the inside out with warm air at a safe temperature — no risk of damage and done in 60 to 90 minutes.
Why Do Shoes Actually Smell? (And Why Washing Isn't the Solution)
Most people throw their shoes in the washing machine because of the smell. But here's the problem: washing treats the symptom, not the cause.
Shoe odor is caused by bacteria and fungi. They thrive in the warm, moist environment inside your shoe. Washing removes some of those bacteria, but:
- The washing machine doesn't reach all corners and seams
- Heat and moisture during drying immediately create ideal conditions again
- Shoes that dry too slowly after washing sometimes smell even worse
A shoe dryer with active oxygen (ozone) addresses the problem at the source. The ozone reaches the entire interior of the shoe and targets the bacteria and fungi that cause the odor. After cleaning, warm air fully dries the shoe, so bacteria don't get a chance to multiply again.
The difference: you use the washing machine when your shoes already smell. You use a shoe dryer preventively — after every workout. That way, your shoes never need to go in the washing machine again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can all shoes go in the washing machine?
No. Only shoes made of synthetic material or canvas (like athletic shoes and All Stars) can be carefully washed. Leather shoes, suede, Gore-Tex, and work boots should never go in the washing machine.
What temperature should you wash shoes at?
Maximum 30°C on a delicate or gentle cycle. Higher temperatures increase the risk of deformation, shrinkage, and glue failure.
How do you dry shoes after washing?
The safest option is air drying at room temperature (1-2 days). Want it faster? Use a shoe dryer: done in 60-90 minutes at a safe temperature. Never put them on the radiator or in the tumble dryer.
Why do my shoes smell after the washing machine?
Washing doesn't remove all bacteria. If your shoes then dry slowly, the remaining bacteria have ideal conditions (warm, moist) to multiply. Result: the smell comes back, sometimes worse than before.
How often can you put shoes in the washing machine?
As rarely as possible. Every wash cycle shortens the lifespan of your shoes. For daily maintenance, a shoe dryer is a better choice: it keeps your shoes fresh without wear and tear.
Rather not wash? Try the Shoefresh Opod free for 90 days and discover how your shoes stay fresh without a washing machine.
Want to learn more about shoe dryers? Read our complete guide.