HOW TO CLEAN TRAIL SHOES EASILY

Whether you're tearing through technical switchbacks in the HOKA Speedgoat, crushing gravel races, or going road-to-trail with the Challenger, your trail running shoes are going to get dirty, really dirty. Mud, grass, dust, and the occasional mystery goop are all part of the trail running contract. But don’t stress, keeping your trail shoes clean isn’t hard, you just need to stay on top of it and do it right when the time comes. Here’s how to properly clean your trail running shoes so they stay fresh, functional, and ready to go wherever the dirt takes you.

Remove the extras

First things first, take out the laces and insoles for a thorough cleaning. Lace and in soles trap a lot of moisture and grime, and your HOKAs will wash better separately. If you're rocking a pair like the Challenger 7 with compression-moulded EVA foam and a soft engineered mesh upper, removing these parts makes cleaning both faster and more effective. Give the insoles and laces a soak in warm water with a dash of mild detergent. Avoid hot water as it can mess with materials like EVA foam and PEBA found in shoes like the Mafate X. Let them air dry completely before reinserting.

Dry brush off the dirt

Use a stiff-bristled brush or an old toothbrush to remove caked-on mud and debris from the outsole, midsole, and upper. For something like the ⁠Speedgoat 6, pay special attention to the goat-inspired lugs and toe bumper, dirt loves to hide in those crevices. Knock the soles together outdoors to shake out any loose dirt or gravel lodged in the rubber tread.

Remove the extras
Gentle hand wash

Gentle hand wash

Fill a bucket or sink with lukewarm water and add a small amount of mild detergent or shoe cleaner. Dip a sponge or soft brush in the solution and gently scrub the entire shoe. HOKA trail running shoes feature ultralight woven upper for easy drainage, so be gentle to preserve the material’s integrity and go a little gentle with the scrubbing. Focus on areas with visible stains or odour on the inside and outside of the shoe. The breathable uppers on all three models (especially the Speedgoat 6 and Challenger 7) respond well to gentle, soapy hand scrubbing.

Rinse, don’t soak

Instead of dunking your shoes under running water or fully submerging them, use a damp cloth to wipe off soap and residue. Too much water, especially soaking, can degrade the structural EVA foam in the Mafate X or the softer new foam in the Challenger 7. If needed, use a spray bottle to rinse off stubborn soap spots without flooding your shoes.

Air dry the right way

Never put your trail runners in a dryer or next to a heater as this can warp the midsole, delaminate the sole, or ruin the fit. Instead, stuff your HOKAs with newspaper or a small towel to absorb moisture and help them hold their shape. If you have the time, replace the paper every few hours if they’re soaked. Let them dry in a shaded, well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight or heat sources like heaters and hairdryers. This is especially important for high-performance shoes like the HOKA Stinson Evo OG, where heat-sensitive materials like or internal support chassis can be affected by extreme temps.

Bonus tips

Deodorize naturally by sprinkling a little baking soda inside your clean, dry shoes overnight. Although there are many ⁠waterproof HOKAs, a waterproofing spray is always a good idea to apply once shoes are dry if you're hitting muddy, wet trails often. Regular upkeep of your HOKAs beats deep cleaning, give your shoes a quick post-run brush-off to prevent buildup.

Air dry the right way

Clean shoes, happy trails

With just a little care, your trail running wheels, be it the ultra-plush Mafate, the terrain-taming Speedgoat, or the versatile Challenger, can stay in peak condition. Clean shoes not only look better, but they also perform better, breathe better, and last longer. Because when you're grinding through the wild and chasing that PB, the last thing you want is a stinky, soggy shoe holding you back. Check out our full range of HOKA ⁠trail running shoes online, or head into your nearest HOKA store and try on our range in-store. While you’re there stock up on trail ⁠running gear with our trail running tops and running jackets.