How to clean white Hoka shoes without ruining the foam
Updated October 29, 2026
White Hokas look grey fast: the knit holds onto dust, and the big foam midsole shows every scuff. The good news is they clean up well by hand. The bad news is that the usual shortcuts (washing machine, hot water, drying in the sun) are exactly what wear them out.
Step by step
Take out the laces and insoles
They clean better on their own, and the shoe dries faster without them.
Dry-brush first
Brush off loose dust and dirt while the shoe is dry. Wet dust turns into muddy streaks that sink into the knit.
Mist one section at a time
Two or three fine sprays on the toe box, then the sides. A mist wets only the surface, so dirt lifts up instead of soaking deeper.
Brush gently in small circles
Use a soft brush on knit and mesh. Scrubbing hard can fuzz the fibers.
Wipe with a clean cloth
A microfiber cloth picks up the loosened dirt. Turn it to a clean side often, so you’re not wiping dirt back on.
Do the midsole last
Foam scuffs easily, so use light pressure. Wipe, don’t scour.
Air-dry indoors
Stuff the shoes with paper and let them dry overnight at room temperature, away from heaters and direct sun.
Why not the washing machine?
Tumbling and heat can loosen glue, warp foam and stretch knit. HOKA says it may also affect your warranty. Five minutes by hand is gentler, and you can see exactly what’s coming off.
Why white mesh turns yellow after cleaning
Usually it’s not the dirt. It’s leftover soap, minerals from hard tap water, or drying in heat or sun. Use a small amount of a gentle cleaner, wipe it off well, and dry indoors.
If the foam midsole itself has turned yellow, that’s the foam aging from air and light. No cleaner can reverse it, and anyone who says otherwise is selling you something.
Keep them white with a weekly reset
A quick dry-brush and a few mists once a week stops dirt from settling into the knit. It’s far easier than one deep clean a month.
CLAIR is a gentle spray cleaner, soft brush and microfiber towel for everyday sneakers. Spray, brush, wipe: five minutes a pair.
See the CLAIR kit →Common questions
HOKA advises against it. Heat and tumbling can damage the foam, glue and knit. Clean them by hand instead.