Cleaning ASICS, New Balance, HOKA & Salomon: Handling Mesh, Foam & Gore-Tex Without Damage
Running shoes from ASICS, New Balance, HOKA, and Salomon are not fashion sneakers — they use breathable mesh, cushioning foam, and waterproof Gore-Tex membranes, and each material needs its own cleaning approach. Machine washing can deform mesh, high heat destroys foam, and harsh chemicals strip Gore-Tex membranes. The most common mistake is using one cleaning method for every pair. If your shoes have a Gore-Tex membrane, collapsed foam, or torn mesh, it's best to send photos for advice before treating them yourself, so you don't damage the technical construction.
What Makes Running Shoe Materials Different
Unlike fashion sneakers, running shoes are built with complex technical construction:
- Breathable mesh: fine woven fibers that tear easily under hard scrubbing or centrifugal machine washing.
- Foam midsole (EVA, CMEVA): absorbs water and collapses or deforms under high drying heat.
- Gore-Tex membrane: an ultra-thin waterproof layer; harsh chemicals peel away its protective coating and kill its function.
- Rubber outsole: great grip, but its tread grooves trap mud and need proper cleaning.
- Insole: absorbs sweat and odor, and should be removed and cleaned separately.
Material-by-Material Cleaning Table
| Material | Risk of cleaning wrong | Safe cleaning method |
|---|---|---|
| Mesh | Tearing, deformation, yellowing | Soft brush, diluted soap, never wring or twist |
| Foam midsole | Collapse, cracking, loss of cushioning | Damp wipe, no long soaking, no heat drying |
| Gore-Tex | Loss of waterproofing | Lukewarm water, neutral soap, no alcohol |
| Rubber outsole | Packed mud, reduced grip | Brush the grooves, rinse with clean water |
| Insole | Odor, mold, trapped moisture | Remove and wash separately, air dry, no heat |
Common DIY Mistakes
- Machine washing: spinning force and heat destroy mesh structure, deform foam, and break down adhesives.
- Long soaking: foam absorbs water, glue softens, and the sole starts lifting.
- Harsh detergent or bleach: fades mesh and destroys the Gore-Tex protective layer.
- High-heat drying or harsh sunlight: foam shrinks, mesh deforms, and glue softens.
- Hard-bristled brushes: scratch mesh, tear fibers, and fuzz up the surface.
- Not removing the insole: trapped moisture inside brings the odor and mold right back.
The Correct At-Home Method
- Remove the insoles and laces first; wash them separately.
- Clean the outsole first: use a soft brush on the tread grooves, then rinse with clean water.
- Wipe the mesh with a soft brush dipped in diluted soap, scrubbing gently in one direction — never wring or twist.
- Wipe foam with a damp cloth — no soaking, no heat.
- If the shoes have Gore-Tex: use lukewarm water and neutral soap only — no alcohol or solvents.
- Air dry naturally in a ventilated spot, stuffed with absorbent paper — never use heat or direct sunlight.
When to DIY, and When to Stop
| Situation | DIY | Send photos for advice | Bring to EXTRIM |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light dirt, mesh intact | Yes | ||
| Gore-Tex membrane, unsure of method | Recommended | ||
| Collapsed or cracked foam | Recommended | ||
| Torn or fuzzy mesh | Recommended | ||
| Heavy odor that survives washing | Recommended | ||
| Lifting sole, open glue seams | Recommended |
EXTRIM's Running Shoe Cleaning Process
Step 1: Material inspection. Identify the mesh type, foam, and whether Gore-Tex is present, to select the right process.
Step 2: Remove insoles and clean the outsole. Separate the components and clean the tread grooves first.
Step 3: Clean the mesh and upper. Use a soft brush and a matched solution, scrubbing gently without twisting.
Step 4: Treat foam and midsole. Damp-wipe, check cushioning and structure, no soaking.
Step 5: Deodorize and dry. Treat the interior lining and cushioning, then air dry at a safe temperature.
Step 6: QC and finishing. Check adhesive bonds, mesh structure, and Gore-Tex, then photograph the results.
EXTRIM's Condition Assessment
HOKA, Salomon, ASICS, and New Balance running shoes should have their mesh, foam, insoles, and coatings inspected before cleaning. With Gore-Tex or mixed materials, the method and the degree of improvement depend on each pair's condition.
Cost and the Sensible Choice
The cost of cleaning running shoes depends on the materials, the level of soiling, and whether a Gore-Tex membrane is present. Gore-Tex shoes require a dedicated process and cost slightly more. If your shoes are only lightly dirty, you can follow the home method above. If the foam has collapsed, the mesh is torn, or the odor is severe, go professional.
See also: shoe cleaning services in Ho Chi Minh City, our article on when you shouldn't wash shoes at home, and why white mesh shoes yellow at the glue line.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can HOKA shoes go in the washing machine?
No. The spinning force and heat deform the foam midsole, tear mesh, and destroy adhesives. Wash by hand with a soft brush and diluted soap instead.
Do Gore-Tex shoes need different cleaning from regular shoes?
Yes. Gore-Tex needs neutral soap, lukewarm water, and no alcohol or strong solutions. The wrong chemicals strip the membrane's waterproof function.
Can collapsed foam midsoles be restored?
Foam that has collapsed from long use usually cannot regain its original cushioning. Replacing the insole can improve the feel, but a collapsed midsole is a sign it's time for new shoes.
Do Salomon street shoes need different care from trail shoes?
The cleaning principles are the same, but trail shoes collect more mud and grit in the sole grooves. Clean the outsole thoroughly and check the tread.
How often should running shoes be cleaned?
Clean them every 2–4 weeks depending on how often you run and how dirty they get. For trail running or rainy days, clean sooner to prevent mud from hardening and odor from setting.
Is ASICS GEL cleaned differently from regular foam?
Different in degree, not in principle. GEL zones are usually more durable than foam but still shouldn't be soaked for long or exposed to high heat.
If your running shoes have a Gore-Tex membrane, collapsed foam, or torn mesh, send photos to EXTRIM via Zalo for advice on the right cleaning process, or book pickup and delivery in Ho Chi Minh City.
Edited by the EXTRIM content team and technically reviewed by the technician in charge of technical athletic shoe cleaning.
Public Case Study
This article is not linked to a specific before–after case with a publicly cleared case code. It describes general guidance and service categories; results, timelines, and the degree of improvement depend on the actual condition of each pair.
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