This post may contain affiliate links. That means if you click and buy from that link, I may receive a small commission (at zero cost to you), which helps me maintain the quality of this blog. Please see my full disclosure policy for details.

As the manager of two different Skechers stores, I had to deal with many questions from customers daily, but the two most common questions were “how to clean Skechers shoes” and “how to wash Skechers shoes?”

In any job, when you get the same questions all the time, you do your research about it and try to formulate the best answer possible. I can provide you with the best solutions to those questions because I have listened to hundreds of customer’s experiences. I know exactly what it works and what you should never do.

Learning how to clean your Skechers shoes and if you can wash them or not is fundamental to maintaining the shoes cleaned and odor-free. After all, you don’t earn enough money to change shoes every month or throw them away just because they are dirty (even if you did, why not clean your Skechers and keep using them?).

Let me now show you how to clean Skechers shoes.

Are Skechers Shoes Washable?

Before you start cleaning your Skechers sneakers, you need to know if they are washable or not. The answer is, some Skechers are washable, and others are not because it depends on the style and material of the shoe you bought.

Skechers Shoes with the Machine Washable Tag
Skechers Shoebox with Machine Washable Written

Which Skechers Are Washable?

When checking what Skechers are washable, consider three essential elements:

Product Description – If the shoe is machine washable, it will always say in the product description or on the shoe box. ALWAYS check the product description even if you think you are 100% sure you can put the shoes on the washing machine.

Style – Some shoe styles are designed to be machine washable, like the Skechers Go Walk 5. Some others it depends because some Skechers styles include machine and non-machine washable.

Read: Do Skechers Run Big, Small, Or True To Size?

Examples of Skechers Machine Washable Styles

  • Go Walk 5
  • Go Walk Smart
  • On The Go (Not all)
  • Bobs (Not all)
  • Street Flex
  • Ultra Flex (Not all)
  • Max Cushioning
  • GoRun Fast
  • Glide-Step Sport
  • Arch Fit (Not all)
  • Bounder
  • Summits (Not all)
  • GoRun Consistent (Not all)

Material – Some materials are better than others when it comes to putting Skechers shoes in the washing machine. Materials like mesh and nylon will be ok, but leather or suede fabric in the washing machine would destroy your shoes.

I have lost count of how many times customers said they had put Skechers shoes in the washing machine that they weren’t supposed to. All of them said the shoes came like new and didn’t affect their use of them. I would still follow whatever says the product description unless your shoes are terrible and you have nothing to lose.

Read: What Is A Shoe Mitt?

How To Wash Skechers Shoes?

If your pair of Skechers shoes are machine washable, go for it because it is accessible, then you clean the sneakers yourself, right? If you have questions like:

  • How to wash Skechers Memory Foam Shoes?
  • How to wash Skechers Go Walk Shoes?
  • How to wash Skechers Bobs?
  • How to wash Skechers Sandals?

Read this part carefully:

Step 1 – Check the product description or the shoebox to check if they are machine washable.

Step 2 – Remove the laces from the shoe.

Step 3 – Remove any excessive dirt with a brush.

Step 4 – Remove the memory foam insole if you can (some styles you can and others you can’t).

Step 5 – Put the shoes in a delicate bag (If you don’t have one, you can use a pillowcase or anything containing the shoes inside. Don’t forget to tie the top of the pillowcase.).

Step 6 – Set your machine to a cold and gentle cycle.

Step 7 – Add detergent to it and let it wash.

Step 8 – Let the shoes air dry (outside if possible) for as long as they need it. Do not put Skechers shoes in the dryer because the heat might separate the layers of your shoes (This happened to a Skecher’s customer in my London store. He has learned his lesson.)

Step 9 – Protect your shoes with the Skechers cleaning kit.

How To Clean Skechers Shoes?

As you know, some Skechers shoes are not suitable to be machine washable, but that doesn’t mean you can’t clean them and keep wearing them.

Skechers Care Kit

I have sold hundreds of Skechers cleaning kits (most of the time, I sold these products individually). Customers always asked me, “Are these really good, or are you just trying to sell me something I don’t need?” I did have a target to accomplish, but I find it easier to sell when I believe it in the product. In this case, I think the three of them are excellent (well, the Athletic Cleanser is the less impressive in my opinion).

Read: How Often Should You Polish Your Shoes?

The Skechers cleaning kit is suitable for cleaning your shoes and preventing the shoes from being dirty, wet, and smelly.

You can also buy it individually (this is everything included in the Skechers care kit):

Water Proofer Spray – When you spray your shoes, it creates a breathable barrier against water, stains, and liquids, protecting your shoes. My favorite by far, and I have been using it on all my shoes. I was surprised that it actually works. I had many customers saying this works very well. First, ensure you shake it before using it. Then, apply it to your shoes the night before you wear them.

Odor Eliminator Spray – It maintains your shoes deodorized and fresh with a refreshing smell. Don’t forget to spray your insoles and leave them to dry. I do like the scent a lot, and customers approved it too,

Athletic Cleanser Gel – It cleans your shoes to look new, suitable for suede, leather, or fabric footwear. It removes any dirt and stains. Shake the bottle before you use it. Then, apply directly to a sponge and scrub the shoe. I have to be honest and say that sometimes this worked well, and others didn’t do anything for the shoe. I find it works better in leather fabric than mesh or suede.

Small Brush – I mean… it’s an average brush.

Check The Fabric Of Your Shoes

If you are here because you want to know:

  • How to clean Skechers Memory Foam shoes?
  • How to clean Skechers Goga Mat shoes?
  • How to clean Skechers Go Walk shoes?
  • How to clean Skechers Twinkle Toes shoes?
  • How to clean White Skechers shoes?

It all depends on the fabric of your shoes. Some memory foam shoes are leather, and others are mesh, so you clean those sneakers differently. If you are in doubt, check the product description on Skechers.com

Pro Tip: Inside your Skechers shoes, you have a label with a number after SN like (66444) where you can type it on the Skechers website and find your shoe.

The number typically contains five or six digits, and it may have a letter on kid’s shoes or extra wide shoes.

In the CODE you have the color of the shoe. In this case, the color is TAN.

You also have the information on where Skechers shoes are made.

How To Clean Skechers Performance Shoes?

Some performance shoes are machine washable (put them on the washing machine), but others are not. You will need a soft brush (it can use a toothbrush too) and the Skechers Atheltic Cleanser gel (if you don’t have it use a mild laundry detergent diluted with warm water, but don’t soak the shoes).

My Skechers Max Cushioning after two months of use

Step 1 – Shake the Athletic Cleanser well and apply a small amount in the shoe to check for colorfastness. Wait for a few minutes. If nothing changes, go ahead to the next step.

Step 2 – Apply the Atheltic Cleanser in the dirtiest areas of the shoe and a small amount in the brush. Scrub the shoe thoroughly.

Step 3 – With a new dry cloth, wipe off the surfaces to remove excess dirt and moisture.

Step 4 – Repeat steps 2 and 3 till you are satisfied with the look of the shoes (Do not repeat more than two times).

Step 5 – Let the shoes dry completely. You can put some newspapers inside of the shoes to make the process faster.

Step 6 – When the shoes are dried, apply the waterproofer to protect them from water and prevent stains.

How To Clean Skechers Mesh/Nylon Shoes?

Mesh and nylon fabrics are probably the most accessible materials to clean since you can put them on the washing machine. If you can’t, just follow the same steps from the performance shoes cleaning, and the shoes become like new.

Read: Are Vans Non Slip?

How To Clean Skechers Leather Shoes?

Leather is one of the most asked fabrics when people buy shoes. Never machine wash leather. To clean it, follow the following steps:

Step 1 – Remove the laces from your shoes to avoid getting water on them. 

Step 2 – If the shoe has memory foam and you can remove them, do it. This allows the insole to “puff” back to its original shape.

Step 3 – Remove the excess dirt with a cloth.

Step 4 – Use the Atheltic Cleanser (small amount) and with the help of a rag rub the leather.

Step 5 – With cold water and a cloth, wipe away all soapy residue.

Step 6 – Let the shoes air dry till you can wear them again.

Step 7 – Use waterproofer spray to protect the shoes and prevent any stains.

How To Clean Skechers Suede/Nurbuk Shoes?

Suede shoes are always, in my opinion, the most difficult fabric to clean and take care of. Never machine wash suede.

Step 1 – Remove the laces from your shoes to avoid getting water on them. 

Step 2 – If the shoe has memory foam and you can remove them, do it. This allows the insole to “puff” back to its original shape.

Step 3 – Remove the excess dirt with a cloth or suede brush.

Step 4 – Use the Atheltic Cleanser (small amount), and with the help of a suede brush, brush your shoes with quick and gentle strokes to avoid damaging the material.

Step 5 – On the final brush of your shoes, brush the nap in the same direction for the most desirable look.

Step 6 – Let the shoes air dry till you can wear them again.

Step 7 – Use waterproofer spray to protect the shoes and prevent any stains.

How To Clean Skechers Light-Up Shoes?

So many parents walk into my Skechers retail store to ask how they could clean the Skechers light up shoes since it’s not advised you put them on the washing machine (you can damage the lights).

Step 1 – Brush any excessive debris.

Step 2 – Apply the Athletic Cleanser on the brush (avoid putting it directly on the shoe) and brush it again.

Step 3 – With cold water and a cloth, wipe away all soapy residue.

Step 4 – Let the shoe air dry till you can wear them again.

Step 5 – Use waterproofer spray to protect the shoes and prevent any stains.

Common Questions About How To Clean Skechers Shoes

These are some of the most common questions about cleaning and washing Skechers shoes.

Can Skechers Be Washed?

It depends on the style and material of the shoe. If the shoe is made of mesh or nylon, yes, you can wash it in the washing machine. If the shoes are light-up or performance, you can hand wash them with a brush and soap. If the shoes are made from leather or suede, you want to brush them very softly with water and a particular product for the material.

Are Skechers Shoes Machine Washable?

Not all Skechers shoes are machine washable. You need to read the product description of the product and see if they say Machine Washable. Skechers styles like Go Walk 5, On-The-Go, Bobs, or Ultra Flex are machine washable (you always have the odd pair inside of these styles that you can’t machine wash, so always check the product description).

how to clean skechers memory foam shoes

Are Skechers Slippers Washable?

No, Skechers slippers are not designed to be machine washable as most of them have a suede upper. You can use the Skechers Odor Eliminator spray if the shoes stink or a brush and a suede rubber if they are dirty or have marks.

Are Skechers Cleo Machine Washable?

Officially Skechers Cleo shoes are not designed to be machine washable (is not on the product description). The majority of Skechers Cleo shoes are woven fabric, and I had a few customers who said they put them on the washing machine and came out as new. I always advised customers to follow the product description instructions, but I decided to share their experience with you. It’s up to you at the end of the day.

Can Skechers Twinkle Toes Be Washed?

No, Skechers twinkle toes shoes should never be machine washable because you will damage the lights. Instead, use a brush and the Skechers Athletic Cleanser to remove any dirt and stains.

Does Skechers Make Your Feet Smell?

No, it’s not your Skechers shoes that are making your feet smell. It can be the warm weather, your sweat, the wrong pair of socks, a very active lifestyle, or poor hygiene. Sometimes, you are using the wrong shoes, but it is not a particular problem with Skechers. It can happen to any brand. You can also choose Skechers shoes with air-cooled memory foam that will maintain the sole of your foot cool.

Read: Are Clarks Shoes Good?

Cleaning and Washing Skechers Shoes

You have learned not only how to clean Skechers shoes but also how to wash Skechers sneakers. Of course, it all depends on the style and fabric of the shoe you have.

If the product description recommends machine washing, do it because they will come off like a new pair of shoes. You can still clean the shoes with a brush and the Skechers cleaning kit if it doesn’t say machine washable.

Most Skechers shoes have Memory Foam insoles that you can remove to puff it back to the original shape and kill any smell with the Odor Eliminator spray.

What about you? How to clean Skechers shoes, in your opinion? How do you do it? Also, share in the comments your experience with putting Skechers shoes in the washing machine.