Are Skechers Arch Fit Shoes Machine Washable? Cleaning Tips!

Skechers Arch Fit shoes are a popular option for comfortable footwear with arch support. But keeping your shoes fresh and clean is important for longevity and hygiene.

A common question is whether you can machine wash Arch Fit models or have to rely on handwashing only.

We’ll cover everything you need to know about safely washing Skechers Arch Fit shoes.

Are Skechers Arch Fit Shoes Machine Washable?

Skechers Arch Fit shoes are generally not recommended to be machine washed. The removable insoles can typically be hand-washed, but submerging or machine-washing the entire shoe is not advisable.

Overview of Skechers Arch Fit Shoes

Before discussing how to wash Arch Fit shoes, let’s briefly recap what makes them unique:

• Proprietary lightweight arch-fit insoles for arch support
• Textured fabric tops for breathability
• Foam midsoles for cushioning
• Curved heel cups for stability
• Flexible grooved outsoles
• Leather, mesh, or knit uppers depending on the model

These athletic-inspired walking and casual shoes are designed to be lightweight and promote foot alignment.

But with repeated wear, dirt, debris, and sweat can build up on both the exterior and interior shoe components. Routine washing is key for reducing odors, bacteria, and fungus. However, their construction means you have to follow certain precautions when cleaning Arch Fit shoes.

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Why Skechers does not Recommend Machine Washing for Arch Fit Shoes?

The agitation motion and water pressure inside washing machines can damage shoes in several ways:

• Insole detachment: The glued-down Arch Fit insoles can become unglued and peel away.
• Adhesive breakdown: The adhesives bonding shoe components together can deteriorate.
• Fabric damage: Mesh or knit fabric uppers may tear, developing holes from friction and stress.
• Shape loss: The constant motion flattens padded areas and causes shape distortion.
• Water retention: Foam midsoles will soak up water like a sponge and take days to fully dry out.
• Color transfer: Dark fabrics and outsoles may bleed dye onto light fabrics in the wash.

While machine washing promises a quick and easy clean, the likely damage outweighs the benefits for Arch Fit shoes. Brief spot cleaning combined with careful handwashing is the safest method.

If you do machine wash Arch Fit shoes, use the gentle cycle and air dry completely afterward. However, the damage will still likely occur over repeat washings.

Best Practices For Hand Washing Skechers Arch Fit Shoes

While hand washing Skechers Arch Fit shoes takes more time and effort than throwing them in the washing machine, it allows you to clean them safely and thoroughly.

Follow these best practices:

1. Disassemble the Shoes

Before washing, remove:

• Laces
• Arch Fit insoles
• Removable cushioned footbeds (if present)

Washing shoes while still fully assembled makes it harder to clean all components and increases friction damage.

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2. Use a Small Amount of Gentle Detergent

Avoid bleach, harsh chemicals, and too much detergent, as they can degrade shoe materials and adhesives. A small amount of gentle laundry detergent, dish soap, or shoe cleaner is sufficient.

3. Wash Exterior and Interior Separately

Use one basin for cleaning shoe uppers and a separate basin for outsoles and insoles. This prevents dirt from transferring and allows thorough cleaning of both the exterior and interior.

4. Use Soft Brushes and Clothes

Clean the uppers with a soft brush or microfiber cloth to avoid snagging delicate meshes or knits. Avoid wire brushes or abrasive scouring pads.

Use an old toothbrush to gently scrub the grooves on the outsoles and any stains on the midsoles.

5. Rinse Thoroughly

After washing each component, rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove all traces of detergent residue which can degrade the glues.

6. Stuff Shoes With Paper While Drying

Loosely stuff shoes with paper towels or crumpled newspaper so they retain their shape as they dry. Change paper if it absorbs moisture.

7. Allow 48 Hours To Air Dry

Never machine dry or use heat to dry Skechers Arch Fit shoes. Simply allow a full 48 hours to completely air dry shoes away from direct sunlight. Rotate periodically so all sides dry.

8. Reassemble Properly

When dry, reinsert clean insoles and footbeds, replace, and if needed use Weather/Outdoor Shoe Protection Spray to replenish water resistance on leather or suede models.

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Cleaning the Arch Fit Insoles

The removable Arch Fit insoles can be machine-washed delicately as they contain no adhesives. However, handwashing is still recommended.

Use warm, mildly soapy water in the sink basin. Clean with a soft brush, massaging detergent into the fabrics to lift dirt from the crevices.

Rinse until water runs clear, reshape, and air dry fully before reinserting into shoes. Rotate between pairs of insoles so you always have a clean backup ready.

Replace insoles every 6-12 months or sooner if they become overly compressed, ripped, or deteriorated.

Cleaning Frequency for Skechers Arch Fit Shoes

How often should you clean Arch Fit shoes? Recommended cleaning frequency depends on usage:

• For everyday wear, clean every 2 weeks.
• For office settings, clean weekly.
• For active use like walking or nursing, clean 2-3 times per week.
• Disinfect shoes if worn in high-risk settings like hospitals.
• For exercise, athletics, or heavy work, clean after each wear.

Additionally:

• Disinfect insoles weekly.
• Use antimicrobial sprays or powders to reduce bacteria between full cleanings.
• Wash sooner if shoes get heavily soiled, smelly, or wet.

Rotate between 2-3 pairs of Arch Fit shoes to allow them to fully dry between wears and extend their lifespan.

Having multiple sets of insoles makes it easy to swap them out for clean ones.

Tips for Keeping Skechers Arch Fit Shoes Fresh Between Washes

To keep your Arch Fit shoes cleaner between full handwashings and reduce odors:

• Use antimicrobial shoe powders on insoles.
• Apply antibacterial foot spray before wearing.
• Place breathable shoe trees inside after wearing them to absorb moisture and maintain shape.
• Place dryer sheets or charcoal bags inside shoes to help absorb odors overnight.
• Expose shoes to sunlight which has natural disinfecting properties.
• Use a disinfectant fabric spray on the inner lining or mesh occasionally.
• Blot wetness immediately after wearing using paper towels.
• Allow shoes a full 24 hours to air out before wearing.

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Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Skechers Arch Fit Shoes

While proper care extends the life of Arch Fit shoes, they gradually wear out over time. Signs it’s time to replace them include:

• Visible outsole treadwear exposing the midsole.
• Uppers with holes, tears, or coming apart at seams.
• Permanent stains that can’t be scrubbed out.
• Insoles lack arch support or become overly compressed.
• Unpleasant odors that persist after cleaning.
• Shoes are distorted and don’t hold their shape anymore.

For most, Arch Fit shoes should last around 500-600 miles depending on your body weight and activity level.

Heavier users or avid walkers will break through shoes quicker than lighter office wearers. Tracking mileage or months used helps you know when to rotate pairs out.

Conclusion

While it may seem convenient, machine washing Skechers Arch Fit shoes can easily damage the materials and construction. To get them clean while avoiding harm, it’s imperative to use a careful handwashing technique instead.

By disassembling shoes, individually washing components with mild detergent, thoroughly rinsing, air drying, and reassembling properly, you can safely clean Arch Fit shoes while extending their lifespan.

Additionally, sanitizing insoles regularly, using odor absorbers, and fully airing out shoes between wears keeps them fresher day-to-day. Retire shoes once excessive wear is evident.

With the proper care and washing methods, Skechers Arch Fit shoes can provide comfortable arch support during everyday activities for months of use before needing replacement. Consistent cleaning is key for eliminating bacteria, reducing foot odors, and maintaining the performance and longevity of the proprietary Arch Fit technology.

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