Are Skechers Go Walk 5 Machine Washable? Squeaky Clean!

Skechers Go Walk 5 shoes are a popular walking and casual shoe known for their comfort and versatility.

A common question from Go Walk 5 owners is whether these shoes can be safely washed in the washing machine.

We will provide a detailed look at the Go Walk 5 shoes, their construction and materials, care instructions from Skechers, and tips on the best way to clean Go Walk 5 shoes.

Are Skechers Go Walk 5 Machine Washable

Skechers does not recommend machine washing their Go Walk 5 shoes. The knit mesh uppers and cushioned 5GEN midsoles can become damaged or misshapen in a washing machine cycle.

Instead, Skechers advises spot cleaning the Go Walk 5 shoes with a small brush and mild detergent solution.

An Overview of Skechers Go Walk 5 Shoes

The Skechers Go Walk 5 line features lightweight, flexible walking shoes with a rubber outsole and Skechers proprietary GOga Mat technology in the insole for enhanced comfort. Key features of the Go Walk 5 include:

• Breathable mesh or fabric uppers – Allows airflow to keep feet cool and dry.
• Goga Mat technology – Skechers’ proprietary insole with high-rebound cushioning.
• Flexible outsole – Allows natural foot movement when walking.
• Lightweight design – makes them comfortable for all-day wear.
• Available in multiple colors – Such as black, blue, and pink.

The Go Walk 5 has a sporty, athletic look while still being appropriate for casual everyday wear. They have a roomy toe box and lightweight feel that makes them popular walking and travel shoes.

Go Walk 5 Construction and Materials

To understand whether the Go Walk 5 shoes are machine washable, we need to take a closer look at how they are constructed and what materials are used:

• Mesh fabric uppers – The majority of Go Walk 5 styles use a highly breathable mesh fabric upper, which allows air to pass through to the foot.
• Synthetic leather accents – Some Go Walk 5 models have synthetic leather trims or accents for stability and support.
• Textile linings – The inside of the shoes features a soft textile lining for comfort against the skin.
• Cushioned insoles – The GOga Mat insoles provide cushioning and bounce back when walking. They are removable.
• Rubber outsoles – The flexible rubber outsoles provide traction and durability.

While the mesh fabric upper is designed to be breathable and soft, it is prone to absorbing dirt and liquids. The materials used in Go Walk 5 construction are typical of athletic walking shoes.

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Skechers Care Instructions for Go Walk 5

On the official Skechers website and tags inside Go Walk 5 shoes, the following care instructions are provided:

• Machine wash cold, gentle cycle – Skechers states that Go Walk 5 shoes can be washed in the washing machine on a cold, gentle cycle.
• Air dry only – Do not place Go Walk shoes in the dryer after washing. Air dry only.
• Remove insoles before washing – The cushioned GOga Mat insoles should be removed before machine washing.

Skechers caution against using hot water or bleach when washing Go Walk shoes as this can damage the materials. A cold, delicate cycle is recommended. Also, the shoes should be air-dried rather than machine-dried to prevent any heat damage.

How to Safely Machine Wash Skechers Go Walk 5

Based on Skechers’ care recommendations, Go Walk 5 shoes can be machine washed but there are some best practices to follow:

1. Remove Footbed Insoles

The first step is to remove the contoured GOga Mat insoles from inside the shoes. These should be washed separately by hand with mild detergent and air-dried to prevent damage.

2. Pre-treat Dirty Areas

Check the shoes for any extremely dirty areas and pre-treat them with a stain remover or laundry detergent. This will help lift grease, oil stains, or ground-in dirt. Focus on the bottoms and low sides of the uppers.

3. Place in Mesh Bag

Place the Go Walk shoes inside a mesh zippered laundry bag. This will keep them contained during the wash cycle and prevent the agitation from damaging the shoes.

4. Wash on a Cold Cycle

Wash the bagged shoes in the washing machine on a gentle or delicate cycle using cold water. Warm or hot water can damage the fabrics.

5. Use a Mild Detergent

Avoid harsh laundry detergents and instead use a mild, gentle detergent that will not fade fabrics or deteriorate adhesives. Detergent made specifically for activewear is a good option.

6. Allow to Air Dry

Never put wet Go Walk shoes into the dryer. Always remove them from the washer and allow shoes to air dry fully before wearing them again.

Placing shoes in a mesh bag, washing on cold, and air drying is the safest way to clean Go Walk 5 shoes in the washing machine. Avoid hot water, harsh detergents, and the dryer.

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The Pros and Cons of Machine Washing Go Walk 5 Shoes

Machine washing Go Walk shoes has both advantages and disadvantages:

Pros:

• Gets shoes thoroughly clean
• Removes odors, bacteria, and ground-in dirt
• Restores brightness to fabrics
• Convenient and fast cleaning method

Cons:

• Can damage adhesives if water is too hot
• Fabrics may shrink if washed incorrectly
• Does not clean rubber outsoles effectively
• Unable to fully air dry shoes in the machine

Overall, machine washing is an effective cleaning method for Go Walk 5 shoes if done carefully using cold water and air drying. Hand washing allows greater control but takes more time and effort.

Tips for Cleaning Go Walk 5 Shoes

In addition to occasional machine washing, the following care tips will help keep Go Walk 5 shoes looking their best:

• Allow shoes to fully air dry between wears to prevent odor-causing bacteria buildup.
• Use antimicrobial shoe sprays or powders to eliminate odors and help shoes maintain freshness.
• Spot clean stains on uppers using a soft brush, mild detergent, and cold water. Air dry.
• Use disinfectant wipes inside your shoes to kill germs and bacteria.
• Remove insoles and wash regularly by hand to prevent dirt and sweat accumulation.
• Use waterproofing sprays to protect suede and fabric areas from getting wet or stained.
• Store with shoe trees inserted to help shoes maintain their shape.
• Rotate Go Walk shoes between several pairs to increase longevity.

Proper cleaning and care are especially important for SHOES that are worn regularly for walking and fitness. Following Skecher’s recommendations and these additional tips will extend the life of your Go Walk 5 shoes.

Comparison of Machine vs Hand Washing Go Walk Shoes

Machine Washing

• More thorough clean – Agitation gets fabrics cleaner.
• Convenient – Just throw in the washer and walk away.
• Uses laundry detergent – Formulated to remove odors and stains.
• Requires air drying – Cannot machine dry shoes.

Hand Washing

• More gentle – Allows control of water temp and scrubbing.
• Selective cleaning – Can spot-treat dirty areas only.
• Faster drying – Can stuff shoes with towels to absorb moisture.
• Any mild soap can be used – Even hand dishwashing liquid.

For heavily soiled shoes, machine washing may be required. But for light cleaning, hand washing provides a gentler approach with faster dry time.

Step-By-Step Guide to Hand Washing Skechers Go Walk Shoes

Hand washing Go Walk shoes enables a more targeted, gentle clean. Follow these steps:

Supplies Needed

• Mild liquid detergent or hand soap
• Soft bristle brush
• Old towels
• Mesh bag (optional)

Instructions

1. Remove footbed insoles and clean them separately by hand with soap and water. Air dry.
2. If shoes are very dirty, pre-treat stained or smelly areas with detergent or stain remover.
3. Fill a sink or large bucket with cool water and add a small amount of mild detergent.
4. Use a soft brush to gently scrub the entire upper, sides, eyelets, and rubber portions of soles. Avoid harsh scrubbing.
5. Drain the dirty water and rinse shoes thoroughly with cool clean water.
6. Stuff shoes lightly with old towels to absorb excess moisture. Allow to sit for 20-30 minutes.
7. Remove towels and allow shoes to air dry completely for about 24 hours.
8. Once fully dried, spray with disinfectant or insert cedar shoe trees to keep shoes fresh.

Be gentle when hand washing to avoid damaging the materials. Take time to fully air dry before the next use.

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Homemade Cleaning Solutions for Go Walk Shoes

In some cases, homemade cleaning solutions can be effective alternatives to commercial detergents when hand washing Go Walk shoes:

• Baking Soda – Creates a gentle scrub when mixed with water. Helps freshen.
• White Vinegar – Has disinfecting properties to kill bacteria. Also cuts grease. Mix 1 part vinegar to 1 part water.
• Mild or Castile Soap – Made from plant oils and gentle on fabrics. Dilute a few drops in water.
• Hydrogen Peroxide – Can whiten and disinfect shoes. Mix 1 part peroxide and 4 parts water.
• Baby Shampoo – Extra gentle cleaner safe for synthetic and mesh fabrics. Dilute a few drops in water.
• Dish Soap – Formulated to cut grease. Use a small amount diluted in water and rinse thoroughly.
• Laundry Detergent – The cleaning elements in store-bought detergents are effective. Dilute for hand washing.
• Toothbrush – Use a soft-bristle toothbrush to scrub mesh fabric clean. Is gentle on materials.

Always spot-test homemade cleaners on shoes in an inconspicuous area before overall use. Check for any damage or discoloration.

Drying Go Walk Shoes Quickly After Washing

It’s important to dry Go Walk shoes fully before wearing them again to prevent mold or bacterial growth. Here are some tips for faster drying:

• Stuff shoes lightly with crumpled newspaper which will absorb moisture quickly without tear risk. Replace as needed.
• Insert a pair of shoe trees which will help shoes maintain their shape as they dry while absorbing moisture.
• Place shoes in front of a circulating fan which will speed evaporation. Rotate occasionally.
• Insert dryer sheets or charcoal bags which will absorb excess moisture while making shoes smell fresh.
• Spray shoes with isopropyl alcohol which disinfects and dries quickly without leaving residue. Helps prevent bacterial growth.
• Place shoes in sunlight which will naturally sanitize and dry shoes. Avoid direct heat which may damage shoes.

With the right technique, most Go Walk shoes can air dry within 24 hours after being properly washed and prepped for drying. Never machine dry.

Conclusion

Skechers Go Walk 5 shoes are designed to be machine washed, but special care must be taken to prevent damage. Always use a cold, gentle cycle and allow shoes to completely air dry. Hand washing provides a more gentle approach for lightly soiled shoes.

Stuffing shoes with absorbent materials or using a fan accelerates drying time after washing. With proper cleaning and drying methods, Skechers Go Walk shoes can maintain their comfort, performance, and look for many years. Follow the recommendations in this guide to get the maximum life and enjoyment from your Go Walk 5 shoes.

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