Are Skechers Go Walk Shoes Washable? Cleaning Tips!

Skechers Go Walk shoes have become incredibly popular in recent years as comfortable and stylish walking and casual shoes.

With their lightweight and flexible design, Go Walk shoes make walking and being on your feet all day a breeze.

But with frequent wear, it’s reasonable to wonder – can you wash Go Walk shoes when they get dirty?

Let’s take an in-depth look at whether Skechers Go Walk shoes are washable and the best practices for cleaning them.

Are Skechers Go Walk Shoes Washable

Skechers does not recommend machine washing their Go Walk shoes. The knit mesh uppers and cushioned insoles can be damaged or lose their shape when submerged and agitated in a washing machine cycle. For the Go Walk line, Skechers advises spot cleaning with a small brush and mild detergent.

An Overview of Skechers Go Walk Shoes

Before looking specifically at washing Go Walk shoes, let’s first understand what makes them such a popular walking shoe choice.

Skechers launched the Go Walk product line in 2011 as a response to the growing demand for lightweight, flexible walking shoes. The original Go Walk shoes featured a V-Stride design that promoted a natural rolling foot motion when walking.

Here are some key features and benefits of Skechers Go Walk shoes:

• Lightweight – Go Walk shoes are incredibly lightweight, which helps reduce fatigue when walking long distances. The lightweight mesh upper contributes to their airy feel.
• Flexible – The flexible outsoles provide a natural flex point while walking to mimic the foot’s natural movement. This enhances comfort and promotes a smooth heel-to-toe stride.
• Cushioned – Skechers Go Walk shoes contain cushioned insoles and midsoles to absorb impact and provide comfort while walking. Some models also have additional air-cooled memory foam cushioning in the heel.
• Breathable – The mesh fabric upper construction allows for excellent breathability, keeping your feet cooler and sweat-free during walks.
• Machine washable insoles – Many Go Walk models have removable insoles that are machine washable, making cleaning the interior easy.
• Varied outsoles – Options like the Go Walk Arch Fit have a contoured arch support outsole while models like Go Walk Max provide greater stability and impact absorption with their thick rubber tread.
• Slip-on design – The knit mesh uppers allow for easy slip-on wear and removal. Many styles have stretch gore panels for an adjustable fit.

The combination of these features makes Go Walk an ideal choice for walking shoes whether you’re hiking, traveling, power walking or just running errands around town. Their comfortable, easy-slip-on design also makes them a convenient option for wear anytime you’ll be on your feet.

Now that we’ve covered the essential benefits and technology of Go Walk shoes, let’s look specifically at how to wash Go Walk shoes to remove dirt and stains.

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Are Skechers Go Walk Shoes Machine Washable?

Can you simply throw your Go Walk shoes in the washing machine when they get dirty? Let’s look at some key considerations:

• Materials – While Go Walk shoe insoles may be removable and machine washable, the shoes themselves are constructed with materials like fabric mesh, rubber, and EVA foam that could become damaged in a machine wash. Aggressive machine washing utilizing hot water and detergent can deteriorate adhesives and cause the shoes to fall apart.
• Heat – The hot water and heat utilized in most washing machine cycles can also damage Go Walk shoes. Excessive heat can cause the mesh and rubber trim to become misshapen, deformed, or even melted. The heat could also damage the structure of the shoe over time.
• Agitation – The agitation motion in a washing machine drum that repeatedly tosses shoes against each other and the sides can easily distort lightweight shoes like the Go Walk styles. The force of a washing machine is simply too harsh for shoes not specifically designed for it.

So in summary – Skechers Go Walk shoes themselves are not designed or constructed to withstand machine washing and it is not recommended. The friction and heat of a washer can easily damage the shoes’ materials and construction.

The exceptions are some Go Walk insoles that are marked as machine washable on the tag. Only these removable insoles can be washed safely in the washing machine, and even then only using a gentle cycle.

While you should steer clear of the washing machine itself, Go Walk shoes can still be effectively cleaned by hand washing which is gentle enough for the materials.

How to Wash Skechers Go Walk Shoes

When your Go Walk shoes become dirty or stained from everyday wear, follow these steps to properly hand wash them:

Remove Insoles and Laces

• Take out any removable insoles from your Go Walk shoes. Insoles marked as machine washable can be washed separately in the washing machine on a gentle cycle. Allow to air dry.
• For insoles not suitable for the washing machine, hand wash them instead with mild detergent. Gently scrub with a soft brush and rinse thoroughly. Air dry completely before replacing in shoes.
• Remove shoelaces and set aside. Wash laces separately if needed either by hand or on a gentle machine cycle.

Removing the insoles and laces allows you to thoroughly clean all interior shoe surfaces.

Use a Soft Brush

• Use a soft brush, like a toothbrush, and gently scrub over the entire surface of the shoes to lift and remove built-up dirt.
• Focus on scrubbing areas of embedded stains, dirt, or grime accumulation. A soft bristled cleaning brush can help dislodge debris.
• Avoid using stiff bristle brushes or excessive force that could damage the thin Go Walk mesh fabric. Scrub lightly.

Create a Mild Cleaning Solution

• In a mixing bowl, sink or bucket, dilute a mild cleaning solution of lukewarm water and a small amount of gentle laundry detergent, dish soap, or shoe cleaner.
• White vinegar can be added to help dissolve stubborn stains and eliminate odors. Vinegar is also gentle enough for shoes.
• Do not use harsh chemicals like bleach, alcohol, or alkaline cleaners that could interact with dyes and materials on the Go Walk shoes.

Completely Submerge Shoes and Agitate

• Fully submerge a Go Walk shoe in the cleaning solution, gently swirling and moving it around to dislodge the dirt so it can dissolve. Use a soft rag or brush to gently spot clean heavily stained areas. -Allow shoes to soak for 15-20 minutes so the solution can fully penetrate materials.
• Drain the dirty solution and refill the wash basin with fresh cleaner as needed until the shoes are clean.

Rinse Extremely Thoroughly

• Once shoes are scrubbed and cleaned, rinse them under cool running water until all traces of soap, vinegar, and cleaning solution are removed.
• Rinse both the interior and exterior, turning shoes upside down to remove all soap residue from crevices. Soap left behind can break down adhesives.
• Thorough rinsing helps shoes maintain their integrity and lifespan. Repeat rinsing as needed.

Absorb Moisture and Air Dry

• Once rinsed, stuff each shoe with paper towels, cloth rags, or clean towels to absorb excess moisture. Towels conform to the shoes’ shape as they dry.
• Insert rags or towels into toe caps and insoles as well to draw out all moisture.
• Allow shoes to air dry fully before wearing them again. Place in a well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight.

Clean Insoles and Laces

• Machine wash any removable insoles marked ‘washable’ per tag instructions. Let air dry.
• Hand wash other insole types with gentle detergent, rinse, and air dry before replacing.
• Wash laces by hand or on a gentle cycle. Line dry or tumble dry on low.

By following this thorough hand washing and drying process, you can safely clean Skechers Go Walk shoes when they become dirty without risking damage from machine washing. Take care to use only mild detergent and cool water, avoid harsh scrubbing, rinse extremely well, and air dry completely before wearing again.

Tips for Keeping Your Go Walk Shoes Looking Fresh

Hand washing Go Walk shoes periodically is one way to revive their appearance after heavy use. But you can also take some easy preventative steps to maintain your Skechers shoes in like-new condition between washes:

• Apply waterproofing spray – Treating Go Walk shoes with a silicone or acrylic-based waterproofing spray can help repel dirt, minor stains, and moisture. Re-apply to uppers every 1-2 months.
• Use shoe bags for storage – Store Go Walk shoes in breathable cotton shoe bags when packing them in your gym bag or suitcase. This prevents dirt transfer and stains when in transit.
• Allow shoes to air and dry out – Give Go Walk shoes at least 24 hours to air out between wears. This lets moisture evaporate and prevents bacterial buildup inside.
• Rotate shoes – Alternate wearing Go Walk with other pairs day to day. Rotation reduces constant moisture exposure to any single pair extending their lifespan.
• Clean insoles frequently – Remove insoles and wash regularly to avoid foot odor. Washcloth insoles by hand and air dry. Machine wash removable insoles marked ‘washable’.
• Wipe down exteriors – For quick touch-ups between wears, use disinfecting wipes or a microfiber cloth dampened with mild soap and water to spot-clean the outside of shoes. Pay extra attention to the toes and heels.
• Use gel inserts – Consider adding orthotic gel inserts inside Go Walk shoes for extra cushioning and sweat absorption to help shoes stay fresher. Remove and wash gel inserts frequently.
• Protect high-wear areas – Use clear toe caps and heel stickers made for footwear to protect these high scuff zones from showing early wear and tear during walks. Replace protectant stickers periodically.
• Keep shoes stored properly – Keep Go Walk shoes stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight when not being worn. Heat and light can break down materials faster.

With a combination of periodic hand washing when dirty paired with these easy preventative maintenance steps, your Skechers Go Walk shoes will maintain a like-new appearance for many miles to come.

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Advanced Cleaning for Severely Dirty Go Walk Shoes

For Go Walk shoes that are excessively dirty or stained to the point that regular hand washing alone can’t restore them, consider these more advanced cleaning methods:

• Oxygen-based bleach cleaner – An oxygen bleach solution won’t damage shoes like chlorine bleach and helps dissolve deep stains and brighten whites. Rinse thoroughly after use.
• Steam cleaning – Use a handheld garment steamer to penetrate and loosen dried dirt. Be careful not to overheat materials. Scrub with a soft brush after steaming.
• UV sanitizing – A UV shoe sanitizer box kills odor-causing bacteria. But combine with other methods to fully clean stains.
• Vinegar or rubbing alcohol – For odor issues, spray shoes with white vinegar or rubbing alcohol, allow to dry fully, then hand wash. This disinfects and deodorizes.
• Toothpaste – For scuff marks, rub a small amount of non-gel toothpaste gently over the spot using a soft cloth. Rinse afterward.

While challenging, even heavily soiled Go Walk shoes can be refreshed with extra cleaning power. Just take care when using any cleaning agents and test first in an inconspicuous spot.

Signs It May Be Time to Replace Your Go Walk Shoes

With regular cleaning and care, Go Walk shoes can last for many miles of walking comfort. However, there are some signs indicating it may be time to retire an old, worn-out pair and upgrade to fresh new Go Walk shoes:

• Excessive holes, tears, or cracks in upper mesh fabric or rubber soles
• Visible decreased sole tread depth due to extensive wear
• Permanent stains that don’t come out fully with cleaning
• Shoes consistently emit unpleasant odors even after washing
• Lack of support or uncomfortable pressure points on feet indicating compacted cushioning
• Eyelets, grommets, or hooks that have come loose or ripped out making laces impossible to secure
• Separated seams, detached sections, or loose sole panels due to adhesive breakdown
• Misshapen fit, stretched-out dimensions, or loose feel indicating packing out of cushioning

When you notice multiple signs of excessive wear, it’s a good indicator your faithful Go Walk have logged their final miles and need replacement. Worn-out walking shoes lack support and can lead to foot pain, injuries, or accidents.

Retire shoes once they reach about 500-600 miles total of use. Evaluate retirement timing also based on visible wear patterns. Keeping an old pair just for yardwork use is one way to maximize value before a new pair is needed.

Finding the Right Replacement Go Walk Model

When the time comes to shop for new Go Walk shoes, consider your walking needs and preferences to choose the best replacement model.

Factors to Consider:

• Type of walking – More stable models like Go WalkPeak are better for hiking while Go Walk Arch Fit suits urban walking well. Evaluate traction needs.
• Mileage – If you walk high mileage, prioritize cushioning and support features like Go Walk Max provides. Or size up half a size.
• Foot shape – Opt for wider toe box Go Walk models if you have broad feet. Or choose Arch Fit for higher arches.
• Climate – In rainy climates, choose Go Walk with waterproof materials. Well-ventilated models suit hot locales best.
• Size and fit – Consider sizing up, especially if your old pair is stretched out. Trying on in-store helps assess new pair fit.

Seeking out customer reviews of newer Go Walk models can provide helpful insight on fit, sizing, comfort, and durability from actual wearers.

Or consult with a knowledgeable salesperson to find the Go Walk variety best tailored to your walking routine. Investing in the ideal new pair ensures seasons more comfortable walking ahead.

Go Walk Hand Washing Instructions Summary

To recap, follow these key steps to hand wash Skechers Go Walk shoes:

• Remove insoles and laces
• Make a mild soap and water solution. Avoid harsh chemicals.
• Use a soft brush to gently scrub the entire exterior surface.
• Submerge shoes and soak in wash solution for 15-20 minutes.
• Drain dirty water, refill basin, and repeat cleaning until shoes are clean.
• Rinse extremely thoroughly under cool running water.
• Absorb moisture with paper towels or rags. Let air dry completely.
• Wash insoles and laces separately before returning to shoes.

With the proper hand-washing techniques, Skechers Go Walk shoes can be cleaned safely and restored to like-new condition.

Conclusion

Skechers Go Walk shoes are a must-have for any active walker seeking lightweight, comfortable shoes to log miles in. While machine washing Go Walk shoes is not recommended and can cause damage, they can be effectively cleaned as needed by proper hand washing techniques using mild soap and cool water.

Be sure to scrub gently, rinse shoes thoroughly, absorb moisture with towels, and allow Go Walk to fully air dry. Combining occasional hand washing when dirty with preventative care between wears will help your Go Walk shoes last for seasons of walking enjoyment.

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