How to Machine Wash Nike, Adidas, and New Balance Sneakers Safely

Nike, Adidas, New Balance — these are some of the most popular athletic shoe brands, and also the most commonly machine-washed. Here’s the safe way to do it for each brand.

Can You Machine Wash Nike Shoes?

Nike’s official guidance recommends against machine washing for most models — but this is a conservative position primarily for performance shoes with specialized cushioning. Most Nike shoes with fabric or mesh uppers wash well when you follow the right protocol.

• Safe to machine wash: Nike Air Max (mesh upper varieties), Nike Free, Cortez canvas, Blazer canvas, most fabric Dunk colorways
• Avoid machine washing: Leather Air Forces, suede-paneled styles

Can You Machine Wash Adidas Shoes?

Adidas Ultraboost, Stan Smith, and Superstar are among the most commonly washed sneakers in the world. The Boost foam midsole holds up to cold-water washes without damage.

• Safe: Stan Smith canvas, Superstar canvas, Ultraboost with Primeknit uppers, most fabric trainers
• Avoid: Leather-paneled styles

Can You Machine Wash New Balance Shoes?

New Balance running and training shoes are built tough. Their Fresh Foam and FuelCell midsoles are generally stable through cold-water washes.

• Safe: NB 990, 574, 550 in mesh/fabric versions, most running shoe models with synthetic uppers
• Avoid: Suede-paneled versions, leather dress-casual styles

The Universal Safe Washing Protocol

• Step 1: Check the upper — mesh, fabric, or canvas is safe; leather/suede is not
• Step 2: Remove laces and insoles, clean separately
• Step 3: Place shoes in a Fluffie shoe laundry bag
• Step 4: Cold water, gentlest cycle available, add old towels to balance
• Step 5: Small amount of liquid detergent
• Step 6: Air dry only — 12–24 hours — never the dryer

How Often Should You Machine Wash?

For everyday sneakers, a full machine wash every 4–6 weeks is typically sufficient with regular spot cleaning in between. For gym shoes worn daily, more frequent washing may be needed. Don’t over-wash — each cycle puts some stress on materials.

With the right process and a Fluffie shoe laundry bag, machine washing your favorite Nike, Adidas, or New Balance shoes is safe, effective, and easy.