How to Wash Superga Sneakers

Superga is an Italian footwear company that’s known for its tennis shoes.

About Superga

Superga was founded in 1911 by Walter Martiny, who began his career producing rubber-soled footwear.

In 2011, the Steve Madden Corporation acquired the license to sell and distribute its products in North America. Not long afterward, they opened their first store in Soho, New York City.

About Their Footwear Collection

Superga sells a variety of sneakers including platforms, lace-ups, slip-ons, and high tops. They also have an organic shoe collection, which features an organic canvas cotton upper and an all-natural rubber outsole.

Compared to other brands, their products are also affordable. It depends on the style but generally speaking, you’re looking at around $65 to $90 for a pair. They also have a clearance section where you can take advantage of extra discounts.

Taking Care of Superga Footwear

Their products are made from durable materials, which are designed to withstand everyday wear. Like all shoes, however, they’ll inevitably get dirty. To prevent that, it’s highly recommended that you use a shoe-protectant spray. It’ll provide an invisible coating, which will protect the material from water, dirt, and stains.

What Materials Are Their Shoes Made Of?

Their shoes are made from various materials from cotton to moleskin. Here’s what you need to know.

Cotton

Cotton is hypoallergenic, which makes it ideal for those who suffer from allergies. It’s also comfortable, lightweight, and easy to clean. On top of that, it’s fully breathable (ie. your feet will remain cooler in hot conditions). The only drawback is that it tends to shrink if exposed to heat.

Moleskin

Moleskin is a heavy woven cotton fabric that’s brushed and sheared on one side. Not only will it stand up against tough winds and chills, but it’s also breathable.

Suede

Suede is a type of leather that’s known for its fuzzy finish. Made from the underside of animal skin, it’s incredibly soft, lightweight, and luxurious. The thinness of the material also gives it a smooth, appealing appearance. Compared to other materials, however, it tends to get dirty easily.

How to Wash Superga Sneakers

Here’s how to wash their classic sneakers:

Throwing Superga Shoes In the Washer

Take out the shoe laces and wash them separately with soapy water. Using a soft bristle brush, remove any excess dirt from the shoes (don’t forget the soles) and place them in a mesh laundry bag. A clean pillowcase can also be used if you don’t have a mesh bag. It’ll keep the shoes together so that they won’t be thrown around while the machine runs.

Remember to wash them separately from your clothes. However, you can add a few towels to balance the weight so that the cycle will run more smoothly.

Measure one scoop of ACTIVE Detergent powder and pour it into the machine (into the dispenser or directly into the drum). You mustn’t add too much, otherwise, soap residue can build up and that can trap in dirt and debris. Also, avoid using chlorine bleach or oxygen bleach as they can damage the material.

Next, choose your wash settings. For shoes, you want to be extra gentle, which is why you want to use a delicate cycle. It’ll minimize the amount of agitation, which will keep them looking like new. And make sure to use cold water. Hot water can damage the adhesives holding the rubber sole together.

Take the shoes out of the washing machine once the cycle is finished. Don’t put them in the dryer. Rather, you want to let them air dry in a well-ventilated area. You can speed up the process by using a dehumidifier or fan. Stuffing the shoes with paper towels or newspapers will also help soak up the excess water.

The shoes should be completely dry before you put the laces back in.

Hand Washing Superga Shoes

Prepare a bath for your shoes – you can use a bucket or a sink, as long as you can fit them in comfortably. Fill it with cold water so that it’s 3/4 full and mix in 1/2 a scoop of ACTIVE Detergent. You may have to swish the water around to dissolve the powder.

Take out the laces and place them in the cleaning solution (consider pre-treating any stains). Do the same with the shoes. Use an old soft toothbrush to remove excess dirt from the upper and soles, if necessary.

Leave the shoes in the sink for 20 minutes. Let them soak in the detergent mixture – that’ll get rid of any dirt and mud that’s embedded in the fabric.

Rinse the shoes and laces thoroughly after soaking. Hold them under a stream of water until it runs clear – there shouldn’t be any soap suds left. Wipe them down with a clean cloth so that they’re not dripping wet and place them in a well-ventilated room so that they can dry naturally. Consider stuffing the inside with newspapers or paper towels to speed up the process.

Wait until the shoes are fully dry, usually between 8-12 hours, before putting the laces back in.

Note: Shoes that can’t be machine washed should be spot-treated. Our preferred stain remover is ACTIVE Detergent. Dissolve a bit of the powder in a bowl of water and apply it to the stained areas with a soft brush. Gently rub it in with small, circular motions. Leave it on for about 15-20 minutes (longer if you’re dealing with white canvas shoes) before wiping it clean with a damp cloth. Let it air dry afterward.

How to Wash Superga Slip-Ons

Their slip-ons can be washed similarly to the classics (assuming that the particular model is machine washable).

Machine Washing Superga Slip-Ons

Clean the shoe surface with a brush to remove any excessive dirt and place them in a laundry bag (use a clean pillowcase if you don’t have one). Don’t put the shoes directly into the machine as they will get damaged during the wash cycle.

Zip up the bag and place it in the washing machine. Don’t wash them together with your clothes. It’s best to wash them separately with a few towels added in to help balance the weight. You don’t want the shoes to be tossed around while they’re being washed as that can damage the shoes and the washing machine.

Add one scoop of ACTIVE Detergent and run a delicate wash cycle. Avoid using the normal setting as the agitation can damage the shoes. And make sure to use cold water as hot water can cause permanent damage to the shoe material. Not only is it bad for the adhesives but it can also warp and shrink the upper material as well.

Tip: Avoid using chlorine or non-chlorine bleach.

Let the shoes air dry after washing. You can speed up the process by placing them in front of a fan or a dehumidifier.

Keep in mind that it can take anywhere from 8 to 12 hours (sometimes more) for them to dry completely. Don’t leave them out in the sun as UV rays can cause the fabric to fade.

Hand-Washing Superga Slip-Ons In the Sink

Fill up a clean sink with cool water. Add half a scoop of ACTIVE Detergent and agitate the water until the mixture becomes sudsy.

Tip: You can add some baking soda if funky smells are an issue. Sprinkle a generous amount into the slip-ons and let it sit for 15-20 minutes before proceeding to wash the item.

Place the slip-ons in the solution after removing the excess dirt with a brush. The shoes should be completely saturated with the detergent mixture (only if the particular style is machine washable). Let them sit for approximately 20 minutes – that’ll give the detergent time to get rid of any dirt or oils that are on the shoes.

Turn on the faucet. Hold the slip-ons under the stream of running water to rinse off the detergent. Continue for 1 to 2 minutes, until all soap suds are gone. Alternatively, you can refill the sink with clean water from the tap and rinse them in there.

Wipe the outside of the slip-ons with a clean towel so that they’re not dripping wet and let them dry naturally indoors. Don’t use the dryer. You can place newspapers or paper towels inside to get rid of some of the excess water. Using a dehumidifier can also speed up the drying process.