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Washing Instructions For Native Shoes

April 10, 2023

Native Shoes was founded by Damien van hall de Jong and Scott Hawthorn in 2009. Based in Vancouver, the brand offers a variety of footwear, most of which feature ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) technology.

Nowadays, their products are available in more than 30 countries worldwide. In the United States alone, you can find them at a number of retailers such as Nordstrom, Dick’s Sporting Goods and Macy’s.

The Native Shoes Remix Project

The company also has an initiative called the Native Shoes Remix Project, which recycles footwear into versatile materials that can be used for insulation, playground flooring, and seating. This applies to all of their products including their knit sneakers, boots, sandals, and slip-ons.

how to wash native shoes

For those who’d like to recycle their shoes, simply send them back to the company through UPS. Through their website, you can log into their shipping partner’s page where you can print a free return shipping label. From there, you just have to fill out the form, pack it up, and drop it off at your local UPS store.

Alternatively, you can drop your used shoes off at a local retail store. There are many locations across the United States – feel free to take a look at their list of stores on their official website.


How to Wash Native Shoes

All of their shoes are made from EVA material, which means that it’s perfectly okay to wash them with water.

Clean Native Shoes By Hand

Hand washing is the best option when it comes to preserving the integrity of your shoes. Here’s how to do it.

Step 1: Remove Excess Dirt

remove dirt from native shoes

Start by removing any dirt with a cloth or soft brush. Don’t forget to wipe the soles as well.

Next, wet the shoes by holding them under running water.

Step 2: Create a Detergent Solution

active detergent

In a small bowl, dissolve a bit of ACTIVE Detergent powder with warm water to create a soapy mixture.

Step 3: Apply the Detergent Mixture

clean with sponge

Agitate the liquid until it becomes sudsy, then saturate a sponge with the solution.

Using the sponge, gently scrub your Native Shoes in a circular motion. Remember to pay extra attention to the heels and front of the shoes as dirt and mud tend to accumulate in those areas.

Step 4: Rinse With Water

running water kitchen

Rinse the shoes with cool water. Continue until there are no more soap suds.

Step 5: Let Them Air Dry

air dry native shoes

After rinsing, let the shoes air dry in a well-ventilated room. Do not use the dryer and do not leave them outdoors as the sun can cause them to fade.

Supply:

  • Soft bristle brush
  • A small bowl
  • ACTIVE Detergent
  • Sponge

If your shoes are excessively dirty, you may need to soak the whole thing in the detergent solution. For the best results, let them soak for 15-20 minutes before rinsing.

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Are Native Shoes Machine Washable?

It’s best not to put their EVA shoes in the washing machine as the heat and agitation can cause the foam material to deform. Having said that, you can machine wash them in a pinch – there’s just a few precautions you have to take.

Supplies:

  • Soft bristle brush
  • Laundry bag
  • A few towels
  • ACTIVE Detergent

Step 1:

Using a soft bristle brush, remove any excess dirt and mud from the shoes before putting them in the machine. Remember to use a laundry bag.

You can balance the weight of the shoes by adding a few towels to the washer. Avoid washing them with your clothes.

clothes in laundry bag

Step 2:

Set the washing machine to a gentle cycle with a cold water setting. Add a scoop of ACTIVE Detergent to the drawer or drum and let it run.

activewear laundry detergent gym clothing deodorizer

Step 3:

Take the shoes out of the washing machine and let them dry naturally.

Remember, never put the shoes in the dryer as the high heat can damage the EVA material.

Let them air dry in a well-ventilated area instead, away from direct sunlight.

dry native shoes

Fixing Smelly Native Shoes

Here are a few ways to deodorize your Native footwear:

Using White Vinegar

White vinegar is great for tackling odor-causing contaminants; Its acidic nature will help to get rid of any offending smells.

Supplies:

  • White vinegar
  • Water
  • Spray bottle
cleaning with vinegar

Step 1:

Fill a spray bottle with equal parts of white vinegar and water.

apply spray 1

Step 2:

Spray the vinegar solution liberally onto your shoes. Make sure both the inside and outside surfaces are saturated.

Alternatively, you can soak the shoes in a water-vinegar mixture. Just keep in mind that you’ll have to wait for them to dry completely before putting them on again.

Using Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol is another great deodorizer that most of us probably already have lying around in the house.

Supplies:

  • Spray bottle
  • Paper towel (optional)

Step 1:

Pour the rubbing alcohol into a spray bottle and apply it to your shoes.

cleaning with vinegar

Step 2: (Alternative):

If you don’t have a spray bottle, you can dampen a paper towel with the alcohol and use it to wipe the surfaces of your shoe.

You might have to use a bit more alcohol but it’ll work the same way.

piece of paper towel

One great thing about rubbing alcohol is that it dries quickly so you won’t have to wait that long for it to dry.

Using Baking Soda

Baking soda is also effective for neutralizing odors.

Supplies:

  • Baking soda
  • Clean socks (optional)
add baking soda 3

Step 1:

Pour a generous amount of baking soda into each shoe.

Make sure it’s spread out evenly throughout the inside and leave it in for several hours.

remove baking soda from natives

Step 2:

Remove the baking soda afterwards. The powder will absorb the odor so that your shoes will smell fresh again.

If you don’t want to get the powder over your shoes, you can put the baking soda in a clean sock and put that inside your shoes instead.


Washing Native Shoes – FAQs

Can you clean Native shoes with a magic eraser?

A Magic Eraser can be used to remove scuffs, tough marks, and stains. Just wet the eraser and wipe the desired area.

Can you put Native shoes in the dryer?

No, you should never put their footwear in the dryer. Not only will the heat damage the EVA material but it can also cause the adhesives on the shoe to melt.

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Picture of Sophia Grant

Sophia Grant

Sophia Grant brings her extensive knowledge of laundry and clothing care to the masses with her intensive cleaning guides. Her thorough understanding of fabrics, detergents, and washing techniques helps readers master the art of maintaining their wardrobe. Sophia's advice ensures that anyone can achieve professional-level results at home, keeping their garments looking pristine and lasting longer.

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