Washing Instructions For Native Shoes

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.

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. Here’s how to do it:

Clean Native Shoes By Hand

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.

In a small bowl, dissolve a bit of ACTIVE Detergent powder with warm water to create a soapy mixture. Agitate the liquid until it becomes sudsy and dip a sponge in.

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.

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.

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.

Pro-tip: If your shoes come with laces, take them off so that you can clean them separately. The easiest way is to soak them in a bit of detergent solution. Rinse them clean with water afterwardsand you’re good to go. Wait until they’re fully dry before putting them back on the shoes.

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.

Start by removing the shoelaces – you can either put them in the washer with your shoes or wash them separately by hand.

As for the shoes, you want to clean off any surface dirt with a brush or cloth before putting them in the machine. Don’t put them directly into the tub, though. You want to protect them by placing them in a laundry bag.

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

Once you’ve done that, 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.

Take the shoes out of the washing machine afterward 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.

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. For example, you can dilute it with water and pour it into a spray bottle. From there, just spray it liberally onto your shoes, both the inside and outside. Its acidic nature will help to get rid of any offending smells.

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.

If you’re washing them with the washer, you can also add a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle.

Using Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol is another great deodorizer. Similar to vinegar, you can pour it into a spray bottle and apply it to your shoes. It’ll also dry quickly so that’s another plus.

If you don’t have a spray bottle, you can dampen a cloth or 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.

Using Baking Soda

Simply some baking soda into each of the shoes. Spread it evenly throughout the inside and leave it in for several hours (overnight works too). The powder will absorb the odor so that your shoes will smell fresh again. You just have to dump the baking soda afterward.

If you don’t want to get the powder over your shoes, you can put the baking soda in a baggie or a clean sock and put that inside your shoes instead. That way, you won’t have to worry about cleanup.

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.