How to Wash Rothy’s Sneakers
I have been eyeing Rothy’s sneakers for nearly as long as I have lived in the Bay Area. Which is to say, a long time!
Not only is Rothy’s known for being chic (Megan Markle and Gweneth Paltrow are known to wear Rothy’s), but they are also sustainable (source).
Rothy’s has turned over 548,748+ pounds of ocean-bound marine plastic into the thread used to knit their bags and accessories (source and source).
Before committing to a purchase, I wanted to understand how to wash Rothy’s sneakers to make sure it was easy and something I would realistically do to maintain them.
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Why Wash Your Rothy’s Sneakers?
Do you currently wash your sneakers? If you don’t, you should! It turns out, your sneakers may be dirtier than a toilet seat (source).
The soles of your sneakers can carry Escherichia Coli, and some strains of this bacterium can cause intestinal and urinary tract infections and even dangerous food poisoning (source).
If that’s not enough to encourage you to wash your sneakers, consider the mental and confidence benefits of feeling good in what you wear.
Researchers refer to it as “enclothed cognition,” which refers to how our clothes and appearance can have an impact on psychology and performance (source).
Finally, washing your sneakers helps to preserve longevity, which is part of Rothy’s sustainability mission (source).
Rothy’s Chief Sustainability Officer Saskia van Gendt told Forbes, “We’re designing products so they can be washable and truly last as long as possible (source).”
RELATED: How to Clean the Bottom of Shoes
How to Wash Rothy’s Sneakers
Washing your Rothy’s sneakers will help them last as long as possible. It will also minimize any nasty bacteria growing on your shoes. Plus, clean Rothy’s sneakers just look better!
Project Overview:
- Skill Level: Beginner
- Active Time: a few minutes to load the washer
- Total Time: 40 minutes on delicate cycle + approximately one day drying time
Tools and Materials:
- Mild detergent
- Washing machine
Machine Washing Instructions:
Step 1: Remove Footbed & Tie Shoelaces
Remove the contoured footbed and tie the shoelaces together. This prevents the shoelaces from falling out or getting tangled.
Alternatively, you can remove the shoelaces and contain them in a mesh laundry bag.
Step 2: Load Washing Machine
Load your shoes and footbed into the washing machine.
Step 3: Select Cold Water, Mild Detergent & Delicate Cycle
Select cold water, mild detergent, and the delicate cycle.
Cold water is more eco-friendly as the water does not require extra energy to be heated up. Hot water may also cause your shoes to sink.
Step 4: Air Dry
Allow your shoes to air dry. Avoid heat as it might shrink your shoes.
If you have the Monty or RS01 Sneaker in merino wool, a shoe tree will help to keep your shoes form.
How to Hand Wash Rothy’s Midsole:
If your sneakers have a blue midsole (the removable layer between the insole and inside the base of the shoes), hand wash the midsole. The sneakers can be machine-washed as described above.
Step 1: Fill the Basin with Water
Fill a sink, tub, or basin with cold water.
Step 2: Add Midsole, Mild Detergent & Gently Rub
Add your midsoles to the basin along with mild detergent. Make sure they are completely submerged in the water. Gently rub the midsoles together.
Step 3: Rinse
Submerge them in the water again and rinse them off.
Step 4: Air Dry
Allow your midsoles to completely air dry before putting them back into your shoes.
How do you keep Rothy’s sneakers from smelling?
There are a few things you can do to keep your Rothy’s sneakers from smelling.
- Washing your Rothy’s regularly will help to prevent smelling.
- Wearing socks will help prevent foot perspiration from leaching into your sneakers. Instead, the sock will absorb perspiration and odor.
- Last resort, swap out your insole for a fresh insole.
DIY Instructions for Treating Stinky Rothys:
- Cover the insoles with baking soda and let them sit for an hour
- After an hour, spray the baking soda with vinegar
- Shake the baking soda off
- Run your sneakers, and the insoles, through a washing cycle
FAQs
It depends on how often you wear them. If you are wearing them often, you can wash them every two weeks or as soon as they begin to look dirty.
Absolutely! The washing machine is the recommended method to wash your Rothy’s sneakers.
Final Thoughts on How to Wash Rothy’s Sneakers
Hopefully, you now feel as well informed as I do about why and how to wash your Rothy’s sneakers!
Washing your Rothy’s sneakers will help to preserve longevity, improve appearance, and get rid of bacteria.
