Washed my favorite pair of New Balance sneakers last week. They looked decent at first glance, then… disaster. A bit of a soggy mess, truth be told. Because let’s be real, sometimes you just want to throw them in and walk away, right?
I’ve spent way too much cash on shoe cleaners that promised miracles and delivered disappointment, leaving my kicks looking streaky or worse. After nearly a decade of this nonsense, I’ve learned a few things the hard way. So, when you’re staring at muddy suede or grimy mesh, you’re probably wondering: can i put new balance shoes in washer?
Here’s the blunt truth I wish someone had told me before I ruined my third pair trying to cut corners.
So, Can I Put New Balance Shoes in the Washer? The Verdict
Look, the short, no-bullshit answer is: *technically, yes, you *can*. But should you? Probably not, especially if you want them to look and feel like anything remotely close to their original glory. Think of it like trying to jump-start a vintage car with a lawnmower battery – it might work in a pinch, but you’re risking serious damage to both components. My first attempt involved a steaming hot wash cycle and a dash of regular detergent. The result? A pair of New Balance that looked like they’d gone ten rounds with a badger, shrunk slightly, and developed a permanent, unpleasant stiffness that even my most aggressive shoe trees couldn’t fix. That was after I’d already dropped around $150 on those particular shoes, a memory that still stings a little.
New Balance uses a variety of materials, from delicate suede and mesh to sturdier leather and synthetic blends. The washing machine’s aggressive tumbling action, combined with hot water and harsh detergents, can wreak havoc on these different components. Adhesives can weaken, fabrics can fray or lose their shape, and colors can bleed. It’s a recipe for disaster that most shoe manufacturers, including New Balance themselves, actively advise against.
[IMAGE: A pair of New Balance sneakers looking slightly misshapen and faded after being taken out of a washing machine]
Why the Machine Is Usually a Bad Idea for Your New Balance
Everyone thinks it’s a quick fix, right? Just toss ’em in. I get it. I’ve been there. My buddy Dave swore by it for his beat-up trainers. He said, “Just use cold water and don’t put them in the dryer.” Sounded reasonable. So, I tried it on a pair of old, already-on-their-last-legs New Balance 574s. Within two washes, the glue holding the sole started to give way, and the mesh panel near the toe box developed an alarming fuzziness. Dave’s shoes, I later found out, were mostly canvas. Big difference. (See Also: How To Wear Dr Martens Mens Boots)
The problem isn’t just the water temperature or the detergent; it’s the sheer mechanical stress. Imagine being tossed around in a metal drum for 30 minutes or more. Your shoes are no different. The constant friction can degrade the upper materials, loosen stitching, and even damage the midsole cushioning, which is designed to absorb impact, not endure a spin cycle.
The Sneaker Washers You’ll See on Amazon (and Why They’re Still Risky)
You’ll see these mesh bags or plastic contraptions marketed as “sneaker washers.” They’re supposed to cushion your shoes and keep them from banging against the drum. I bought one of these gizmos after that Dave incident, hoping for a compromise. It cost me about $25, which felt like a lot for a mesh bag with a couple of plastic inserts. While it *did* prevent the worst of the banging, it didn’t magically protect the delicate materials from the water and detergent. My suede panels still got waterlogged and stiff, and the overall color still looked a bit muted.
The reality is, no amount of specialized laundry accessories can fully replicate the gentle, targeted cleaning your shoes need. It’s like trying to buff a classic car with a floor buffer – the intent is there, but the precision and gentleness are completely missing.
[IMAGE: A close-up of a New Balance mesh sneaker showing frayed threads and water stains around the toe box]
A Smarter Way to Clean Your New Balance (my Go-to Method)
Forget the washing machine. Seriously. If you want your New Balance shoes to last and look good, manual cleaning is the only way. It takes a little more effort, sure, but the results are miles better. Start by removing the laces and insoles. Give the shoes a good knock together outside to dislodge any loose dirt and debris – I usually do this over a patch of grass so I don’t make a bigger mess.
For the uppers, depending on the material, you’ll need different approaches. For most mesh and synthetic materials, a soft brush (an old toothbrush works perfectly) and a mild soap solution are your best friends. Think gentle dish soap mixed with lukewarm water. Scrub in small, circular motions. For suede, you absolutely need a dedicated suede brush and cleaner. Water is the enemy of suede, so avoid getting it too wet. A damp cloth is sometimes all you need, followed by careful brushing. (See Also: How To Wear Dresses With Short Boots)
The insoles can often be wiped down with a damp cloth and a bit of that same mild soap solution. If they’re really gnarly, you can wash them separately by hand and let them air dry completely. And the laces? Toss those in a small mesh bag (a different kind than the ‘sneaker washer’ ones!) with your regular laundry or wash them by hand with soap and water. Drying is key, and it needs to be slow and natural. Stuff the shoes with paper towels or clean rags to help them maintain their shape and absorb moisture. Let them air dry away from direct heat or sunlight. I’ve found this method takes about an hour of active work over a couple of days for them to dry fully, which is a small price to pay for shoes that don’t look like they’ve been through a textile shredder.
The American Podiatric Medical Association recommends proper shoe care to prevent fungal infections and foot odor, and while they don’t explicitly mention washing machines, their emphasis on material integrity and breathability strongly suggests manual cleaning methods are preferred to maintain these qualities.
[IMAGE: Hands gently scrubbing a New Balance sneaker with a soft brush and soap mixture]
The Table of Truth: Machine vs. Manual Cleaning for New Balance
This isn’t just about whether you *can*, it’s about whether you *should*. Here’s my breakdown:
| Cleaning Method | Pros | Cons | My Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washing Machine | Fast (maybe) | High risk of damage (color bleed, material breakdown, glue failure, shape distortion), void warranty, material wear. I’ve seen this go wrong at least five times with various shoe brands. |
NO. Just… no. Unless they’re already trashed and you’re just trying to get a few more ‘wearable’ (but not pretty) wears out of them. |
| Manual Cleaning | Gentle on materials, preserves shape and color, targeted cleaning, extends shoe life. | Takes more time and effort. Requires specific cleaning tools. | YES. This is the way. Your wallet and your feet will thank you. |
What to Do If Your New Balance Have Seen Better Days (beyond Cleaning)
Sometimes, even the best cleaning can’t fix what’s already broken. If your New Balance shoes are genuinely falling apart, the soles are separating, or the cushioning is completely shot, it might be time to let them go. Keeping and wearing shoes that are past their prime isn’t just about aesthetics; it can actually impact your foot health and posture. I once tried to superglue a sole back onto a pair of running shoes. Big mistake. It didn’t hold for long, felt weird underfoot, and I ended up with a slight limp for a week.
If they’re just a bit scuffed or faded, consider color restorers or suede rejuvenators, but always test in an inconspicuous spot first. For minor fabric tears, a bit of fabric glue can sometimes do the trick, but again, be judicious. Think of it as minor surgery, not a complete rebuild.
[IMAGE: A collection of shoe cleaning tools: brushes, mild soap, paper towels, suede cleaner] (See Also: How To Wear Dresses With Tall Boots)
People Also Ask
Can You Wash New Balance 574s in the Washing Machine?
Generally, no. The 574s often have suede and mesh components that are sensitive to machine washing. While some people report success with cold, gentle cycles in a mesh bag, the risk of damage to the materials, glue, and overall structure is significant. Manual cleaning is highly recommended for this popular model.
How Do I Clean My Suede New Balance Shoes?
Suede needs special care. First, let the shoes dry completely if they are wet. Then, use a dedicated suede brush to remove dirt and restore the nap. For tougher stains, use a suede eraser or a specialized suede cleaning solution, following the product instructions carefully. Avoid water as much as possible.
How to Clean White New Balance Shoes Without a Washing Machine?
For white New Balance, a paste of baking soda and water or a mild detergent mixed with water works well. Use a soft brush or an old toothbrush to gently scrub the affected areas. For stubborn marks, a magic eraser or a specialized white shoe cleaner can be effective. Always rinse thoroughly with a damp cloth and allow them to air dry completely stuffed with paper towels.
Can You Soak New Balance Shoes?
Soaking New Balance shoes, especially those with suede or leather elements, is generally not recommended. Prolonged exposure to water can damage these materials, weaken adhesives, and lead to discoloration or loss of shape. A quick wipe-down or spot cleaning with a damp cloth is usually sufficient for minor dirt.
How to Dry New Balance Shoes After Cleaning?
Never put New Balance shoes in a clothes dryer or expose them to direct heat sources like radiators or sunlight, as this can cause shrinkage, warping, and material damage. The best method is to stuff them with plain white paper towels or clean rags to absorb moisture and maintain their shape, and let them air dry at room temperature. This process can take 24-48 hours depending on humidity.
Final Thoughts
So, to circle back to your original burning question: can i put new balance shoes in washer? My honest, hard-won advice is to steer clear. It’s a gamble where the odds are heavily stacked against your sneakers. You might get away with it once, maybe twice, but eventually, you’re going to regret it.
Instead of risking a ruined pair, take that extra 30 minutes to clean them properly by hand. It’s a small investment of time that pays off in spades, keeping your favorite kicks looking sharp and feeling good for a lot longer.
Next time you’re faced with a muddy situation, grab that soft brush and mild soap. Your New Balance will thank you, and your wallet will too.
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