Barefoot shoes have thin soles and flexible uppers, which means the upper does most of the structural work. Treat it well and the shoe lasts; bake it on a radiator and the adhesives let go in one winter.
Cleaning
- Brush off dry dirt first — brushing wet mud just pushes grit into the weave.
- Wipe with a slightly damp, soapy cloth. Mild hand soap or a dedicated footwear cleaner. No detergents, no bleach, no washing machine.
- For knit and textile uppers, a soft brush in circular motions; for leather, a damp cloth only.
- Stubborn marks on rubber: an old toothbrush with soapy water.
Drying
- Room temperature only. Stuff with newspaper or a dry cloth to hold the shape and pull moisture out.
- Keep out of direct sunlight and away from radiators, ovens, hairdryers and cars in summer. Above roughly 40 °C the adhesives and PU foam start to break down.
- Never tumble dry. Ever.
Aftercare
- Clean with mild soap and water, then air-dry away from direct heat.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to water — water-resistant is not a diving boot.
- Refresh the insole separately: pull it out, wipe it, let it dry flat. Charcoal inserts kill odour between washes.
- Suede and nubuck: brush when dry, never soak.
Storing them
Let them dry fully before they go in a cupboard. Store loosely stuffed, not squashed under other shoes — the toe box is the part that matters, and a collapsed toe box is a fit problem you cannot fix later.
When to stop cleaning and start replacing
Look at the outsole lugs: when the pattern at the heel and ball is worn flat, grip is gone. That is the moment, not the first scuff on the upper.