Taking care of your barefoot shoes is a craft: everything you need to know to do it right

And why doing it makes the difference between footwear that lasts… and one that dies in two months

At Roots Barefoot we don’t just design sneakers: we create tools that transform your way of walking. And like any tool used frequently, your Roots need care. Not just for aesthetics. For functionality. For health. For coherence with a more conscious way of life.

This blog is not just a cleaning guide. It’s an educational resource so you understand why it’s so important to properly care for your barefoot footwear, how each material reacts, what mistakes to avoid, and what tools to use so it accompanies you for years.

1. Caring is not just cleaning: it’s preserving the shoe’s function

Most people think cleaning shoes is an aesthetic issue. But it’s not. A clean shoe is a functional shoe, especially when we talk about barefoot models.

Poor care can affect:

• The flexibility of the materials
• The adhesion and safety of the sole
• The internal structure, which influences how your foot strikes
• The breathability of the fabric
• The health of your skin, by increasing moisture, bacteria, and fungi

2. Science (and experience) says: the data behind good care

• 90% of premature failures in technical footwear are related to washing machines, abrasive products, or improper drying. 
• A study published in the Journal of Footwear Science confirmed that daily use without cleaning or ventilation doubles the bacteria responsible for bad odor and athlete’s foot.
• Proper cleaning and protection can extend the lifespan of footwear by between 30% and 50%.

3. Common mistakes that damage your footwear (even if you don’t realize it)

• Machine wash without precautions: heat + friction deteriorate adhesives, deform the fabric, and compact interior materials.
• Use aggressive products: they break technical fibers, alter colors, and remove protective layers.
• Dry in the sun or near the radiator: adhesives crystallize, materials crack, the sole deforms.
• Do not remove the insole: moisture accumulates, it deteriorates sooner and causes bad odor.
• Do not waterproof from the start: dirt penetrates more easily and is harder to remove.

4. What if I put my Roots in the washing machine?

We understand perfectly: putting sneakers in the washing machine can be very tempting, especially in the case of sneakers or models with mesh-type fabrics. And yes, we know many people have done it... even ourselves, in internal tests.

The reality is that often nothing serious happens. The shoe comes out clean and apparently fine. But that does not mean it is safe or recommended as a regular method.

Why?

Because even when the damage is not immediately visible, heat, spinning, or detergent chemicals can progressively affect the internal structure, adhesives, padding, or fibers of the technical fabric. And, as a brand, we cannot guarantee that the results will always be the same, as they depend on many factors: the model, the condition of the shoe, the washing machine, the program, etc.

So, if you still decide to do it...

Do it at your own risk, and follow these guidelines to minimize risks:

• Cold, short, and very gentle cycle.
• Put the sneakers inside a protective bag or accompany them with towels to avoid impacts.
• Use neutral detergent or one specially made for delicate clothes.
• Always take out the insoles and clean them by hand.
• Air dry them, away from the sun and heat sources.

5. How to properly clean your Roots

✅ CLEANING

• Lukewarm or cold water
• Neutral soap or mild detergent
• Soft brush for fabrics, firmer for the sole
• Always remove the insole and clean it separately

✅ DRYING

• Outdoors, without direct sunlight
• Never use a dryer or radiator
• You can insert paper inside to maintain shape and absorb moisture

🚫 AVOID

• Bleach or harsh products
• Perfumes, industrial stain removers
• Washing machine or dryer without precautions
• Storing wet or unventilated shoes

In winter, caring for your shoes is even more important

With the arrival of cold and rain, conditions change... and so do your shoe’s needs.

• The streets are dirtier.
• We walk on mud, puddles, wet leaves, or de-icing salt.
• We wear closed shoes for many hours.
• And accumulated moisture can affect both the outside and the inside of the shoe.

All this makes your barefoot sneakers more exposed to stains, moisture, bacteria, and premature deterioration.

That’s why, now more than ever, we recommend:

✔️ Prevent stains or soaking from the start by applying waterproofing to all your Roots
✔️ Clean them more frequently, even if they don’t look dirty
✔️ Avoid letting dirt dry, as it embeds more easily if the fabric is not protected

🌧️ A well waterproofed pair stains less, is easier to clean, and keeps its shape longer. Also, by drying faster, it prevents the appearance of odors or bacteria

6. ROOTS SHOES CARE: our line of shoe care products

Because not just any product will do. We needed something that respected the structure, material, and barefoot philosophy. And that’s why ROOTS SHOE CARE was born, with two complete lines:

STANDARD LINE + CARBON PRO

• Cleaning set: brush + mild cleaner. This product offers deep cleaning, strong nourishment, and long-lasting protection, all in one step. It also preserves the breathability of the materials
• Carbon Pro Waterproofing: It is a spray that creates a layer of invisible fibers that repel water, oil, mud, and stains without altering texture or breathability. Ideal for those seeking maximum durability, especially in urban or humid environments.

ECO LINE

• Organic cleaner: free of toxins and harsh chemicals. 
• Organic waterproofing: Formulated with 90% natural raw materials, where olive oil acts as the main waterproofing and softening agent.

7. When and how to use WATERPROOFING PRODUCTS?

• Before first use ➜ apply the waterproofing. We have more information on the website about how to apply it. 
• Every 4-5 weeks with occasional use, or reapply more often if you use your sneakers daily. The organic waterproofing lasts less. 
• After each wash, applying the waterproofing will also help keep the footwear hydrated and better prepared for the next use. 

In summary: taking care of your shoes is not an extra, it is part of using them well

When you take care of your barefoot footwear:

• You extend its useful life
• You preserve its anatomical function
• You avoid health problems
• You take care of your investment
• And you maintain consistency with a more natural way of walking

If you have any particular questions about the maintenance or cleaning of any model, write to us at the email contacto@rootsbarefoot.com and we will explain in more detail.