How to clean sandals' footbed
Reading time: 3 minutes | Last updated: June 11, 2025
You love your sandals. They’ve carried you through sunny strolls, weekend getaways, and maybe even a spontaneous hike. But let’s face it – those footbeds? They’ve seen things. And sometimes, they start to feel (and smell) a bit… well, lived-in.
No worries – Wolky’s got your back (and your feet). Here’s your go-to guide for giving your sandals the TLC they deserve, so they can keep supporting you every step of the way.
How to clean sandals' footbed
Step 1 | Know your materials
First things first – what are we working with? At Wolky, we use only high-quality materials like suede, cork, leather, and memory foam. That’s part of what makes our sandals feel like walking on clouds (not kidding – it’s kind of our thing). But different materials need a little different love.
Before you start scrubbing, check what your footbed is made of. Most of our footbeds feature a layer of leather. But the odd one out has a suede layer. You can check the materials in the ‘product specification description’ on the right side of the product page.
Super easy if you wear Wolky sandals: most of our sandals feature a removable insole. That means you can take them out and clean them properly – no acrobatics required.
Step 2: Dry brushing
If your sandals just need a quick refresh:
- Grab a soft-bristle brush (a toothbrush works like a charm).
- Gently brush away dust, dirt, and loose debris.
- Done in under 2 minutes. Boom. Fresh(er) already.
Step 3: Deep clean
If your sandals are starting to develop a relationship with your feet that’s a bit too… aromatic, try this:
For suede or leather footbeds:
- Mix a little mild soap (like dish soap or gentle laundry detergent) with lukewarm water.
- Dampen a cloth or sponge – not soaking wet, just damp.
- Gently wipe the footbed in circular motions.
- Wipe again with a clean damp cloth to remove soap residue.
- Let them air dry – away from direct sunlight or heat. (No hair dryers, please!)
Bonus tip: Sprinkle a bit of baking soda on the footbed once dry and leave it overnight to deodorize. Brush off in the morning. Voilà – freshness restored!
Step 4: Keep it fresh
Easy, peezy, wasn’t it? Now that your sandals are clean, here are a few quick tips to keep them that way:
- Let them air out between wears (especially easy with Wolky’s removable footbeds!)
- Store them in a cool, dry place.
- Use cedar shoe inserts or pouches with baking soda when storing.
Why it matters
We design every pair of Wolky sandals to be designed for walking – and that means we want them to last. Clean sandals not only feel better, but they also help maintain the shape, support, and premium materials that make Wolky sandals stand out. Plus, let’s be real – slipping on fresh sandals just feels great.
So go ahead – give your sandals a quick refresh. Your feet will thank you.
Or simply buy new footbeds
When the footbeds of your sandals are beyond saving, you can always buy a new pair from us. New footbeds give you that fresh-out-of-the-box feeling again. Check out our insoles here.
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These shoes are of excellent quality. With proper care, they'll stay beautiful for a long time – sustainable for the planet and smart for your wallet. Our maintenance tips:












