▷ How to maintain your water shoes ?

They kept you from slipping on the rocks, saved you from the scorching pebbles, and protected you from underwater stings all summer long. Your water shoes are the true heroes of your leisure outings, whether it's for a paddleboarding session, river fishing, or sunbathing by the sea. However, once the day is over, we often tend to throw them damp into the bottom of a bag and forget about them until the next outing. The result: musty smells, hardened rubber, and weakened fabric. Rest assured, taking care of your water shoes only takes two minutes.. At the house of Aquashoes, We explain how to pamper them so they stay supple, fresh and radiant, outing after outing.

Why is rinsing with clean water a mandatory step?

This is the number one reflex to adopt as soon as you get out of the water. Whether it's the sea, a swimming pool or a lake, water always leaves aggressive residues on your shoes.

Sea salt: the enemy of flexibility

As it dries, salt forms tiny crystals that seep into the mesh or neoprene. These crystals act like miniature sandpaper: with each movement, they grind away at the fabric fibers and eventually tear them. Furthermore, salt dries out the rubber of the sole, which can cause cracking.

Chlorine: a formidable bleaching agent

Pool water contains chemicals and chlorine. If you don't rinse your shoes after your water aerobics or swimming session, the chlorine will slowly fade the bright colors of your water shoes and reduce the elasticity of the fabric.

Mud and sand: the kings of friction

Sand and mud get everywhere, especially under the insoles and in the fastening mechanisms. A good rinse with clean water will flush these small grains away before they cause unpleasant friction against your feet the next time you use them.

Aquashoes' tip: A simple rinse under the tap or a quick spray of water in the garden after each outing is more than enough to eliminate 90% of impurities!

How to wash your water shoes: hand wash or machine wash?

After several outings, a simple rinse is no longer enough to remove mud stains or ingrained dirt. It's time for a thorough cleaning.

Option 1: Hand washing (recommended)

This is the gentlest method for preserving adhesives and synthetic materials:

1. Fill a basin with lukewarm (not hot) water.

2. Add a drop of mild soap, dishwashing liquid or liquid laundry detergent.

3. Gently scrub the outside and inside with a soft brush (an old toothbrush will work perfectly for the nooks and crannies).

4. Pay particular attention to the outsole to remove any small pebbles stuck in the cleats.

5. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.

Option 2: Putting it in the washing machine

Your aquashoes can generally be machine washed, provided you follow a few safety rules:

• Gentle program: Choose a synthetic or delicate cycle at a maximum of 30°C.

• No fabric softener: Fabric softener can clog the breathable pores of the fabric and impair its quick-drying properties.

• Laundry net: Slip your shoes into a bag or protective net to prevent them from hitting the drum too hard.

• Spin at minimum speed: Set the spin cycle to a maximum of 400 or 600 revolutions per minute to avoid deforming the shoe's structure. Natural drying is preferable.

Eliminating bad odors: tips that work

Stagnant moisture and perspiration can sometimes create unpleasant "wet dog" odors. Don't panic, simple solutions exist.

• Baking soda: This is the miracle odor-fighting product. Sprinkle two tablespoons of baking soda inside your completely dry shoes. Leave it overnight, then shake them over the sink to remove the powder. It absorbs residual moisture and neutralizes odor-causing bacteria.

• White vinegar: If your shoes smell really bad, soak them for 15 minutes in a basin of warm water with a glass of white vinegar added before rinsing them.

The golden rules of drying and storage

Have you washed and rinsed your shoes? Perfect. Now, the drying stage is crucial to prevent mold.

What to do :

• Let them air dry, ideally in a well-ventilated and shady place.

• Remove the insole (if removable) to allow air to circulate inside the shoe.

• Place them vertically or hang them by the heel so that the water flows naturally downwards.

What you absolutely must avoid:

• The tumble dryer: The intense heat will melt the glue, deform the rubber soles, and shrink the synthetic fabrics. It's the best way to ruin your pair in a single cycle.

• Drying in direct sunlight: Although tempting in summer, direct UV rays weaken the rubber, making it brittle, and fade the patterns.

• Place them on a radiator: Just like with a tumble dryer, direct heat is too strong for the components of the shoe.

How to store them out of season

Summer's over and you're putting away your gear until next year? Before you store it away:

1. Make sure they are 100% dry. The slightest trace of moisture trapped in a cupboard will cause mold.

2. Slip some newspaper inside to help maintain their original shape.

3. Store them flat in a dry, temperate place away from direct sunlight. Avoid airtight plastic bags which prevent the fabric from breathing.

In summary: Aquashoes' freshness routine

Maintaining your water shoes ensures optimal comfort, impeccable hygiene, and equipment that will accompany you for many years of aquatic adventures.

1. Rinse to fresh water after each swim.

2. Dry in the shade and in the open air.

3. To clean at 30°C when the dirt persists.

Ready for your next outings by the water? Find all our tips and our collections of water shoes on Aquashoes.fr !