How to Care for Allbirds Wool Shoes and Socks

Quick answer

Clean your Allbirds wool shoes by spot-treating stains with a mild detergent and cold water, then air-dry away from heat. Wash merino socks inside out in cold water on a gentle cycle and lay flat to dry. Avoid bleach, fabric softener, and the dryer to preserve natural fibers.

Step-by-step care routine

1. Step 1: Remove loose dirt and debris: Use a soft brush or dry cloth to gently brush off mud, dust, or grass from your wool shoes. For socks, turn them inside out and shake off any loose fibers or dirt. Skipping this step can grind dirt into the fibers during washing, causing abrasion and pilling.
2. Step 2: Spot clean stains on shoes: Mix a small amount of mild detergent (like Woolite or a gentle dish soap) with cold water. Dip a clean cloth into the solution, wring it out, and dab the stained area. Do not rub vigorously. Rinse the cloth with plain cold water and blot again to remove soap residue. Never submerge the entire shoe. Water can break down the adhesive holding the sole and upper together.
3. Step 3: Machine wash socks (if needed): Turn your Allbirds merino socks inside out, place them in a mesh laundry bag, and wash on a cold, gentle cycle with a mild detergent. Avoid bleach and fabric softener, as they damage wool fibers and reduce moisture-wicking. A common mistake is using hot water or a regular cycle, which can shrink or felt the wool. Always check the care tag first.
4. Step 4: Air dry everything flat: For shoes, stuff them with crumpled paper towels to help them hold shape and absorb moisture. For socks, lay them flat on a clean towel away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Never use a dryer, radiator, or hairdryer. Heat is the fastest way to ruin wool. Drying flat prevents stretching and maintains the sock's fit.
5. Step 5: Refresh between washes: Let your wool shoes air out after each wear. Use a shoe tree or stuff with newspaper to absorb moisture. For socks, turning them inside out to air dry before the next wear reduces odor buildup. Over-washing wears out natural fibers faster. Airing out is often enough for light use.

Products that benefit from this care

• Trino® Sprinters - No Show - Onyx: The Trino Sprinter No Show is a performance no-show sock made with a breathable mesh knit and durable reinforcements like a reinforced heel and toe. Made with natural materials like eucalyptus tree fiber and merino wool which help minimize odor and wicks moisture. Because it blends eucalyptus fiber and merino wool, this sock needs cold water washing and no dryer to avoid shrinkage and maintain moisture-wicking performance.
• Women's Runner Protect - Natural Black/Chasm Teal (Stony Beige Sole): Our wool blended upper includes a water-resistant layer to keep feet dry, and a rain-repellent outer shield seals the deal. The water-resistant coating means you can often just wipe off mud or rain. Avoid soaking the entire shoe; spot cleaning preserves the protective layer.