Machine washing leather shoes (experiment)

I have machine washed my synthetic shoes probably once a month for years. I haven’t tried to wash my leather moccs or Upmoccs because everyone says not to. Has anyone actually tried throwing leather shoes in on a cold gentle cycle though? I want to know if the no leather in the washing machine thing is legit or just something people say without any evidence of ruining shoes.

Edit: experimenting with some old Moccs first, then my daily driver UpMoccs and Muira VS if that works well

John Clark wrote:

I have machine washed my synthetic shoes probably once a month for years. I haven’t tried to wash my leather moccs or Upmoccs because everyone says not to. Has anyone actually tried throwing leather shoes in on a cold gentle cycle though? I want to know if the no leather in the washing machine thing is legit or just something people say without any evidence of ruining shoes.

If you google it, you'll find a bunch of sites/discussion that say yes, you can, and then you'll find articles like this one: https://favoredleather.com/can-you-wash-leather-shoes-in-the-washing-machine/

My feeling is why risk possibly destroying a pair of shoes? What will washing in a washing machine give you that is better than fully airing out the shoes after each day of climbing and using an anti-fungal foot powder?

Marc801 C wrote:

If you google it, you'll find a bunch of sites/discussion that say yes, you can, and then you'll find articles like this one: https://favoredleather.com/can-you-wash-leather-shoes-in-the-washing-machine/

My feeling is why risk possibly destroying a pair of shoes? What will washing in a washing machine give you that is better than fully airing out the shoes after each day of climbing and using an anti-fungal foot powder?

Drying out is not the problem. I live in the desert and my shoes are always dry at the start of each session. However, my extremely sweaty feet leave my shoes feeling like I buttered the insides after about 2-3 weeks hard training (approx 10 hrs in shoes a week). Airing out doesn't get rid of the oils, so that is not helpful for this issue. Smell reduction isn't the goal either (though my shoes have been described to smell like, "A dirty diaper filled with rotten Indian food" by a stranger 15' away when I was mid endurance training cycle).

I found an old pair of moccs that I am willing to sacrifice for science. Just threw them in the machine. Will update in a couple days when they dry and I can climb in them.

I wear Finales which are mostly leather. I let them soak in a bucket of laundry detergent and water for a few hours and then I air dry them under a fan overnight. Maybe I am ruining them but I’ve done it a few times and it seems to work fine. 

I predict that a little laundry detergent and a good scrub with an old toothbrush will do a better job than a spin in the washing machine.

I've washed my LaSpo Katana Lace in water and cleaning soda several times - no worries (bucket, not machine).  I try to wear them around the house for a few minutes a couple times a day while they dry 'cuz they are a tight fit and I don't want them to shrink at all.

dave custer wrote:

I predict that a little laundry detergent and a good scrub with an old toothbrush will do a better job than a spin in the washing machine.

This is what I usually do, but it never got them as clean and oil free as the machine got my synthetics (synth moccs, BD Zones, BD Momentums).

Update on the machine washed moccs: 

They are out, looking super clean, not greasy, and show no signs of damage/deformation so far. Used a half dollar sized drop of detergent in each shoe, put them in old mesh harness bags, and washed Delicate cycle-cold. Extra rinse by hand with hot water to remove detergent residue. Going to give them another 24 hours out in the dryness before testing. 

Experiment update:

Moccs are performing great. Feel the same as they did pre wash except they are no longer greasy. No delamination of any materials or obvious leather issues.

Just washed my Upmoccs and muiras, hoping for similar results.

I use this on backpacks, shoes, slings and pretty much all my fabric, plastic and rubber sporting equipment. It's can be purchased on Amazon.

https://www.frosch-reiniger.at/Products/Neutral-Cleaner.html

Last update:

Upmoccs and muiras are out, dry, and clean. No damage, same great fit as before, but they did turn a little orange after washing red leather moccs back to back with yellow leather shoes, which is kinda cool, might wash them all in the same batch next time.

Detergent used: Arm and Hammer plus oxi-clean from costco

Anyone have anecdotal evidence of successful TC Pros trips to the washing machine? Mine are in need as they smell like death.

P B wrote:

Anyone have anecdotal evidence of successful TC Pros trips to the washing machine? Mine are in need as they smell like death.

I don’t wear my TCs enough for them to be greasy yet. If I run them through a machine this summer, I’ll update here

Ive hand washed my old synthetic shoes a bunch, but when I washed my old UP Moccs the leather got really crusty. Not sure why exactly.

Alek Fredriksson wrote:

Ive hand washed my old synthetic shoes a bunch, but when I washed my okd UP Moccs the leather got really crusty. Not sure why exactly.

The variables to consider:

• water temperature
• cycle (eg: delicates, heavy duty, normal, etc)
• soap/detergent - type and amount
• drying method

Marc801 C wrote:

The variables to consider:

• water temperature
• cycle (eg: delicates, heavy duty, normal, etc)
• soap/detergent - type and amount
• drying method

Specifically I hand washed them with no soap, warm water, an water bottle brush (specifically for my shoes) and then let them air dry next to a dehumidifier. Not worried about them though, they’re pretty beat up as is.

Alek Fredriksson wrote:

Specifically I hand washed them with no soap, warm water, an water bottle brush (specifically for my shoes) and then let them air dry next to a dehumidifier. Not worried about them though, they’re pretty beat up as is.

Mine were a bit crusty too, but they are good to go after a sweaty session. Might just be the intentional extra drying and lack of excess body oils in the leather