Whether you're walking through muddy fields, trail running or commuting on city streets, the right care keeps your barefoot shoes comfortable, durable and ready for anything.
A little regular care goes a long way. It will extend the life of your shoes and keep them feeling great, mile after mile. Below you’ll find quick, clear instructions for every material we use, plus general tips that work for any pair.
General Care Tips
If your shoes get wet:
- Take out the insoles and stuff the shoes with newspaper to speed up drying.
- Do not put them next to a direct source of heat (e.g. radiator, fire or hairdryer), it can damage the materials.
If you need to freshen up the inside:
- Take out the insoles and clean them separately.
- Wash the inside of the shoes with warm water and a small amount of mild detergent. Swirl around with your hands or a brush, drain and rinse thoroughly.
- Certain styles can be machine washed occasionally at 30 degrees. This applies to non-waterproof styles with sidewall stitching.
- Never put your Freets in the tumble dryer, let them air dry naturally.
Leather
For models such as Esk 2 and Salcombe.
Leather is a natural, durable material that develops character over time. Caring for it is straightforward.
- Wipe and spot clean only.
- Polish to your liking with a cloth or brush for a subtle shine.
- Treat with a high-quality leather wax or oil, such as Nikwax Waterproofing Wax for Leather. This can be done wet or dry.
- Do not machine wash or submerge.
Nubuck Leather
For styles such as Richmond 2 & 3, York 2 & 3, Mudee L2, Chamois, Durham, Impala
Nubuck has a velvety, matte finish that needs a different approach to smooth leather.
If you want to keep the original nubuck finish, only use specialist nubuck products.
- With a damp, warm cloth, wipe off mud and let them dry naturally.
- Use a specialist Nubuck waterproofing or conditioning product, such as Nikwax Fabric and Leather Spray-on Conditioner.
- Brush gently with a nubuck or suede brush to restore the raised nap.
- Avoid any wax or oil, they’ll ruin the nubuck matte texture.
Or if you prefer, you can polish to a smooth finish:
- Clean with a damp cloth.
- Apply a leather wax or oil conditioner and, if required, buff to a smooth gloss.
- Be aware: this will permanently change the appearance from nubuck to a polished leather look.
Close Weave: Mesh & Microfibre
For models such as Mudee 2, Arken 2, Bootee 2, Citee 2
Microfibre and close weave mesh are tough and resist dirt and water.
- Simply wipe clean with a damp cloth.
- Air dry at room temperature.
- Optionally: treat with a synthetic conditioner/proofer, such as Nikwax Fabric and Leather Conditioner. This will keep the microfibre and mesh supple and water-resistant.
- Do not machine wash or tumble dry.
Open Weave: FlyKnit & Mesh
For models such as Vibe 2, Skeeby, Keld 3, Feldom 3
Our OpenWeave materials are lightweight, breathable and easy to clean.
- Allow dirt to dry, then brush off.
- For deeper cleaning, hand wash in warm water with a small amount of mild detergent.
- Rinse thoroughly and air dry naturally.
- For stitched, non-waterproof styles, you can machine wash occasionally at 30 degrees.
- Do not tumble dry or use bleach.
Leather
For models such as Esk 2 and Salcombe.
Leather is a natural, durable material that develops character over time. Caring for it is straightforward.
- Wipe and spot clean only.
- Polish to your liking with a cloth or brush for a subtle shine.
- Treat with a high-quality leather wax or oil, such as Nikwax Waterproofing Wax for Leather. This can be done wet or dry.
- Do not machine wash or submerge.
Nubuck Leather
For styles such as Richmond 2 & 3, York 2 & 3, Mudee L2, Chamois, Durham, Impala
Nubuck has a velvety, matte finish that needs a different approach to smooth leather.
If you want to keep the original nubuck finish, only use specialist nubuck products.
- With a damp, warm cloth, wipe off mud and let them dry naturally.
- Use a specialist Nubuck waterproofing or conditioning product, such as Nikwax Fabric and Leather Spray-on Conditioner.
- Brush gently with a nubuck or suede brush to restore the raised nap.
- Avoid any wax or oil, they’ll ruin the nubuck matte texture.
Or if you prefer, you can polish to a smooth finish:
- Clean with a damp cloth.
- Apply a leather wax or oil conditioner and, if required, buff to a smooth gloss.
- Be aware: this will permanently change the appearance from nubuck to a polished leather look.
Close Weave: Mesh & Microfibre
For models such as Mudee 2, Arken 2, Bootee 2, Citee 2
Microfibre and close weave mesh are tough and resist dirt and water.
- Simply wipe clean with a damp cloth.
- Air dry at room temperature.
- Optionally: treat with a synthetic conditioner/proofer, such as Nikwax Fabric and Leather Conditioner. This will keep the microfibre and mesh supple and water-resistant.
- Do not machine wash or tumble dry.
Open Weave: FlyKnit & Mesh
For models such as Vibe 2, Skeeby, Keld 3, Feldom 3
Our OpenWeave materials are lightweight, breathable and easy to clean.
- Allow dirt to dry, then brush off.
- For deeper cleaning, hand wash in warm water with a small amount of mild detergent.
- Rinse thoroughly and air dry naturally.
- For stitched, non-waterproof styles, you can machine wash occasionally at 30 degrees.
- Do not tumble dry or use bleach.