How to Clean a Fly-Knit Upper: A Care Guide That Works
A Fly-knit upper is comfortable, breathable, and surprisingly tough — but it does not respond well to the same treatment as leather. Knitted yarns absorb water and hold stains differently, and stretch if you scrub carelessly. Follow these steps and a knitted upper keeps its fit and color for years.
Everyday upkeep
Prevention does most of the work. Knock off loose dust after each wear, and rotate shoes so a Fly-knit upper has time to dry fully between outings. Stuff them with newspaper or a shoe tree overnight to hold the shape and wick moisture.
Cleaning a Fly-knit upper, step by step
Mild soap and a soft brush only.
- Remove loose dirt. Brush the Fly-knit upper with a soft shoe brush to lift surface dust. Do this dry, before any water touches the knit.
- Mix a mild solution. Mix lukewarm water with a few drops of mild soap. Never use bleach or hot water — heat distorts knitted yarns.
- Work gently with a soft brush. Dip a soft brush or microfiber cloth into the solution and work in small circles — lift dirt, don’t abrade the yarn.
- Rinse carefully. Wipe away soap residue with a clean damp cloth. Avoid soaking the upper — excess water weakens the bond between the knit and the sole.
- Air-dry away from heat. Stuff the shoes to hold their shape and dry at room temperature. Never use a radiator, hairdryer, or direct sun, which can shrink or stiffen knitted yarns.
Handling stains on knitted uppers
Treat stains immediately, while they are still on the surface. Blot — do not rub — with a damp cloth, working from the outside of the stain inward so it does not spread. For oil marks, mild dish soap on a cloth usually lifts the residue. Old set-in stains are harder; repeated gentle passes beat one aggressive scrub.
What not to do
Skip the washing machine and dryer. Tumbling can stretch a knitted upper permanently. Skip bleach and strong solvents, and do not dry shoes on a radiator — fast heat is the most common cause of a Fly-knit upper losing its fit.
Air-dry with the shape supported.
Keeping the shape long term
Store shoes cool and dry with the uppers supported, and rotate pairs so no single upper takes daily wear. Handled this way, knitted footwear stays light, breathable, and comfortable — the qualities that made you buy a Fly-knit upper in the first place.
Our materials and finished products can be verified against international standards, including OEKO-TEX® certification for textile safety—giving your end customers confidence in every item.
