How do I clean and care for my Vivos?

From rainy runs and wild hikes to daily dog walks and household errands, there's a backpack full of reasons your once-box-fresh Vivos might start looking a bit loved and lived-in!

We believe that the longer you care for your footwear, the longer it'll care for you back. One of the best things we can do is buy less and fix more, so here are our go-to tips and tricks to keep your barefootwear on your feet for longer.

Want the full guide? Read our blog: How to care for your Vivos

The lighter clean (suitable for: synthetics)
When it comes to freshening up your footwear, it's always better to stick to some good ol' fashioned hand washing. (If it's good enough for Grandma…) Here are our tips for general dirt and stains on synthetic styles:

1. Brush away any hardened or caked mud
2. Grab some cold, soapy water and an old toothbrush
3. Dip your toothbrush in the water and use it to scrub off any remaining dirt or stains
4. Wipe down with a cloth
5. Leave to air-dry

Do not leave your trainers or boots on a radiator or in direct sunlight! A soft brush and air drying should do the trick without damaging the bonds and integrity of your barefoot design.

Read the full synthetic trainer care guide.

The leather clean (suitable for: leather)
If your Vivos are leather or suede, don't submerge them in water as it could damage the materials. Instead, follow these tips:

1. Brush away any hardened or caked mud with a dry cloth or old toothbrush
2. Use a warm, damp cloth or sponge on the upper and outsole to gently remove any further stains
3. Grab some high-quality natural wax/balsam designed for leather and massage generously with your hands to plug any potential water gaps

Do not leave your trainers or boots on a radiator or in direct sunlight! A soft brush and air drying should do the trick without damaging the bonds and integrity of your barefoot design.

Read the full leather care guide.

The deep clean (suitable for: synthetics)
When you've traipsed through the fields, splashed through dirty water, and climbed many a country stile, your Vivos may need a deep clean. Here's how to do the full rinse on your synthetic styles:

1. Remove your insoles and submerge the entire shoe in warm, lightly soapy water
2. Squeeze them multiple times to really ensure water gets to every fibre
3. Leave to soak for up to 30 minutes
4. Rinse in cold water to remove the soap suds
5. Leave to air-dry

Please don't use the washing machine, as it can damage the bonding. And again, don't leave them somewhere sunny. Direct sunlight is for solar panels, not shoes.

Read the full synthetic trainer care guide.

Stop the smells
If your Vivos start to smell, sprinkle baking soda inside and shake down to the toe until the insole is covered in a light layer. Leave overnight and the baking soda will absorb all of the odours. Simply shake out the soda in the morning and enjoy a fresh, odour-free shoe cupboard.

Use a protective spray
Once you've cleaned your footwear, it's always a good idea to use a proofing spray to make them a little more hardy against mud, dirt and rain. Just double-check which protection you use, as different materials such as leather or synthetic mesh will need different sprays.

Wear. Care. Revivo. Repeat.
When it's time to replace your Vivos? Try Revivo instead. We believe the best footwear for the planet, and your wallet, is the pair you're already wearing. Our Revivo repairs service helps your footwear last longer, go further and feel fresher. We'll take Vivos back in any condition, so simply book in your personalised repair service, send us your Vivos and we'll resole, replace and refresh every part that needs a bit of love.

Please note: not all Vivo styles are repairable yet. See "What happens if my footwear is not repairable?"

Repair your Vivos.

And when they're really past their best…
What if you've loved your Vivos to bits? If we can't repair them or you think they're simply past their best, you can send them to us for free and we'll keep them until we find a way to dispose of them that doesn't involve landfill. See "What is Take Back?"

Is it wear and tear or a fault?
Some wear is normal after lots of miles. If you think your shoes have a fault, see "I think my shoes have a fault. What do I do?"