How to Care for Taos Shoes: Cork and Memory Foam

Why Taos care is different

Taos shoes combine a leather or suede upper, a memory foam footbed, and a cork base that molds to your foot. Each material needs a different cleaning method. Using the wrong product on one part can damage the others. For example, soaking the footbed can weaken the cork, and harsh cleaners on the upper can strip the leather of its natural oils.

The cork footbed is the part that gives Taos shoes their signature arch support. It is not a solid piece of wood; it is a layer of cork that compresses slightly with use and conforms to the shape of your foot. The memory foam on top adds cushioning. Both materials are porous, so they absorb moisture and odor if you do not let them dry fully between wears.

A consistent routine keeps the shoes comfortable longer. The American Podiatric Medical Association advises that well-maintained shoes provide better support and reduce the risk of foot problems. While Taos does not publish a formal care manual, the steps below follow general best practices for cork, memory foam, and leather care from material manufacturers and foot health organizations.

Cleaning the memory foam footbed

The memory foam footbed absorbs sweat and odor. Clean it regularly, but do not soak it. Remove the insole if it is removable; if it is glued in, clean it while it is inside the shoe.

Use a mild soap, such as a drop of dish soap or a gentle detergent, mixed with lukewarm water. Dip a soft cloth or a shoe brush into the soapy water, wring it out well, and wipe the footbed. Do not pour water directly onto the footbed. Rinse the cloth in clean water, wring it out, and wipe again to remove soap residue.

For odor, sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda over the dry footbed and let it sit for a few hours or overnight. Vacuum or brush it off the next day. Baking soda neutralizes odors without leaving a residue that could irritate the skin. The American Podiatric Medical Association emphasizes that keeping shoes dry and clean helps prevent fungal infections, so make sure the footbed is completely dry before you wear the shoes again.

Do not put the footbed in a washing machine or dryer. The agitation and heat can break down the memory foam and cause the cork to separate. Air drying at room temperature is best. If you need to speed up the process, stuff the shoes with paper towels or a clean, dry cloth to absorb moisture.

For a more detailed look at how memory foam insoles behave and when to replace them, see our memory foam insole tradeoffs article. If you are cleaning a pair with a fixed insole, the same steps apply, but you will need to be careful not to get the upper too wet.

Caring for the leather upper

The leather upper needs a different approach than the footbed. Leather is a natural material that can dry out, crack, and stain. Regular cleaning and conditioning keeps it supple and prevents cracks. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons notes that well-maintained footwear supports foot health, and cracked leather can create pressure points that lead to blisters or calluses.

Start by brushing the upper with a soft dry brush to remove dust and dirt. For scuff marks, use a leather cleaner or a saddle soap. Apply the cleaner to a soft cloth, rub it gently into the leather in small circles, and then wipe off the residue with a clean, damp cloth. Do not use saddle soap on suede or nubuck; those materials need a suede brush and a suede eraser instead.

After cleaning, apply a leather conditioner to keep the leather from drying out. Use a small amount on a cloth and rub it into the leather in a thin, even layer. Let it absorb for a few minutes, then buff with a clean dry cloth. A conditioner helps the leather stay flexible, which reduces the risk of cracking at the flex points where the shoe bends when you walk.

If your Taos shoes have a suede upper, skip the saddle soap and conditioner. Use a suede brush to restore the nap, and a suede eraser to lift stains. Waterproofing spray designed for suede helps protect against rain, but test it on a small area first. Our leather shoe care guide covers the full routine, and the suede and nubuck care article explains how to handle those materials.

For the sole, use a damp cloth to wipe the rubber. If the outsole has dirt embedded in the treads, use an old toothbrush to scrub it. Do not use harsh chemicals on the sole, as they can degrade the rubber.

Maintaining the cork arch support

The cork footbed is the key to Taos arch support. Cork is a natural, porous material that molds to your foot over time. It is also brittle if it dries out. The main ways to maintain it are to keep it clean, keep it dry, and apply a cork sealer periodically.

Cork sealer is a liquid product that soaks into the cork and creates a barrier against moisture and dirt. You can buy it at shoe repair shops or online. To apply it, make sure the cork is clean and dry first. Then apply a thin layer of the sealer to the exposed cork surfaces, which are usually the visible edges of the footbed and the underside of the shoe. Let it dry completely, then apply a second coat. Reapply the sealer every few months, or when you notice the cork starting to look dry or light in color.

Do not wear Taos shoes in heavy rain or on wet surfaces for long periods. Water can seep into the cork and soften it, which reduces its support. If the shoes do get wet, stuff them with paper towels and let them dry slowly at room temperature. Do not use a heater or hair dryer, as the heat can cause the cork to crack.

The cork will compress over time, which is normal and actually improves the fit as it molds to your arch. But if the cork cracks, the support is gone. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, which studies foot health in the workplace, advises that worn-out shoes should be replaced because they no longer provide the support your feet need. When you see cracks in the cork or when the footbed stops rebounding, it is time for a new pair.

For a deeper dive into how cork footbeds work and what makes them different from foam, see our cork footbed benefits article and the comparison of cork vs. foam footbeds.

Drying and storing your Taos shoes

How you dry and store Taos shoes matters as much as how you clean them. Wet shoes need to dry slowly and naturally. Direct heat, whether from a radiator, hair dryer, or direct sunlight, can dry out the leather and crack the cork.

To dry wet shoes, remove the insoles if possible, stuff the shoes with paper towels or a clean dry cloth, and set them in a well-ventilated area at room temperature. Change the paper towels when they become damp. This draws moisture out of the cork without overheating it.

Store Taos shoes in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Use a shoe tree to help the shoes keep their shape and to absorb moisture from the inside. Cedar shoe trees also help control odor. Do not stack heavy shoes on top of the cork-soled ones, as the weight can deform the cork.

Rotate your shoes so you do not wear the same pair two days in a row. This gives the footbed time to dry out between wears, which keeps the cork from breaking down and prevents odor. The American Podiatric Medical Association encourages people to have multiple pairs of shoes and alternate them, and the same advice applies for extending the life of your shoes.

Our shoe tree guide explains how to use shoe trees properly, and the how to store summer sandals article covers seasonal storage if you switch footwear by season.

When to replace your Taos shoes

Even with the best care, Taos shoes will eventually wear out. The cork footbed loses its shape, the memory foam loses its cushioning, and the leather cracks. The APMA advises that shoes should be replaced when they show signs of uneven wear or when the support is no longer effective, because worn shoes can contribute to foot pain and other problems.

Look for these signs: the cork has visible cracks, the footbed feels flat or does not spring back when you press on it, the sole is worn down on one side, or the upper is torn or cracked. If the shoes are still in good shape but the footbed is compressed, you may be able to replace only the insole if it is removable. If the cork itself is cracked, the shoe structure is compromised and you should replace the shoes.

For most people who wear Taos shoes several times a week, replacement every 12 to 18 months is a reasonable guideline. If you wear them daily, or if your job keeps you on your feet, you may need to replace them sooner. The NIOSH recommends that workers who stand for long periods pay attention to their footwear and replace shoes that no longer provide support. When you are ready for a new pair, our best Taos shoes guide compares the current styles on specs.

What to pick based on your needs

Questions

Can I put Taos shoes in the washing machine?

No. The agitation and water will break down the memory foam, and the cork footbed will absorb water and lose its shape. Wash the footbed by hand with mild soap and a damp cloth, and let it air dry.

How do I clean the memory foam footbed in my Taos shoes?

Mix a drop of mild dish soap with lukewarm water. Dip a soft cloth in the solution, wring it out well, and wipe the footbed. Rinse the cloth and wipe again with clean water to remove soap. Let the shoe air dry completely before wearing it.

Should I use cork sealer on the footbed of my Taos shoes?

Yes. Cork sealer protects the cork from moisture and dirt, which helps prevent cracking. Apply a thin layer to the exposed cork edges and underside, let it dry, and reapply every few months or when the cork looks dry.

What do I use to clean the leather upper on Taos shoes?

Use a soft brush to remove dust, then a leather cleaner or saddle soap applied with a soft cloth. Wipe off any residue with a clean damp cloth. Finish with a leather conditioner to keep the leather supple. For suede uppers, use a suede brush and eraser instead.

How do I get odor out of Taos shoes?

Sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda inside the shoes and leave it overnight. Vacuum or brush it out the next day. Make sure the shoes are completely dry before storing them, and rotate pairs to let the footbed dry between wears.

When should I replace my Taos shoes?

Replace them when the cork footbed cracks, the memory foam no longer springs back, the sole is worn unevenly, or the upper is torn. If you wear them daily, expect to replace them every 12 to 18 months.