How to Clean Your Hiking Boots and Hiking Shoes – Steps to Take for Properly Clean Boot Care

Let’s face it, hiking footwear is expensive. Not many of us can just throw down upwards of $200 on a pair of leather boots we’ll only use a few times per month or even a year. However, they are our trusted companions on the trails, and to some a fashion/status statement, so why not keep them as nice as possible for as long as possible?

If you’re new to hiking and don’t know where to begin, please check out my article on how to find the perfect hiking shoes for every trail and season here – How to Find the Perfect Hiking Shoes

The great news is if you maintain your hiking shoes or boots properly, you’ll help ensure long-term comfort and protection for years to come. Practicing good habits with your footwear is both visibly and practically beneficial! I call that a win-win in my book.

So with that in mind, follow along and check out what you can do to preserve and maintain your walking shoes. With quality proper care, and maintenance you might not need to ever buy another set again!

Use this comprehensive guide as a treasure trove of tips and advice to help you keep your shoes in top-notch condition for countless adventures and memories that’ll last a lifetime.

Cleaning Your Hiking Boots and Shoes

After you’ve purchased a brand new pair of trekking companions and have returned from an amazing hike, the first, and probably most obvious step is to clean them up.

For some great recommendations on hiking shoes for beginners, check out my post here – Best Hiking Shoes For Beginners.

I personally love to jump in those mud puddles and slide down a sandy hillside. Isn’t that what hiking is all about? You bought them for a reason, but once you’ve finished with an awesome trek, you should always:

1. Begin a Regular Cleaning Routine (After Every Hike)

You might not think that a little dirt here or there will do much damage in the long term, but take it from me, it will. Dirt and mud will dry out your shoes and create weak points in the soles and/or flexible areas, eventually leading to costly damage. 

So after each hike, take a few minutes to brush off all loose dirt and debris. Use a stiff, yet solid, brush or cloth to prevent abrasion and maintain the shoe’s materials. It doesn’t have to break the bank either. Check out this cheap brush as a quick suggestion.

2. Use Mild Soap or Cleaner (As Needed):

One fairly important thing is to utilize a mild soap or specialized cleaner to clean your boots. Water by itself will simply not do. When I first started out hiking, all I did was run my shoes under a hose and wonder why they still fell apart 6 months later! Oh well, live and learn I guess. Anyways make sure your soap or cleaner is suitable for your shoe’s material(s), especially when dealing with tough stains.

You DO NOT want to use something that contains bleach on your brand-new pair of Solomons! Just gently scrub the affected areas with a soft brush or sponge until the dirt and grime have cleared and voila! It doesn’t take much so don’t overdo it. Check out an eco-friendly version here.

3. Always Rinse and Air Dry (After Cleaning):

This is another step some of us might gloss over. Once you have finished washing your shoes, and have thoroughly rinsed any remaining soap residue off of them, take a towel and pat them down. Once the excess water has been sopped up, set them aside and let them dry. 

Now for waterproofed shoes, wipe them down with a damp cloth. A dry towel might create unwanted friction that can damage the waterproofing layer.

Once you’re satisfied, leave your shoes in an open and well-ventilated area so they can dry naturally. Keep them away from heat sources like a fireplace or an electric heater. This’ll cause some unnoticed, yet real damage.

Waterproofing and Breathability Maintenance

The next step, one that is sometimes overlooked, is to keep them waterproofed for as long as possible. I’ll never forget one of my hikes in Iceland a few years back when I neglected this step and wound up with two mini lakes my feet had to endure for an entire day. Not fun! So with that in mind, look into:

4. Reapplying Waterproof Treatment (Every 3-6 Months)

This is very shoe-dependent so you’re going to need to check out the manufacturer’s guidelines when it comes to which waterproof sprays are best.

Some boots are waterproof by design and don’t need additional treatment, while others need waterproofing wax. You might need to waterproof after 10 recommended uses while others say 30. It all depends.

Simply put, review their suggestions and follow their instructions. At the very least, try and renew any required waterproofing treatment a few times per year for the best results! Check out this product from Nikwax to get started.

5. Maintain Breathable Membranes (As Needed)

Since all shoes are different, and I couldn’t possibly go through cleaning instructions for every type of material in existence, it’ll be up to you to see if any of the webbing or mesh on your shoes needs specialized cleaners. Sometimes, but not always, the breathable membranes need certain care products to retain breathability without compromising their integrity.

Don’t overlook this because if you have a pair with a lot of mesh, you might find those spots problematic and notice they tend to break down first. Granger’s kit provides a few good options.

Insoles, Laces, and Socks

Next on the list are the insoles, laces, and socks. You know, the parts that come off with ease! I can’t recommend getting a great pair of insoles enough, especially if you have any foot issues, especially plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, or bunions. They do wonders! 

6. Replace Worn-Out Insoles (As Needed)

This might be a no-brainer but you’d be surprised at how many people, especially us guys, just live with torn-up insoles. They get squished, mashed, twisted, soaked, and rubbed into a thin pancake of nothingness and we just live with it. 

A new pair of insoles can make an old pair of mountain boots feel like new so when they’ve lost all cushioning or support, remove the insoles and replace them promptly. This will help keep your feet comfortable and retain that foot stability all hiking shoes should have in common. 

7. Clean or Replace Laces (Regularly)

Laces are something you shouldn’t neglect. You don’t need to remove the laces after every hike, but once in a while pull them out and clean them separately. It’s a lot easier that way. Also, replace any frayed ones as needed for a secure fit. You don’t want your laces breaking in the middle of a strenuous hike, believe me!

8. Clean Your Socks (Regularly)

I know what you’re thinking, “Who doesn’t clean their freakin socks!?” Well, I’ll give everybody the benefit of the doubt, yet go through this crucial step nonetheless. Of course, if you’re only doing a day hike this goes without saying, but If you’re on a multi-day hike, one that covers 10’s of miles or kilometers at a time, consider using quality, moisture-wicking hiking socks that complement your shoes.

Not only will your tent-mates thank you, but you might also prevent those ugly little buggers we like to call blisters! Check out my post to prevent, treat, and care for hiking blisters for more info on that!

Storage and Long-Term Care

Now the last main step. How to store them when they aren’t in use. Safe to say, don’t just throw them in the closet and forget about them. You never know what the cat will drag in am I right?

9. Proper Storage Conditions (Always)

You should try and find a place in your house that is out of the way, but within plain sight, for optimal storing conditions. A shelf, shoe rack, under the bed, etc. Store your boots in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. If not, you might wake up to a yellow pair that was once blue! 

Also, avoid plastic bags. They can cause damage if you haven’t completely dried out your shoes. The moisture will have no wear to go and your favorite pair might turn into an amateur science experiment. Preventing moisture buildup is key.

10. Regular Inspections (Monthly)

If you are an avid hiker then this is going to happen naturally but if not you should always try to routinely check for damage such as loose stitching, worn-out soles, or tears now and again. Make sure to address any of these issues quickly or before your next hike to prevent any further breakdown or deterioration.

Additional Tips to Maintain Your Hiking Shoes

Lastly, some random tips and tidbits you might use or appreciate. (I didn’t know which category to put these in, so I just created one!)

11. Rotate Shoes Regularly (Every Few Weeks)

If you’re like me and absolutely LOVE hiking, consider grabbing multiple sets of shoes. Grab a lightweight trail runner, an over-ankle rock solid sturdy pair, and maybe a cold weather option. If you love your pair, just grab another! Alternate between your shoes between hikes. This allows your footwear to dry thoroughly between uses and extends its lifespan even further!

12. Avoid Machine Washing (Always)

Never, ever throw your hiking shoes or boots in the washing machine. I know you might be tempted, but in doing so you’ll be cutting their lifespan in half. The machine will absolutely rip them apart. Just take a few extra minutes out of your day and hand-clean them. This important step will preserve their structure and adhesives for a nice long while.

13. Break-in Period for New Shoes (Before Intensive Use)

This tip was hard for me to learn when I first started hiking. I couldn’t wait to get out there on the trail with my brand-new awesome shoes! However tempting, try and take time to break them in gradually before hitting some challenging trails.

Not only will this help with flexibility, but it’ll also go a long way in preventing discomfort or even the dread B-word, blisters! If you missed it earlier, check out my post on how to prevent, treat, and care for hiking blisters if you’d like!

14. Use a Shoe Horn (Whenever Wearing)

You might think this is overkill, but maybe try it and give yourself a fun little surprise haha. If you love your shoes and want to be a little extra, try and use a shoe horn when you put them on. This helps in preventing damage to the heel collar a little bit at a time, each time. It also might aid in putting them on if you like a tight fit.

15. Apply Leather Conditioner (For Leather Shoes, Twice a Year)

This is a very important step to properly care for leather hiking boots. Splurge a little and pick up a nice conditioning agent like Sof Sole Mink Oil. Treat the fabric and leather with a conditioner twice a year to keep that suppleness you love and to also prevent ugly splitting or cracking. If you can drop a few hundred, what’s another $10? 

16. Dry Shoes Properly After Wet Hikes (Immediately)

If you completely soak the inside of your shoes, stuff them with newspaper pages once you’re indoors. This will aid in absorbing moisture after hiking in wet or soggy conditions. Swap out the paper as needed until completely dry. The last thing you want to have is mold or mildew forming.

17. Tighten Screws and Fastenings (Every Few Months)

Some pairs of boots come with hardware! Usually, if you have an issue with a piece of metal on your shoe, you’ll know. It doesn’t take much for a chain reaction to occur and all of a sudden your shoe breaks apart. Spontaneously check and tighten screws or fastenings as needed on your hiking boots. You’ll want to do whatever you can to prevent any parts from coming loose.

Final Thoughts

Well, that’s about it. I hope you enjoyed my article! By implementing these easy maintenance practices, you’ll safeguard your hiking shoes against wear and tear, ensuring they remain reliable companions for many years and many miles.

Always remember to refer to the manufacturer’s instructions or care guidelines for any specific shoe types. May your hiking shoes lead you to unforgettable trails and breathtaking vistas!

Happy hiking!