From cleaning and storage to the various treatments designed to care for hiking shoes, we give you all the information you need to know how to care for your hiking shoes.
The more you look after them, the better you maintain them and the longer the lifespan of your hiking shoes will be. As with all our clothing and accessories, to get the most out of them, our walking shoes require specific care, especially given the sometimes extreme conditions in which they are used. From cleaning and storage to the range of possible treatments, here are some essential tips for taking proper care of your hiking shoes.
Cleaning your walking shoes
It is essential to carry out a quick clean after every outing. At the very least, take the time to remove any mud, tap your shoes together to get rid of dust, remove the insoles and let them air dry, just like your shoes. The most important thing is to make sure they are completely dry, inside and out, before storing them.
Carry out a more thorough clean regularly. As soon as you get home:
- Loosen the laces, tongue and gusset to improve ventilation and drying, and to reach every nook and cranny.
- Clean the outsoles and make sure there are no stones or residues left that could contribute to premature wear of the soles.
- Remove the insoles and, if necessary, brush or wash them, then leave them to dry in a well-ventilated area. Make sure they are completely dry before putting them back in your shoes.
- Use a soft brush, make sure you have lukewarm clean water to hand, and start scrubbing both the outside and inside. Be sure to remove all residue, which can contribute to the premature deterioration of your shoes over time. At the same time, washing with clean water will help combat unpleasant odours and, if your shoes are breathable, reactivate the breathability of the membrane.
- Finally, dry your hiking shoes in a dry, well-ventilated place, away from the sun or a direct heat source (well away from a radiator, for example).
We would also remind you that you must never put your shoes in a washing machine or tumble dryer. If you want to speed up drying, fill them with crumpled newspaper.
Different treatments for different materials
From time to time, we recommend using a treatment suited to your shoes and applying it only when they are perfectly clean. There are various care products on the market for each material, including products that reactivate the water repellency of the membrane and protect your shoes from premature ageing.
- For shoes made from synthetic materials: use a waterproofing spray or water-repellent treatment, remembering to apply it to the tongue as well.
- For a smooth leather shoe upper: leather is a living material, so it is essential to nourish it, otherwise it may crack and age more quickly. To reactivate water repellency and maintain suppleness, you can use a cream or wax applied with a cloth (avoid greases or shoe polish, which reduce the shoes’ waterproofness and breathability). You can also gently warm the surface with a hairdryer to help the cream penetrate more easily (never do this if your shoes are made with Gore-Tex®).
- For nubuck leather: use liquid waxes specially designed to help nubuck shoes retain their distinctive feel.
Repairing hiking shoes
Caring for your shoes is the ideal time for a thorough inspection. Take the time to check the condition of the seams, laces and especially the outsole. It is better to spot a repair or replacement needed just after an outing than just before—or worse, during it! And as with everything, the earlier a repair is carried out, the easier it will be to fix.
As for the outsole, it may sometimes be possible to replace or reinforce it. Ask your cobbler for advice: this could allow you to enjoy your shoes for many more years, and it would be a shame not to.
Storage
Once your shoes are clean and completely dry, store them upright in a dry, well-ventilated place (never in an airtight box or plastic bag), away from moisture, dust, direct heat or light. The same applies if you need to store them for several weeks or months.
You now know how to care for your hiking shoes. To find out more about hiking shoes, check out our guide.
