From cleaning to storage, through the various treatments dedicated to caring for hiking shoes, we give you all the information you need to know how to maintain your hiking shoes.
The more care and attention you give them, the longer the lifespan of your hiking shoes will be. Like all our clothing and accessories, if you want to get the most out of them, your walking shoes require particular care — a little more thorough than most, given the sometimes extreme conditions in which we use them. From cleaning to storage, through the full range of possible treatments, here are some essential tips for properly looking after your hiking shoes.
Cleaning your hiking shoes
It is absolutely 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 knock off dust, remove the insoles and let them air dry — along with your shoes themselves. The most important thing is to make sure they are completely dry, both inside and out, before storing them.
Regularly carry out a more thorough clean. As soon as you get home:
- Loosen the laces, tongue and gusset to encourage airflow and drying, and to reach every nook and cranny.
- Clean the outer soles, making sure there are no stones or residue left that would contribute to premature wear on your soles.
- Remove the insoles and if necessary, brush or wash them, then dry them in a well-ventilated, breathable spot. Make sure they are completely dry before putting them back in your shoes.
- Grab a soft brush, make sure you have access to clean, lukewarm water and start scrubbing, both inside and out. Make sure you remove all residue that, over time, would contribute to the premature deterioration of your shoes. At the same time, a rinse with clean water will help tackle bad odours and, if your shoes are breathable, reactivate the breathability of the membrane.
- Finally, dry your hiking shoes in a dry, breathable spot, away from direct sunlight or heat sources (so away from a radiator, for example).
We would remind you that putting your shoes in the washing machine or tumble dryer is absolutely out of the question. If you want to speed up drying, stuff them with crumpled newspaper.
Different treatments for different materials
From time to time, we recommend applying a treatment suited to your shoes, but only when they are completely clean. There are various care products on the market specific to each material, which can reactivate the water-repellency of the membrane and protect your shoes from premature ageing.
- For synthetic shoes: use a waterproofing spray or water-repellent, and don't forget to apply it to the tongue as well.
- On a smooth leather upper: leather is a living material, which is why it must be nourished — otherwise it risks cracking and ageing faster. To reactivate water-repellency and maintain flexibility, you can use a cream or wax applied with a cloth (avoid greases or shoe polish, which reduce the waterproofing and breathability of the shoes). You can also gently warm the surface with a quick blast of a hair dryer to help the cream penetrate more easily (do not do this if your shoes are Gore-Tex®).
- With nubuck leather: use liquid waxes specially designed to help nubuck shoes retain their distinctive feel.
Repairing your hiking shoes
Shoe maintenance is the ideal time for a thorough inspection. Take the time to check the condition of the stitching, the laces and in particular the outsole. It's better to spot a repair or replacement needed just after an outing than just before — or worse, during! And as with anything, the sooner a repair is tackled, the easier it is to fix.
As for the outsole, it is sometimes possible to replace or reinforce it. Don't hesitate to consult your cobbler — this could allow you to enjoy your shoes for many more years, and it would be a shame not to take advantage of it.
Storage and organisation
Once your shoes are clean and completely dry, store them upright in a dry, breathable place (definitely not in an airtight box or plastic bag), away from moisture, dust, direct heat or light sources. 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, let our guide lead the way.
