To avoid having to replace them sooner than expected, even the best hiking shoes require regular maintenance. Let's look at how to clean your hiking footwear properly to take care of your shoes in the best possible way.
While it is easy to think that mud and dirt act as a protective layer for hiking shoes, the exact opposite is true: they damage them slowly but surely. To enjoy your footwear for as long as possible, it is essential to carry out simple, regular cleaning after most outings, and occasionally a more thorough wash. Let's look at the basic rules for caring for and cleaning your shoes in the best possible way.
Regular cleaning
After each hiking trip, before putting your shoes away, ensure they are free of dirt, both on the upper and on the outsoles. The slightest bit of dust or debris can cause abrasive damage and lead to premature wear. To prevent this, a simple surface brushing in a few steps is all you need:
- bang your shoes together to remove loose dirt and debris
- check the outsoles, removing small stones or packed mud if any
- take a brush and scrub the uppers, without forgetting the tongue
- if you walked in mud, rinse with clean water while scrubbing with a brush and a little elbow grease
- leave to dry in a dry place away from direct heat or direct sunlight
- store in a dry, well-ventilated place, away from dust
Deep cleaning
If you need to store your shoes for longer than usual, if you have walked in sea water, or if they are caked in mud, a deeper clean is necessary. Minimal gear and a few spare minutes are all it takes. In just a few steps, your shoes will look as good as new:
- just like a simple post-hiking clean, bang your shoes together
- loosen the laces and tongue to reach every nook and cranny, and remove the insole
- let the insole dry, washing it beforehand if necessary
- using a soft brush, rinse your shoes with clean water and scrub until all dirt is gone (if they are very dirty, add a little mild soap to lukewarm water). Clean inside and outside your shoes, without missing a spot
- let your shoes dry completely in a dry place away from direct heat or direct sunlight
- finish with a nourishing protective treatment if your shoes are made of leather
- once or twice a year, finish by applying a water-repellent product, also known as a "waterproofer" - let it air-dry, then store in a dry, well-ventilated place away from dust
You now have all the essential tips on how to clean and extend the lifespan of your hiking shoes. To find out more about hiking footwear, check out our complete guide.
