Hiking shoes and boots are essential for your hikes. Their numerous technical qualities make them the most important hiking equipment. To preserve them well, but also to allow them to last longer, it is important to take good care of them.

If your boots and shoes are muddy or dusty after a hike:

Rinse them under running water or in a stream to remove the bulk.
You can also tap the soles against each other to release the studs

Do not wait for the mud to dry, it will be more difficult to remove. Also adopt a maintenance routine to prolong their lifespan and efficiency.

Find out how to take care of your hiking shoes and boots!

1. Change shoes or boots

The first step (after removing the mud) is to remove the shoes or boots. Put on another pair of shoes to let your hiking gear breathe.

Give a break to your feet that have worked hard.

2. Maintain the sole

Start by removing the insoles on the inside (midsole). Let these air dry. Bad odours are mainly due to perspiration from the feet and the proliferation of bacteria in a humid environment. As soon as foot odour or dampness persists, use a disinfectant spray inside and dry your shoes thoroughly.

3. Brush the shoe

Sometimes, a rinse after the hike is not enough. If your boots remain dusty, take the time to clean them. Use a brush with firm bristles made of nylon or horsehair.

🚫 Avoid brushes with steel or other metal bristles.

Gently brush your hiking shoes or boots to remove mud, dirt and small rocks.

💡 Use an old toothbrush to clean nooks and crannies.

If your Vibram soles are soaked with dried mud, place the boots in hot water, making sure that only the outer soles are submerged.

3. Clean the shoes or boots with a suitable product

In order to properly deodorize hiking boots or shoes, they must be washed well. By washing them properly, you will also keep their impermeability and breathability longer. To clean your shoes and boots, you can use either a mixture of dish soap and water, a mixture of water and vinegar, or a mild soap made specifically.

how to wash hiking boots ?

To wash your hiking boots, start by removing excess dirt with a soft brush, then prepare a mild cleaning solution with warm water and a gentle detergent. Use a soft-bristled brush or sponge to gently scrub the exterior of the boots, focusing on stubborn stains. Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap residue, then let them air dry away from direct heat sources. If your boots are made of leather, consider applying a conditioner after drying to maintain their suppleness. Next, if your boots are waterproof, consider reapplying a waterproofing product to prolong their water resistance. Inspect them for any damage and store them in a cool, dry place.

4. Air-dry hiking shoes or boots

Once cleaned, it is important to leave them to dry in the open air, in a dry and suitable place. Leave to dry in a ventilated and dry place with a good ambient temperature. Loosen the laces, open the tongue and don’t forget to remove the midsole.

💡 You can place the shoes or boots near a fan for more efficient drying.

🚫 Never speed up the drying time by placing them in the blazing sun, near a fire or a heater! A direct heat source could permanently damage your boots…

5. Apply a water-repellent treatment if needed

If your boots or shoes start to soak up water, you can restore their waterproofness with a waterproofing agent. There are several types of treatments like sprays and creams.

➡️ Be sure to apply the treatment to a wet boot! Waterproofing products are applied to a damp boot.

Also take the time to observe the materials of your shoes or boots. For Gore-Tex type waterproof membranes, you can re-waterproof the outer fabrics using a spray product. Regardless of the product used, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Remember that leather is a living material.

As William Hodge, President and Founder of Grisport Canada, said so well:

“Men, or maybe more women, have always moisturized their face to maintain a young and healthy appearance. It’s the same for our leather boots!”

Keep the leather of your boots and shoes hydrated with a polishing cream!

How to take care of your hiking shoes and boots?