How to Clean Your Hiking Shoes: A Step-by-Step Guide

AvatarByDale Richard Hiking

How to Wash Hiking Shoes?

Hiking shoes are an essential piece of gear for any outdoor enthusiast. They provide support, traction, and protection for your feet, ankles, and legs. But after a long day on the trail, your hiking shoes are likely to be dirty, sweaty, and smelly. If you don’t clean them properly, they can become a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi, which can lead to infections.

In this article, we’ll show you how to wash hiking shoes so that they stay clean, fresh, and odor-free. We’ll cover everything from the best cleaning methods to the products you’ll need. So whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just starting out, read on for all the information you need to know about washing your hiking shoes!

Step Instructions Tips
1 Remove the laces and insoles from your hiking shoes. This will allow you to get a deeper clean.
2 Fill a bucket with warm water and a mild detergent. Be sure to use a detergent that is specifically designed for cleaning shoes.
3 Soak your hiking shoes in the soapy water for 30 minutes. Be sure to agitate the shoes to loosen any dirt or debris.
4 Rinse your hiking shoes thoroughly with warm water. Be sure to remove all of the soap.
5 Dry your hiking shoes in a well-ventilated area. Do not place your hiking shoes in direct sunlight or near a heat source.

Hiking shoes are an essential piece of gear for any outdoor enthusiast. They provide support, traction, and protection for your feet, ankles, and legs. But after a long day on the trail, your hiking shoes can get dirty and smelly. If you don’t clean them properly, they can become a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi.

This guide will show you how to wash your hiking shoes so that they stay clean, fresh, and comfortable. We’ll cover everything from removing the laces and insoles to drying your shoes properly. So whether you’re looking to clean a pair of brand-new hiking shoes or give your old ones a deep clean, read on for all the tips and tricks you need to know.

Preparation

Before you can wash your hiking shoes, you need to prepare them by removing the laces and insoles. This will make it easier to clean the shoes and ensure that all of the dirt and debris is removed.

To remove the laces, simply loosen the knots and pull them out of the shoes. If the laces are dirty, you can wash them separately in a mesh laundry bag.

To remove the insoles, look for a small tab or pull loop on the inside of the shoe. Grasp the tab and pull the insole out of the shoe. If the insole is stuck, you can use a thin, flat object like a butter knife or credit card to help pry it out.

Once you’ve removed the laces and insoles, you can start cleaning the shoes.

Washing

To wash your hiking shoes, you’ll need a sink or bucket, warm water, a mild detergent, and a brush.

Fill the sink or bucket with warm water and add a small amount of mild detergent. You can use a laundry detergent, dish soap, or a hiking shoe-specific cleaner.

Soak the shoes in the soapy water for 10-15 minutes. This will help to loosen dirt and debris.

Gently scrub the shoes with a brush. Be careful not to use too much pressure, as this could damage the shoes. Focus on the areas that are dirtiest, such as the soles, the toe boxes, and the heels.

Rinse the shoes thoroughly under running water. Be sure to remove all of the soap residue.

Drying

Once you’ve washed your hiking shoes, it’s important to dry them properly. If you don’t dry them properly, they can become a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi.

There are a few different ways to dry your hiking shoes.

  • Air dry: The best way to dry your hiking shoes is to air dry them. Place them in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. This will help to prevent the shoes from drying out too quickly and cracking.
  • Dry with a fan: If you don’t have time to air dry your hiking shoes, you can use a fan to help speed up the process. Place the shoes on a rack or over a drying rack and turn on the fan.
  • Dry in the dryer: You can also dry your hiking shoes in the dryer. However, be sure to use the lowest heat setting and only dry them for a short amount of time. If you dry them too long or on too high of a heat setting, the shoes can become damaged.

Once the shoes are dry, you can put the laces and insoles back in. Your hiking shoes are now clean, fresh, and ready to hit the trail again!

Following these steps will help you keep your hiking shoes clean and in good condition. By washing your shoes regularly, you can prevent them from becoming a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. You can also extend the life of your shoes by keeping them clean and dry.

Here are a few additional tips for washing hiking shoes:

  • If your shoes are particularly dirty, you can soak them in a solution of water and white vinegar for a few hours before washing them. This will help to loosen dirt and debris.
  • Be sure to use a mild detergent that is designed for washing shoes. Harsh detergents can damage the materials in your shoes.
  • Rinse your shoes thoroughly after washing them to remove all of the soap residue.
  • Dry your shoes in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. This will help to prevent the shoes from drying out too quickly and cracking.
  • If you have to dry your shoes in the dryer, be sure to use the lowest heat setting and only dry them for a short amount of time.

By following these tips, you can keep your hiking shoes clean, fresh, and ready to hit the trail for years to come!

Washing Hiking Shoes

Hiking shoes are designed to withstand the elements, but they can still get dirty and smelly. Washing your hiking shoes regularly will help to keep them in good condition and prevent them from becoming a breeding ground for bacteria.

There are a few different ways to wash hiking shoes, but the most important thing is to use a mild detergent and to avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials.

How to Wash Hiking Shoes by Hand

To wash your hiking shoes by hand, you will need:

  • A mild detergent
  • A bucket or sink
  • A scrub brush
  • A towel

1. Fill the bucket or sink with warm water.
2. Add a small amount of mild detergent to the water.
3. Submerge the shoes in the water and gently scrub them with the scrub brush.
4. Rinse the shoes thoroughly with clean water.
5. Dry the shoes with a towel.

How to Wash Hiking Shoes in the Washing Machine

To wash your hiking shoes in the washing machine, you will need:

  • A mild detergent
  • A mesh laundry bag
  • A washing machine
  • A dryer

1. Place the shoes in a mesh laundry bag.
2. Add a small amount of mild detergent to the washing machine.
3. Set the washing machine to a gentle cycle.
4. Dry the shoes on a low setting in the dryer.

Drying Hiking Shoes

It is important to dry your hiking shoes properly after washing them. If the shoes are not dried properly, they can become a breeding ground for bacteria and mold.

To dry your hiking shoes, you can:

  • Air dry the shoes in a well-ventilated area.
  • Place the shoes in a shoe dryer.
  • Stuff the shoes with newspaper to help absorb moisture.

Do not place the shoes in direct sunlight or near a heat source. This can damage the shoes and make them more susceptible to cracking.

Prevention

You can help to prevent your hiking shoes from getting dirty and smelly by taking a few simple steps:

  • Protect your shoes from dirt and moisture by storing them in a dry place.
  • Use a waterproof spray to protect your shoes from water damage.
  • Clean your shoes regularly to prevent dirt and bacteria from building up.

By following these tips, you can keep your hiking shoes in good condition and enjoy them for many years to come.

Hiking shoes are an important part of any hiker’s gear. They provide support, protection, and traction, and they can help to keep you safe on the trail. By following these tips, you can keep your hiking shoes in good condition and enjoy them for many years to come.

How do I wash hiking shoes?

There are a few different ways to wash hiking shoes, depending on the material they are made of.

  • For leather hiking shoes:
  • Fill a sink or bucket with warm water and a mild detergent.
  • Soak the shoes for 10-15 minutes.
  • Gently scrub the shoes with a soft brush.
  • Rinse the shoes thoroughly with clean water.
  • Dry the shoes in a well-ventilated area.
  • For synthetic hiking shoes:
  • Fill a sink or bucket with warm water and a mild detergent.
  • Soak the shoes for 10-15 minutes.
  • Gently scrub the shoes with a soft brush.
  • Rinse the shoes thoroughly with clean water.
  • Dry the shoes in a well-ventilated area.
  • For waterproof hiking shoes:
  • Do not wash waterproof hiking shoes in the washing machine or dryer.
  • Instead, clean them by hand using the methods described above.
  • If the shoes are very dirty, you can use a waterproofing spray to restore their water-resistant properties.

What should I avoid when washing hiking shoes?

  • Do not use harsh detergents or chemicals, as these can damage the shoes.
  • Do not wash hiking shoes in the washing machine or dryer, as this can damage the materials and waterproofing.
  • Do not dry hiking shoes in direct sunlight, as this can cause the materials to crack and fade.

**How often should I wash my hiking shoes?

It is important to wash your hiking shoes regularly to prevent them from becoming dirty and smelly. However, you should not wash them too often, as this can damage the materials.

  • For leather hiking shoes, you should wash them every 3-4 wears.
  • For synthetic hiking shoes, you should wash them every 5-6 wears.
  • For waterproof hiking shoes, you should wash them every 7-8 wears.

**What can I do to keep my hiking shoes clean?

There are a few things you can do to keep your hiking shoes clean:

  • Wipe them down with a damp cloth after each use.
  • Store them in a cool, dry place.
  • Use a waterproofing spray to protect them from water and dirt.

By following these tips, you can help keep your hiking shoes clean and in good condition for many years to come.

In this article, we have discussed how to wash hiking shoes. We have covered the different methods of cleaning hiking shoes, as well as the best products to use for each method. We have also provided tips on how to prevent your hiking shoes from getting dirty in the first place.

We hope that this article has been helpful and that you now feel confident in your ability to clean your hiking shoes. By following the tips in this article, you can keep your hiking shoes looking and smelling their best, so that you can enjoy them for many years to come.

Here are some key takeaways:

  • The best way to clean hiking shoes depends on the material they are made from.
  • For leather hiking shoes, you can use a mild detergent and water, or a commercial leather cleaner.
  • For synthetic hiking shoes, you can use a laundry detergent and water, or a commercial hiking shoe cleaner.
  • To prevent your hiking shoes from getting dirty, you can wear gaiters, clean your shoes after each hike, and store them in a dry place.

Author Profile

Dale Richard
Dale Richard
Dale, in his mid-thirties, embodies the spirit of adventure and the love for the great outdoors. With a background in environmental science and a heart that beats for exploring the unexplored, Dale has hiked through the lush trails of the Appalachian Mountains, camped under the starlit skies of the Mojave Desert, and kayaked through the serene waters of the Great Lakes.

His adventures are not just about conquering new terrains but also about embracing the ethos of sustainable and responsible travel. Dale’s experiences, from navigating through dense forests to scaling remote peaks, bring a rich tapestry of stories, insights, and practical tips to our blog.