How to Clean Hiking Boots?
How to Clean Hiking Boots?
December 15, 2025 (8-minute read)
Are your hiking boots coming back covered in dried mud, dust, and small stones? That’s a sign of a great hike! But beware: this seemingly harmless dirt can significantly shorten the lifespan of your boots.
Dried mud on technical materials reduces their breathability. Dust gets trapped in the seams, weakening the fabric. As for small stones, they wear down the soles prematurely and can damage waterproof membranes.
Cleaning your boots properly after each hike isn’t about being a perfectionist—it’s an investment to extend the life of your gear. Whether your boots are leather, technical fabric, or equipped with a Gore-Tex membrane, each material requires a specific approach.
In this guide, we provide all the proven techniques to clean your boots effectively without damaging them, dry them properly, and maintain them according to their material.
Table of contents
Why clean your boots after every hike?
Dried mud and trail debris aren’t just souvenirs of your adventure. Accumulated dirt becomes a real enemy for your waterproof hiking boots.
Particles of earth and dust get trapped in the pores of technical materials, drastically reducing their breathability. Your boots then lose their moisture-wicking properties, promoting bacteria growth and persistent odors.
The insole absorbs sweat and moisture. Without regular cleaning, it becomes a breeding ground for fungi. Yet, a simple rinse with warm water and mild soap is enough to maintain foot hygiene and comfort.
Cleaning your boots after every hike preserves their technical performance and can triple their lifespan.
How to Clean Hiking Boots Effectively?
Essential cleaning materials
Gather your cleaning supplies before starting: a soft brush to remove embedded dirt, a clean cloth for delicate surfaces, and a basin of lukewarm water.
Stuff your hiking boots with newspaper to help maintain their shape while drying. For nubuck or synthetic boots, use a mild soap that respects technical fibers.
A small tip: keep an old toothbrush to clean hard-to-reach areas like eyelets and seams. With this basic kit, your boots will regain their shine in minutes.
Basic cleaning steps
Tap your boots together to dislodge dry dirt and stones stuck in the treads. This simple method removes 80% of debris effortlessly.
Rinse your boots under cold water to remove remaining mud. Gently scrub dirty areas with a soft brush, paying special attention to seams where fine particles accumulate.
Remove the laces and insoles before any thorough washing. This allows access to hidden areas and makes drying easier. Clean these elements separately in lukewarm soapy water.
Wipe the exterior with a clean cloth, then let your boots dry in a ventilated, dry area, away from direct heat sources.
Cleaning the inside of hiking boots
Always remove the insole after each hike to prevent bacterial growth. Wash it separately in lukewarm water with a few drops of mild soap.
For the inside of the boot, pour cold or lukewarm water directly inside and gently scrub the walls with a soft brush. Empty the water and repeat until the water runs clear.
Generously sprinkling baking soda inside neutralizes stubborn odors. Leave it overnight, then shake out the residue. Warning: this method requires complete drying before next use.
Material-Specific Care
How to clean leather hiking boots
Leather requires a gentle approach to preserve its natural flexibility and waterproof properties. Start by removing large debris with a soft horsehair brush, ideal for this living material.
Clean with warm water and glycerin soap, avoiding too much pressure on delicate seams. Mild soap respects the leather fibers while effectively removing salt and dirt.
Once cleaned, apply a protective cream or nourishing wax to maintain leather hydration. This step preserves breathability while enhancing natural water repellency. Let dry in the air, never in direct sunlight, which can crack the material.
Caring for nubuck and suede boots
These velvety materials need products designed to maintain their unique texture. Use a crepe brush to dust off and lift the fibers without damaging them.
For stubborn stains, use a suede eraser in circular motions, then gently brush in the direction of the fibers. A specific revitalizing spray restores color while nourishing the material.
Caution: avoid excessive water, which can permanently stain these delicate leathers. Regular, careful inspection allows you to tackle small stains before they set.
Gore-Tex care: should you re-waterproof your hiking boots?
Contrary to popular belief, yes! The Gore-Tex membrane is inside the boot, but outer materials gradually lose their water repellency with use and weather exposure.
Use a gas-free spray designed for breathable membranes. Liquid waxes and greases are to be avoided—they clog pores and reduce breathability.
Products like NST Proof or similar water-based sprays reactivate the DWR (durable water repellent) treatment without compromising performance. Apply on slightly damp boots after cleaning.
Our advice: re-waterproof Gore-Tex boots twice a year or after extreme conditions, such as volcanic ash in the mountains. Your feet will stay dry longer!
Drying and Storage: Best Practices
How to dry your boots properly
Correct drying is as crucial as cleaning for the longevity of your boots. Loosen laces completely and remove insoles to optimize airflow.
Place your boots in a dry, ventilated area, away from radiators and direct sunlight, which crack materials. Room temperature is ideal to preserve adhesives and flexibility.
To speed up drying safely, stuff the inside with newspaper, changing it every two hours. This effectively absorbs residual moisture. With patience, your boots will be ready in 24 to 48 hours, depending on the material.
Winter care
Winter exposes boots to harsh conditions: de-icing salt, icy mud, and temperature fluctuations.
Rinse after each hike to remove salt residues that dry out leather and corrode metal eyelets. Warm water dissolves deposits before they set.
Increase waterproofing frequency: shift from biannual to monthly. Cold weakens water-repellent treatments, especially on Gore-Tex boots exposed to the elements.
Store boots in a temperate area between hikes. Repeated thermal shocks crack soles and stiffen flexible materials.
Tip: rotate between two pairs if possible. This allows complete drying and preserves material elasticity during demanding months.
Can you machine wash hiking boots?
Absolutely not! Even robust synthetic boots cannot withstand the washing machine.
Repeated drum impacts deform the structure, separate soles, and crack plastic reinforcements. High temperatures melt adhesives, permanently compromising waterproofing. Soapy water damages technical membranes like Gore-Tex and destroys factory-applied water repellents.
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