How to Clean Hiking Shoes | Keep Them Rolling

Dirty hiking shoes don’t just look rough—they break down faster and lose their waterproofing. Mud traps moisture, which wrecks adhesives and lets odors set in. The good news: a proper clean takes about fifteen minutes of hands-on work, and it keeps your footwear grippy, comfortable, and ready for the next trail. The key is knowing what not to do—skip the washing machine and bleach, and your boots will thank you.

What You Need Before You Start

Gather these items first, so you’re not hunting mid-task:

• A soft-bristled brush, boot brush, or old toothbrush
• Water—warm or hot, but never boiling
• A mild cleaner: gentle soap, boot cleaner, or a dedicated cleansing agent
• A clean cloth or sponge
• Access to a ventilated drying area away from heat

For stubborn lug soles, a hose can handle the outsole only—just don’t blast the whole shoe.

The 6-Step Cleaning Process

Start with dry cleaning before anything wet. Salomon recommends removing mud as soon as possible because dried mud is harder to get off.

1. Remove the laces and insoles. Salomon also says to loosen Quick Lace systems before cleaning, not just standard laces.
2. Knock the soles together or brush off loose mud, dirt, and pebbles. Pay extra attention to the crevices and lugs where rocks get stuck.
3. Brush or wipe the uppers with water and mild cleaner. Use your soft brush or a cloth with gentle soap on the fabric, seams, and leather sections. For sensitive uppers, follow SCARPA’s lead: a soft brush and warm water only.
4. Rinse off all soap residue. Leftover cleaner attracts dirt and can irritate skin. Thorough rinsing matters as much as washing.
5. Wash insoles separately if needed, then dry them apart from the shoe. This prevents moisture from being trapped inside.
6. Air-dry fully in a ventilated area. Keep shoes away from radiators, heaters, and direct sun, per Salomon and Columbia. Manufacturers agree that heat damages materials and waterproof membranes.

Reinsert the insoles and re-lace only after everything is completely dry. Rushing this step traps moisture and breeds odor.

Common Mistakes That Ruin Hiking Shoes

The fastest way to destroy good footwear is throwing it in the wash. Washing machines bang shoes around, twist materials, and can delaminate waterproofing. Bleach and harsh detergents do similar damage—they break down fabrics and membranes rather than just cleaning them.

Drying mistakes hurt just as much. Radiators and blow dryers can warp soles and shrink leather. Direct sun brings the same risk for many boots, though some non-leather versions handle it fine—check your manufacturer’s guidance first.

One more trap: letting mud bake on before cleaning. Salomon warns that dried mud is much harder to remove, so tackle dirty boots soon after your hike, not a week later.

For mold, REI suggests a diluted vinegar solution—roughly 80% water to 20% vinegar—then a thorough rinse. It’s an effective fix without harsh chemicals.

Material-Specific Care Notes

Different uppers need slightly different handling. Fabric and synthetic sections clean easily with water and mild soap. Leather calls for a gentler touch and sometimes a leather-specific cleaner. Suede and nubuck are the fussiest—minimal water and a specialized brush work best. Waterproof models like GORE-TEX need the same gentle treatment, with extra care to avoid heat that can damage the membrane. If you’re shopping for a new pair, our roundup of women’s waterproof trail shoes covers tested options that handle trail grime well and clean up easily.

When you’re done, your hiking shoes should look close to new and smell fresh. With regular care and the occasional deep clean, a quality pair lasts years longer than one that’s neglected.