How to Clean Hiking Boots Like a Pro (5 Easy Steps and Tips)

Dirty hiking boots remind me of an amazing adventure. But by day’s end, I can’t store boots with all that dirt as a badge of honor.

Caked-on mud from gritty trails can cause both leather and synthetic fabric boots to break down quicker and cause unnecessary wear and tear on the materials.

Stay tuned right until the end and learn the best practices for cleaning hiking boots to ensure that your favorite boots last as long as possible. 

How To Clean Your Boots Inside

The insides of your walking shoes are not exempt from getting dirty while you’re out on the trail, and you must also take time to clean them.

I’ve had all sorts of things seep through small cracks in my shoes and have seen the damage it can do.

I also know that my feet tend to get sweaty during long hikes and that dampness can also cause damage. 

Here’s the process I use to clean the inside of my boots each time I finish a hike. I like always to do this cleaning step first before I tackle the dirtier outside of the boots.

1. Remove the insoles from both of the boots. 
2. Take a clean, damp cloth and wipe down the inner lining of each boot to remove any dirt.  
3. Wash the insoles with warm water and some gentle soap. If they need deodorizing, sprinkle some baking soda on them at this time. Leave them out of the boots to finish the drying process.
4. Stuff newspaper or a hand towel inside your boots to keep them completely dry as you move on to the outside of the boot. 

How To Wash The Outside Of Your Boots

Certainly, the soles and tops of hiking boots require the most cleaning. I always shake off mud and dirt before getting into my car by stamping them on the ground or hitting them against a rock or tree.

Once I’m back at home, that’s where the real work begins. After cleaning the interior and removing the bad smell of the hiking boots, I move on to the muddy exterior. 

1. Take a boot brush and brush off all the caked-on mud, rocks, leaves, dust, and other debris on the surface that you kick off at the end of the trail. Also, scrub the laces.  
2. If you have synthetic boots: Fill a sink or basin with warm water and add a bit of dish soap (not bar soap). Sometimes I fill the bathtub instead to avoid getting my sink too dirty.
   Dip your hiking boots into the water and use a shoe brush to gently give them a good scrub. Once your boots are clean, dampen a fresh cloth and wipe again, to remove any leftover soap residue. 
3. For leather hiking boots: Rinse your boots under lukewarm water. Use a special leather boot cleaner and rub it around the boot with a soft cloth. After cleaning the entire boot, use a damp sponge to remove any remaining leather cleaner from the boot. 
4. After your hiking boots are clean, re-waterproof your footwear. Complete this step while your hiking boots are still wet. For synthetic hiking boots, use a waterproofing spray. For leather hiking boots, steer clear of those and use a waterproofing wax instead.
   Apply a few thin layers of the wax in a circular motion to ensure they are properly waterproofed. 
5. Let your boots air dry. After they dry completely, replace your hiking insoles. Remember, never dry your hiking boots near heat sources (like a fireplace or campfire) or in direct sunlight. 

For my Vasque leather boots, I also like to apply a leather conditioner to them after they’ve dried to help prevent any cracking or drying out and keep them looking slightly shiny.  

How Often Should You Clean Your Hiking Boots? 

Ideally, you should make sure you’re cleaning hiking boot outsoles and uppers after every one of your outdoor adventures.

However, if you’ve only worn your hiking boots for a short walk or in a dry environment, you may get away with waiting until after your next hike to give them a complete treatment.

I’ll admit that I don’t diligently clean mine from top to bottom every time I return from the outdoors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Hiking Boots 

If you ever wondered why your boots look so crusty and bland after just a few washes, here’s what you might be doing wrong:

• Using a washing machine for your leather boots: One mistake many of us made at some point was running our boots through a washing machine. Simple as it sounds, this can cause them to lose their shape and integrity. Instead, we recommend cleaning them by hand with appropriate cleaning tools like a scrub brush and mild cleaning soap.
• Using heat sources for drying: Dry your hiking boots in a well-ventilated area, not near a radiator or fireplace. Heat can damage expensive leather boots, making them stiff and less durable.
• Improper storage: Last but not least, let’s not forget our boots in places that are damp or lack appropriate ventilation, as this can lead to mold growth, damaging the material. Store them in a dry, well-aired environment away from direct sunlight for the best care.

What Materials Do I Need to Clean My Hiking Boots?

For cleaning synthetic hiking boots, I found using a boot brush, boot cleaner, and a soft brush to be effective in removing dirt.

Can You Wash Hiking Boots in a Washing Machine?

Washing hiking boots in a machine is generally discouraged, especially for leather, suede, or GORE-TEX boots, as it can damage them. However, synthetic materials may withstand gentle machine wash cycles.