How to Clean Hiking Boots

What You'll Need

• Stiff-bristle brush
• Mild soap or Soap-Man Lemon Glow Dish Soap
• Warm water
• Boot conditioner or waterproofing treatment
• Newspaper for drying

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1

   Remove laces and insoles

   Take out the laces and insoles. Wash laces separately. Let insoles air out or wash with mild soap and water.

2. 2

   Knock off mud and brush

   Bang soles together to remove caked mud. Use a stiff brush on the soles, lugs, and welts to clear embedded dirt.

3. 3

   Wash with soapy water

   Use warm water with a few drops of mild soap and a sponge or brush. Scrub the entire boot exterior. Avoid soaking leather or nubuck panels.

4. 4

   Rinse and air dry

   Rinse off soap residue with clean water. Stuff with newspaper and air dry at room temperature. Never use direct heat.

5. 5

   Condition and waterproof

   Once dry, apply boot conditioner to leather panels. Apply waterproofing treatment appropriate for the boot material.

Pro Tips

• TIPClean hiking boots after every hike while the dirt is still fresh -- dried mud is much harder to remove.
• TIPRotate boots between hikes to let each pair dry fully, preventing odor and extending the lifespan.
• TIPStore in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight, which degrades both leather and synthetic materials.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• XDrying boots with a hairdryer, near a campfire, or on a heater, which cracks leather and degrades adhesives.
• XNever cleaning or conditioning hiking boots, which lets dirt, mud, and sweat break down materials prematurely.
• XMachine washing hiking boots, which damages the construction, adhesives, and waterproof membranes.

Frequently Asked Questions