Skip to main content

A Quick Guide on How to Clean Hiking Boots

No matter where you hike or what you hike in, one thing is for sure: Hiking boots are supposed to get dirty. Your new boots might look fresh and clean right out of the box, and after that, every scrape and stain may be a badge of honor. But that doesn't mean they should stay that way. Follow the tips outlined below to keep your hiking boots clean, functional, and ready to hit the next trail.

Difficulty

Moderate

Leaving boots damp and soiled with mud or caked-in dirt can lead to serious damage over time — the type of damage that goes beyond cosmetics and can impact performance and longevity. Plus, a quality pair of hiking boots can put you back a pretty penny, and a regular cleaning prepares them for the long haul.

Man wearing dirty muddy hiking boots while standing on a log.
Johner Images/Getty Images

Clean the Exterior

First things first: Remove any mud. If your boots are saturated, try to get most of that off before heading inside. Best way to do that? Go ahead and slam those boots together — don't worry, they can take it.

Get as much of that mud off as you can with brute force, then switch to a good, stiff brush or slender rod. You should remove as much mud, dirt, leaves, and rocks as possible because the longer that stuff sits there, the longer it will keep the boots damp.

Once you’ve removed as much mud as you can from the exterior of the boots, grab a bucket and fill it with some warm water and a little biodegradable dish soap. Remove the laces and dip the sole of your boots into the warm water and give them a good scrub.

No need to completely submerge them. The bucket is handy because it allows the warm water to coat the boots (making the dirt easier to remove), and it collects the dirty water, which you can toss outside when you’re finished (saving your sink and drain). Try to prevent the insides from becoming too wet, as this could lead to mold and mildew issues. To avoid this, stuff your boots with a hand towel at the start of the washing process.

Clean the Interior

Once your boots are looking as good as new from the outside (or at least close to it), it’s time to focus on the inside. The dampness your feet produce, along with any moisture from snow, fog, or rain, can all damage the inside of your boots (especially salty sweat and saltwater).

Pull out any insoles, wipe them down, then use a clean, lightly damp rag to wipe out the inside of your boots. Do this step before more extensive cleaning of the exterior, because once you get the insides dry, you want them to stay that way.

Condition and Waterproof

If you’re going to waterproof and condition your boots, the best time to do it is right after they’ve been cleaned and while they’re still wet.

Most hiking boots are pre-equipped with durable water repellent (DWR), but over time, this finish wears off and your boot will start to absorb more water. So, it’s important to re-treat your boots every once and awhile. After you’ve cleaned your boots and before you leave them to dry, go ahead and apply your waterproofing product. There are different options for leather, suede, and synthetic boots so make sure you’ve grabbed one that best suits your boots.

If you have full-grain leather boots, you’ll want to condition them if they appear dry and cracked on the outside. To apply the conditioner, take a quarter-sized amount and apply it to the boot, rubbing in a circular motion. Allow the first coat to air dry before applying a second and third coat if necessary.

Bust shot of a man brushing his brown leather boot.
Johner Images/Getty Images

Dry the Boots

While you might be tempted to place your boots in a warm, sunny location or next to an artificial heat source; think again. The best way to dry your boots is to place them in a cool and airy location; too much heat isn’t ideal as it shrinks leather and can lead to cracking. Using a hairdryer also isn’t ideal, as it can lead to further cracking and damage.

To aid the drying process, you may want to stuff the boots with a couple of dry washcloths, socks, or anything else that's nice and absorbent. Just be sure to remove and/or replace the stuffing every few hours or so because by that time they will have soaked up as much moisture as they can. You can also speed up the drying process by using a fan. Getting your boots completely dry — to the point where you can wear them again — will likely take a couple of days.  Once your boots are clean and dry, store them in a cool, dry environment away from direct sunlight.

Before You Hit the Trail

Before you head out on your next hike, take a look at the condition of your hiking boots. If they’re still covered in mud from your last trek, it’s definitely time for a clean. It might be tempting to throw your boots in the washing machine, but that can do lasting damage to both the machine and your boots. So don’t do it!

Find your boots past the point of no return? It happens. Go ahead and invest in a new pair of hiking boots and promise yourself to do better next time.

Editors' Recommendations

Stephanie Stevens
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Stephanie is a freelance writer and traveler passionate about the outdoors, conservation, sustainable living, and…
Get the right hiking boot fit for long days on the trail
A well fitted pair of hiking boots lets you enjoy your day on the trail and not focus on sore feet
Low-angle closeup of man walking in hiking boots on the trail.

If you're only going to go overboard on one piece of hiking gear, it really has to be your hiking boots. Get these right, and you will barely notice that you're wearing anything on your feet. But get them wrong, and you're in for a world of discomfort, blisters, sore points, and a long day of complaining. Sure, you can go out and buy the best pair of hiking boots on the market and spend hundreds of dollars, but unless they're properly fitted then you'll hurl them into the back of a cupboard and swear off hiking forever.

I can't tell you how many people I have guided and met on the hill who have had their day ruined by poorly fitted boots. If you're serious about hitting the trails this spring, then you need a pair of boots that fits your feet perfectly and for that. But how should hiking boots fit? Your best bet for a perfect hiking boot fit is still to hit the store and try them out. Wherever you buy your hiking boots from, test them at home around the house for a few days before heading outside in them to make sure you've got the right pair before it's too late. Here's how to test your boots.
Try your hiking boots as you would use them
You’ll want to test your hiking boots at the end of the day when your feet will be the most swollen from walking and standing all day. Your feet will get swollen when you’re hiking, so this is very important. Wear them exactly as you’ll be wearing them out on the trail. Wear the socks you’ll be using, and don’t forget sock liners if you wear them. If you have special orthotics or other insoles, try them with the boots, too. All of these factors will affect the fit. 

Read more
How to train for hiking: The 10 best exercises you can do
These ten exercises will improve your hiking abilities
A group of people hiking outside.

While hiking can certainly be a relaxing activity, it can also be quite a vigorous workout and athletic endeavor. If you find yourself wanting to up the intensity, duration, and terrain of your hikes, you may find yourself wondering how to train for hiking. Luckily, there are numerous exercises to do at home or in the gym to help strengthen your legs and make your trail time more effortless.

Strengthening your body off the trail will translate to improved hiking endurance, power, and protection against acute and overuse injuries. For example, improving your balance and building up the stabilizing muscles in your lower legs can help guard your ankles against sudden twists or sprains while developing the quadriceps can make long, steep descents nothing more than an opportunity to enjoy the scenery rather than an exhausting trek that leaves your legs feeling like Jello.

Read more
How to clean your hydro flask for tang-free hydration
Use these household items to clean your Hydro Flask and keep your water fresh
how to clean your hydro flask 1024x1024

Hydro Flasks are as popular as ever, and with good reason. These insulated water bottles are the ideal hydration companion for every occasion, whether you're hitting the trail, getting your sweat on at the gym, or trying to cut back on the soda you drink in the office. There's no doubt that staying hydrated is better for your body and your mind, so it's only natural that you take your Hydro Flask with you everywhere.

Read more