How

to

Clean

Hiking

Boots

»

Ultimate

Care

Guide

When Is It Time for a Clean?

Rule of thumb: Clean your boots after every outing – especially if you've been slogging through wet, muddy, or snowy conditions. All that grime, salt, and moisture will eat away at the materials and soles. Skip the all-important maintenance, and your hiking shoes  won't last nearly as long – or feel as good on your feet.

Leather vs. Synthetics – What You Need to Know

The proper care depends on the material you're dealing with. Full-grain leather needs regular conditioning to stay supple, while synthetic fabrics and nubuck have different requirements. Most important: always use the right products – household cleaners can seriously damage the materials.

Here's a breakdown of the main differences between leather hiking boots and those made from synthetics:

How to Clean Hiking Boots Correctly – Step by Step

Ready to clean your hiking boots? With proper care, they'll not only last longer, but will also provide reliable footing on countless future adventures. Our outdoor boot care guide includes a helpful video that shows you exactly what to pay attention to when cleaning.

Here’s the key aspects broken down into 6 steps:

Step 1: Prep Work – Pull Out Laces and Insoles

Before you start cleaning, make sure to prep your boots the right way. Remove the laces completely – you need to get at all those hidden spots around the eyelets. Pop out the insoles too so you can actually clean the inside and let everything dry properly. Clean both parts separately with lukewarm water and mild soap, then let them air dry.
Heads up: Laces and insoles can absolutely go in the washing machine – just never put your actual boots in there.

Step 2: Removing the Worst Dirt

Time to deal with the heavy grime. Bang your boots together first to knock off loose dirt. This is particularly important for the soles: All that sand and those little rocks that got stuck in the tread will come out easily by gently tapping them loose. Grab a stiff brush and scrub off dust and dried mud from everywhere, using warm water as needed. For hard-to-reach spots like eyelets and small cracks, an old toothbrush is your best friend.

Step 3: Clean the Inside

Rinse the inside lining under lukewarm water while tapping the boot upside down. If they're particularly dirty, use a bit of activewear detergent to kill bad odors or tough grime buildup. Just make sure you rinse all that soap out completely.
Word of advice: Never throw hiking boots in the washing machine. We’re serious. It'll destroy the glue, materials, and shape permanently.

Step 4: Leave Them to Dry

After cleaning, it’s time for drying. Stuff the hiking boots with newspaper and leave them to dry face down in a place with good airflow, ideally at room temperature. Stay away from direct sun or heaters, as it will make the materials crack and warp. Swap out the newspaper regularly – depending on the material of your shoes, the whole process can take up to two days.

Step 5: Waterproof Them

Once they're bone dry, hit your boots with some fresh waterproofing. Get the spray that works for your material. Spray evenly – ideally outside or in a location with good ventilation. Your boots will still be breathable, while keeping water and dirt at bay. The best time to do this is a few hours after washing, while they're still slightly damp. Then let them sit for 24 hours.

Extra Step 6 for Leather: Wax Treatment

Leather boots need an extra step: conditioning. Work some leather wax or conditioner into the clean, dry leather with a cloth or sponge. Let it soak in – you can buff it with a soft brush afterward to maintain that shine. This keeps the leather flexible, stops it from cracking, and makes your boots last forever – even on rough and challenging trails.

Practical Tips for On the Trail and at Home

A few simple habits can seriously reduce the time required for maintenance and care, while effectively protecting your boots in the long-term:

• Act fast: Remove mud and moisture right after your hike – ideally while you're still outside and before everything dries and hardens. This stops dirt from setting in, and will ensure the materials stay flexible.

• Use gaiters: In rain, snow, or mud, gaiters will not only protect your pants from water and grime, but also the upper of your boots. They prevent moisture from building up inside, and make wet weather way more comfortable.

• Special care for GORE-TEX  or Mammut DRY Active : Breathable membranes need targeted care to keep working right. Skip oil-based products on these materials, and use proper waterproofing sprays instead – these will repel water without clogging the pores.

How To Store Hiking Boots Properly

The best care in the world won't help if you store your hiking boots wrong. Instead of just tossing them in a damp basement, follow some simple but crucial rules to keep your boots working right for years.

Make sure they're completely dry once you’ve completed your last hike or cleaning session – even the tongue and inner lining should have zero moisture left, otherwise mold and nasty smells are bound to develop. Then store them out of direct sunlight and at room temperature: sunlight ages plastics and makes leather brittle. You also need good air circulation – skip airtight boxes and go with a breathable fabric bag, or simply put them on an open shelf. To help them keep their shape during longer periods of storage, lightly stuff them with clean, ink-free paper or shoe trees. That way your boots will make it safely through the downtime, and ready to go when your next adventure is beckoning.

FAQ: Common Questions About Hiking Boot Care

How often should I clean my hiking boots?

After every trip – especially if they're wet or really dirty. The more regularly you clean them, the less effort will be required time after time.

Can I throw my hiking boots in the washing machine?

Absolutely not – it'll destroy the materials, membranes, and glue joints. Tumbledrying is also a no-no. Always clean them by hand.

How do I know when I need to waterproof again?

When water stops beading up and starts seeping into the material, it's time to reproof your boots. It’s always worth checking for this after an intense trip to be on the safe side.

Do all hiking boots need care products?

Yes – but which ones you use depends entirely on the material. Leather boots need conditioning treatments, synthetic ones work better with light sprays. One-size-fits-all products usually don't get the job done.

What can I do about stinky boots?

Wash or replace the insoles, wipe down the inside thoroughly, and let them air out well. There are also deodorizing sprays for boots – but make sure to use them sparingly. Or you can try little sachets filled with lavender or cedar chips to treat bad odors.

Your hiking boots are some of the most important gear you'll ever own and they deserve the same care as your backpack  or clothing . Hit up the Mammut shop  for hiking boots  and all the trail gear  you need – whatever adventure you're planning, wherever you're headed. Want more hiking tips – like how to break in new boots properly  – or just love reading about epic outdoor adventures? Check out our Mammut Stories and Guides !