How to Clean, Dry, and Maintain Hiking BootsUpdated 4 hours ago

To extend the lifespan, grip, and breathability of your hiking footwear, clean your boots after every outing using water and a brush, then let them air-dry away from direct heat.

Right after your hike

• Quick rinse: If you pass a stream or outdoor water point, give your boots a quick rinse to wash away fresh mud before it cakes on.
• Bang soles together: Knock the outsoles together heel-to-heel to dislodge dried mud, clay, and small stones lodged in the treads.

Back at home

1. Remove laces and insoles: Take out the footbeds (insoles) and unthread the laces so the boot can breathe and dry from the inside out.
2. Rinse and scrub: Rinse under lukewarm running water and use a soft-to-medium bristle brush to work away stubborn dirt, paying special attention to seams, eyelets, and the tongue gusset.
3. Deep clean & reproof: When mud strips away the initial water repellency, restore it while the boots are still damp:

• For fabric & mixed materials: Use Nikwax Fabric & Leather Proof™ (spray-on).
• For full-grain leather: Apply Nikwax Waterproofing Wax for Leather™ with the sponge applicator to nourish the leather and prevent cracking.

1. Air-dry naturally: Leave your boots to dry at room temperature in a well-ventilated space. Keep well away from radiators, direct sunlight, campfires, or hairdryers, which dry out leather and weaken sole adhesives.

Tip: Stuff the toe boxes with newspaper or scrunched-up paper towels to draw out internal moisture, replacing the paper after a few hours.

What to avoid: Never use a washing machine: The tumbling action, soaking, and spin cycle will break down internal foam padding, compromise structural reinforcements, and dissolve sole adhesives.

Storage: Store your boots clean and completely dry in a well-ventilated, moisture-free area to prevent mould and dry rot.

Want more trail maintenance tips? Download our complete Footwear Care & Maintenance Guide (PDF).

Need advice on choosing or caring for your hiking boots? Our technical specialists are always happy to help at [email protected].