Do you want to clean and care for your hiking boots like a pro? With the right routine, you'll extend the lifespan of your trusted companions by years – and save money, protect the environment, and ensure dry, blister-free feet on every tour. In this guide, we show you step by step how to get your hiking boots optimally clean, properly waterproof them, and store them safely.
Why you should care for your hiking boots regularly
After an extensive tour, boots often end up carelessly in the corner – after all, they've done their job and gotten you safely to your destination. But that's exactly where the problem begins: dirt, moisture, and salts attack leather, seams, and membranes. Without regular care, the leather becomes hard and brittle over time. The result: water seeps in, the shoe loses its shape, and you develop blisters more easily.
Once you've found the perfect pair, you don't want to part with it anytime soon. With the right care, your shoes remain water-repellent, breathable, and perfectly fitting – whether on alpine walks, alpine tours, or trekking. By the way: the right equipment around it also counts. High-quality Merino socks provide additional protection for your feet against blisters and ensure a pleasant foot climate in the shoe.
Clean and care for hiking boots: Step-by-step guide
Caring for your hiking boots isn't difficult. With a bit of practice, it becomes a routine you'll complete in no time. Here's the best way to proceed:
1. Remove shoelaces and take out the insole
Before you start, remove the shoelaces and take out the insole. This allows you to reach hard-to-access areas and clean all parts separately and let them dry.
2. Brush off loose dirt
First, tap the shoes together and brush away loose soil, dust, and small stones with a soft brush. Pay special attention to the sole tread – caked-on mud can impair grip.
3. Thoroughly wash the shoes
Now clean the shoes with lukewarm water and a soft brush. For heavier soiling, you can use a special shoe cleaner. Avoid harsh household cleaners, dish soap, or the washing machine – these damage membranes, leather, and adhesive bonds.
4. Clean insole and shoelaces separately
Wash the insole and shoelaces with some mild soap under running water. Let both air dry, never on a heater.
5. Dry shoes properly
Avoid direct heat sources like heaters, ovens, or direct sunlight – these dry out the leather and make it brittle. Stuff the shoes with kitchen paper or newspaper to absorb moisture. Change the paper after a few hours and let the shoes dry completely in a well-ventilated, shaded location.
Condition leather and waterproof hiking boots
Once the shoes are clean and dry, it's time for actual care. Leather hiking boots need regular fat or wax to stay supple. Apply the care product thinly with a soft cloth or sponge and let it soak in. Synthetic models or shoes with Gore-Tex membrane don't need leather grease – a good waterproofing is sufficient here.
Waterproofing protects against moisture and dirt. Important: always waterproof on a slightly damp shoe, then the spray distributes evenly. Hold the spray about 20 cm away and spray evenly in several thin layers. Then let dry.
Tip: Just like your shoes, your functional textiles need regular attention too. Learn how to properly wash and care for Merino wool in our detailed care guide.
Store hiking boots properly and care for accessories
To keep your hiking boots in top shape during the off-season, store them in a dry, dark, and well-ventilated location. Avoid damp basements, sun-exposed windowsills, or closed plastic bags – mold and material damage are otherwise inevitable. Loosely stuffing with paper helps maintain the shape.
Your remaining equipment also benefits from proper storage: trekking poles should be cleaned and dried after each tour. If you're out with foldable models, our article on foldable trekking poles for winter hikes offers practical tips. Find out which tip is right for which terrain in our magazine.
For longer tours, it's worth checking out additional equipment – for example, a lightweight 40-liter backpack for multi-day tours, which reduces pressure on feet and shoes through its low weight.
Frequently asked questions about hiking boot care
How often should I clean and care for my hiking boots?
After each tour, you should remove loose dirt and let the shoes dry. Thorough cleaning including waterproofing is recommended every 5 to 10 tours depending on use – at the latest when water no longer beads off.
Can I wash my hiking boots in the washing machine?
No. The washing machine can loosen adhesive bonds, damage membranes, and ruin the leather. Always clean your shoes by hand with lukewarm water, a soft brush, and possibly a special shoe cleaner.
How do I dry wet hiking boots properly?
Never on a heater, in an oven, or in direct sunlight. Stuff the shoes with newspaper or kitchen paper, change the paper several times, and let the shoes dry completely in an airy, shaded location. This preserves leather, bonds, and membranes.