If you’re anything like me, cleaning your walking boots is the last thing on your mind after finally getting back from a hike.
Arriving home most likely knackered, it’s way too easy just to laze on the sofa with a cup of coffee, completely forgetting about those mucky boots festering by the door…
Nevertheless, to get the most out of your walking boots, giving them some regular TLC is actually the best way to maintain performance and longevity.
Not only does dirt make your boots look older than they are, it also deteriorates their effectiveness.
Muck caked into the soles of your boot weakens grip – increasing your likelihood of a tumble – while dirt on the upper of the shoe will diminish breathability and waterproof capabilities.
If you haven’t cleaned them in a while, chances are they may not smell so great either. And nobody wants funky smelling boots…
Moreover, a good pair of hiking boots aren’t cheap! So making them last as long as possible should be a top priority.
What you’ll need to clean your walking boots
While giving your grubby boots a deep clean may first seem like quite a daunting task, it’s actually not that difficult and doesn’t take as long as you first might think.
It doesn’t really need any fancy or expensive gear either. Just simple household appliances and a good dose of elbow grease should do the trick.
All you’ll need is:
- A brush
- Cloth
- Tub of Water
- Washing up liquid
- Baking Soda
All stuff you’ll likely have lying round the house, easy peasy!
The only extra I’d definitely recommend is some quality waterproofing spray, which will fully protect your shoes once they’ve been cleaned, but more on that later.
How to clean your walking boots: Step-by-step guide
- Firstly, remove the laces and take out the inner sole of your boots, keeping them to one side – you can even give these a clean if you wish.
- Grab your brush and give your boot a good old scrub! Get deep in all the crevices on both the upper and sole of your footwear, ensuring you get rid of all the muck caked on the boot. Start with a larger stiff brush for the initial scrub followed by a toothbrush to get in those harder to reach places.
- Using a small amount of warm water and washing up liquid, hold your boot under the water and get to brushing your boot again. A softer brush works better at this stage if you have one handy to really get those boots sparkling. Use the water sparingly, ensuring you don’t soak the boots too much (especially if dealing with leather since it could make the boot to lose its shape)
- Rinse away the lather and repeat step 3 as many times as necessary.
Waterproofing your boots
While you can clean your walking footwear without buying any specialist products, the one thing I would still absolutely recommend is some kind of waterproofing product.
This just helps maintain the waterproof capabilities & longevity of your boots, meaning they can be effectively used for years and years to come.
Nitwax have long been regarded as one of the best on the market when it comes to walking footwear care. Their cleaning kit contains a waterproofing gel, wax and spray to help keep your boots in tip top condition whatever material they are made from.
Coming with detailed instructions so you know exactly what to do depending on your type of boot, applying these products is quick, easy & incredibly effective.
A cheap & wise investment that’ll certainly save you money in the long run!
How to dry your walking boots
To dry your boots, just fill the insides with newspaper and allow them to sit out overnight.
Leave them to dry out naturally. Keep them away from direct sunlight and avoid leaving them by the radiator, especially if you have leather boots since this can cause them to crack and warp the shape.
How to clean smelly hiking boots
If you’re dealing with stubborn smells that just won’t go away, that’s when the baking soda comes into play.
Inexpensive and used for years and years to combat smells, baking soda has proven its effectiveness by standing the test of time.
The great thing about baking soda compared to a lot of the deodoriser products on the market is that it actually eliminates the odour rather than merely masking it.
Using baking soda to clean your smelly hiking boots is easy – simply throw a few teaspoons into your walking boot and leave them sit out overnight. That’s it. Job done.
Depending how persistent the odour is however, you may need to repeat this step a few times. Have some patience and the baking soda will eventually work its magic!
Can’t I just put my walking boots in the washing machine?
No! While you may technically be able to get away with doing it, it’s absolutely not recommended.
Detergent is not good for your boots, nor is exposing them to too much water. You will more than likely damage your boots and even possibly damage your washing machine.
Having two clunky boots rattling around surely can’t be good for your washer!
More resources
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Happy walking 🚶🚶