How to… clean and reproof hiking boots
Look after your boots and they'll look after your feet!
Regular cleaning and reproofing will extend the life of your hiking boots, improve their performance and help keep your feet dry.
Whether your boots are leather, suede, nubuck or synthetic, the basic process is similar – clean them first, allow them to dry properly, then apply the appropriate treatment.
Remove the dirt
Take out the laces and insoles, then knock the soles together to remove dried mud and stones. Use a soft brush to remove dirt from the uppers, paying particular attention to seams, stitching and around the sole. For stubborn mud, use lukewarm water and a specialist footwear cleaner. Avoid household detergents, which can damage leather and waterproof membranes.
Clean thoroughly
Gently scrub the entire boot with a brush or sponge and footwear cleaner. Rinse away any remaining dirt and cleaner, but don’t soak the boots unnecessarily. Waterproof-breathable membranes such as Gore-Tex can be cleaned in this way without damaging their waterproof properties.
Dry naturally
Allow boots to dry at room temperature, away from radiators, heaters and direct sunlight. Excessive heat can cause leather to crack, adhesives to weaken and boots to shrink. Remove the insoles to help them dry faster and stuff the boots loosely with newspaper if necessary.
Reproof the uppers
Once clean and slightly damp, apply a waterproofing treatment designed specifically for your boot material. Smooth leather generally benefits from a leather-specific wax, cream or conditioner. Suede and nubuck require a specialist spray or liquid treatment – avoid ordinary leather wax, which can alter the texture and appearance. Synthetic boots can usually be treated with a footwear waterproofing spray. For boots with a waterproof membrane, choose a product compatible with the manufacturer’s recommendations. Apply evenly, paying particular attention to seams, flex points and areas exposed to water.
Finish and maintain
Allow the treatment to dry according to the instructions, then brush suede or nubuck lightly to restore the nap. Reproof whenever water stops beading on the surface, rather than waiting until your boots become noticeably wet inside.
Finally, clean your boots after muddy or salty walks and store them somewhere cool and dry. A little maintenance after every adventure can add years to the life of your favourite hiking boots.
