Outdoor knowledge: How to clean and maintain hiking boots.
1. Storage: After each use, remove the insole and loosen the laces to allow the boots to air dry naturally. If the boots are very wet, stuff them with newspaper or a boot tree (don’t forget to replace the damp newspaper from time to time). Also, avoid leaving the boots in high-temperature environments (including inside vehicles). Do not store dry boots in damp spaces (leather is a natural material and prone to mold).
2. Cleaning: Dirt particles can penetrate leather fibers, leading to fiber wear and breakage.
a) For heavily soiled GORE-TEX boots — first clean with a brush dipped in water. For non-leather shoes (such as nylon uppers), simply use a sponge dipped in warm water. For oil stains or extremely dirty and heavy soiling, it’s best to use leather cleaner and a nylon brush to wash the surface. As for the shoe lining, wipe it clean with a damp cloth, because salt from sweat can quickly seep into the leather pores through the lining, damaging the leather structure, causing it to dry out and crack.
b) Cleaning suede GORE-TEX boots — once the boots are dry, brush off loose dirt and apply a water repellent. Do not use shoe wax or polish, as they will reduce the breathability of the boots.
c) Cleaning non-leather GORE-TEX boots — wash with cold water and let them dry naturally. Once dry, apply a water repellent. Do not use shoe wax or polish, as they will reduce the breathability of the boots.
3. Drying:
a) All boots must be dried at room temperature. Do not place boots near heat sources or in direct sunlight, as leather can easily scorch, deform, dry out, or crack.
b) Let thick mud dry and be blown away by the wind before cleaning it off. Do not use fire to dry hiking boots. Excessive heat can cause the leather to dry, wrinkle, and damage the adhesive properties, potentially melting the boot soles.
c) Do not use stoves or hairdryers to dry the boots. Doing so can cause severe deformation, cracking, or delamination, and will significantly shorten the lifespan of the boots.
4. Maintenance: Properly maintained hiking boots can last for several years. Regularly use shoe care products to maintain the leather and restore surface water resistance. If GORE-TEX boots are not maintained or treated for water resistance, the waterproof-breathable performance of the GORE-TEX membrane will not be compromised, but the overall breathability, durability, and comfort of the boots may be affected. You can use water repellents recommended by GORE.
a) You can spray 2–3 times of leather protective spray wax or GORE-TEX-specific spray wax evenly on the hiking boots to help extend their lifespan.
b) Water repellent treatment: After non-leather shoes are dry, treat them with a water repellent. Water can enter through the seams, and a waterproofing agent can improve the waterproofing of the shoe upper and stitching. Newly purchased hiking boots should have the waterproofing agent reapplied over a period of time. Keep the boots dry and clean, and apply the waterproofing agent to the seams and needle holes. One to two days before heading out, apply the waterproofing agent to the shoe upper to allow the leather to fully absorb it. Nylon boots, due to their many pores and lower waterproofing ability, can use silicone-based sprays. Regardless of the type of boots, keep them dry.
c) Applying oil to the tongue area can prevent leather squeaking, and applying oil to metal parts can prevent oxidation and rust.
5. Replacing the sole: The sole wears out faster than the upper. Generally, higher-end hiking boots allow for sole replacement. The new sole may fit more tightly as the upper has changed its original shape.
6. Keep the insole clean