Just like any outdoor gear, your hiking shoes endure a lot during adventures in the elements, and a little maintenance goes a long way toward keeping them in top shape for many, many more miles of exploring.
Taking the time to care for your hiking shoes not only extends their lifespan but also enhances your hiking experience. (For example, mud-caked lugs aren't very grippy!) Plus, regular cleaning will also reduce the possibility of transferring invasive species, one of the 7 principles of Leave No Trace.
At KEEN, we make our shoes durable, so you can use them season after season, because longer-lasting shoes are more sustainable shoes. To keep them on your feet and on the trail as long as possible, we recommend following these steps:
Cleaning methods will vary depending on the material of your shoes. Here, we've focused on mixed leather and synthetic footwear. If your hiking boots are predominantly leather, we recommend taking a look at our tips for leather shoe care.
1. Remove laces and insoles prior to cleaning and let them soak in soapy water, then air-dry separately from shoes.
2. Use a brush to remove any dirt and mud on the outside of your shoes, including the lugs.
3. If your shoes need a deeper clean, mix a light detergent with water (you can also use a specified boot cleaner) and use the solution to wipe down the non-leather sections.
4. After cleaning, let your shoes air dry. If they aren’t leather, you can let them dry in the sun to help eliminate moisture and odors.
For the full-grain (smooth not textured) leather parts of your boots, we recommend applying a leather conditioner, which will help prevent cracking and can assist in breaking in your boots.
Over time, things like laces and insoles may start to wear out. If needed, these components can be replaced to keep your KEEN hiking boots comfortable. We offer replacement insoles for your boots here. While we don’t sell any replacement laces at this time, we recommend measuring your laces before ordering replacements.
Make sure your boots are fully dry before storing. Always store them in a cool, dry place to prevent mold and mildew growth. Avoid damp areas or direct sunlight, which can deteriorate materials over time.
