Caring for your hiking boots – a few simple habits that keep them in good shape for many more miles
Washing, treating and waxing hiking boots
Looking after your hiking boots pays off. With the right care, they last longer and stay comfortable on the trail. Boot care might sound complicated, but it's actually simple. This guide shows you how to get your boots back in shape quickly after a hike, and which care products we recommend.
First, the basics:
- The most important rule of all: wear your boots! Don't leave them gathering dust at the back of the cupboard for months. Soles that go unused for long periods can turn brittle.
- Take the insoles out and store them separately from the boots. Keep your boots somewhere dry and well ventilated, away from direct light – and not next to a heater or on top of a radiator.
- Clean your boots every time you've worn them.
- Treat them regularly with suitable care products.
Follow these steps and your boots will stay in good condition for years. Here's each step in more detail.
Cleaning and washing hiking boots
Clean your boots after every outing. Depending on where you've been, a quick brush-off may be enough – or they may need a proper wash. For a quick clean, use a shoe brush or a damp cloth.
Before a proper wash, remove the insoles and laces. If your boots are caked in mud, rinse them first under the shower with lukewarm water, using a soft brush if needed. If water alone won't shift the dirt, use a shoe shampoo or a cleaner designed for waterproof materials, such as Nikwax Tech Wash.
Don't forget the inside of your boots. Over time, dirt and sweat build up and clog the waterproof membrane and lining. Wash the inside the same way as the outside – a clean boot breathes better.
Waterproofing and waxing hiking boots
Waterproof and wax your boots as needed – how often depends on how much you use them. Leather boots need waxing when water stops beading on the surface. Waterproof more often than you wax, as waterproofing products also help keep the leather in good condition.
Waterproofing hiking boots
Start with clean boots and remove the laces. Apply the waterproofing after washing, while the leather is still slightly damp – that way the product soaks in better. Avoid silicone-based sprays on Gore-Tex boots, as silicone clogs the membrane. We recommend Meindl Wet Proof spray instead. If your boots need waxing too, you can do it straight after waterproofing.
For nubuck leather boots, use Nikwax Nubuck & Suede spray. For boots that combine fabric and leather, use Nikwax Fabric & Leather spray.
Waxing leather boots
Leather boots need regular waxing to stay waterproof and supple. It's quick and easy: just rub the wax into the leather with your fingers. If you'd rather keep your hands clean, use a cloth.
Only use wax made for hiking boots, such as Meindl Sportwax. Never use hard greases or oil – they clog the pores in the leather. Not sure what suits your boots? Our experts are happy to help you choose.
For the edges of the tongue, the inner lining and the leather around the top of the boot, ordinary hand cream does the job.
Other tips
If your laces snap or wear through, we stock durable replacement hiking boot laces. We also have replacement insoles to fit a wide range of boots.
Most hiking boots can also be resoled. If the uppers are still in good shape but the soles are worn out, resoling is the way to go.
Once your boots are sorted, it's the perfect time to start planning your next hike.
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