How To Wash Keen Hiking Shoes | Trail Ready Clean

Most non-leather KEEN hiking shoes can be machine-washed on a gentle cycle with cold water and mild detergent.

You hit a muddy trail and your Keens took the brunt of it. Now they sit by the door caked with dried dirt, and you’re wondering if the washing machine will ruin them or save them. Maybe you’ve heard that throwing shoes in the wash is a bad idea, but your hiking boots have enough trail grime that hand scrubbing feels like a weekend project.

The short answer is that most non-leather KEEN hiking shoes can handle a machine wash, but the details matter. How you prep them, what detergent you use, and how you dry them can mean the difference between trail-ready shoes and a pair that’s too floppy to trust on rough terrain. This guide walks through the full process, from brushing off mud to choosing the right wash cycle, so your shoes stay clean and supportive for miles of hiking.

Before The Wash — Prep Your Shoes Right

The first step is to remove the laces and insoles. KEEN recommends this specifically — the laces can get tangled in the machine, and the insoles benefit from a separate soak in soapy water followed by air-drying. Set the laces aside and let the insoles soak while you prep the shoes.

Next, brush off any loose dirt and mud. A stiff brush or even an old toothbrush works well for getting into the tread and the nooks around the toe cap. This step prevents dirt from grinding into the fabric during the wash cycle, which can cause premature wear on the mesh or synthetic upper.

Leather models need a different approach. KEEN recommends hand-cleaning leather shoes with a damp cloth and mild soap rather than machine washing. Check the tag on your shoes — if they’re labeled as non-leather, you’re clear for a machine wash. If you’re unsure, a quick damp cloth wipe-down is safer than risking damage in the washer.

Why Machine Washing Works (And When It Doesn’t)

KEEN designs many of its non-leather hiking shoes and sandals with machine washing in mind. The materials — synthetic mesh, rubber outsoles, and fabric linings — hold up well to a gentle cycle with cold water. The catch is that not every KEEN model is built the same way. Knowing which category your shoes fall into is the first step to getting them clean without causing damage.

• Non-leather hiking shoes: Most models with synthetic uppers are machine-washable on gentle cycle with cold water and mild detergent.
• Leather hiking boots: These should be hand-cleaned with a damp cloth and mild soap. Machine washing can dry out the leather and cause cracking over time.
• KEEN water sandals: Non-leather water sandals are machine washable on cold. In a pinch, they can even go on the top rack of the dishwasher.
• KEEN UNEEK sandals: These two-cord sandals are machine washable on cold. Air-dry them away from direct heat to prevent the cords from shrinking or deforming.
• Models with Gore-Tex or waterproof membranes: These can be machine washed, but you’ll need to reapply a waterproofing treatment afterward since the cycle can strip the DWR coating.

KEEN’s official guidance is straightforward: check the care tag inside your shoe. If it says machine washable, follow the gentle cycle and cold water rules. If not, stick to hand cleaning. When in doubt, KEEN’s use and care page has model-specific details for most of their current lineup.

The Machine Wash Process From Start To Finish

After brushing off the dirt, KEEN’s care guide recommends you remove laces and insoles before the wash. Placing the shoes in a mesh laundry bag adds protection during the cycle and prevents the shoes from banging against the drum. Some people skip the bag, but it’s a simple step that can extend the life of both your shoes and your machine.

KEEN recommends using a gentle cycle with cold water and a mild detergent. Avoid bleach, fabric softener, or harsh cleaning agents — these can break down the materials and shorten the lifespan of your shoes. Run the wash with the shoes alone or with non-delicate items like towels, but never with delicate fabrics that could snag on the shoes’ hardware. A small amount of mild detergent is usually enough for one pair.

When the cycle finishes, remove the shoes immediately to prevent them from sitting in standing water. Stuff the toes with newspaper or a clean towel to help them hold their shape as they dry. Place them in a well-ventilated area away from direct heat sources like radiators, space heaters, or direct sunlight, which can warp the materials over time.

Model Type	Machine Washable	Drying Method
Non-leather hiking shoes	Yes	Air-dry, stuff with newspaper
Leather hiking boots	No	Air-dry away from heat
Non-leather water sandals	Yes	Air-dry away from heat
UNEEK sandals	Yes	Air-dry away from heat
Shoes with Gore-Tex membrane	Yes	Air-dry, then reapply DWR

KEEN’s official guidance is simple: when in doubt, hand-clean. Machine washing is convenient, but the gentlest method is always the safest for the materials. For models you wash regularly, you might notice the colors fade slightly over time — that’s normal and doesn’t affect performance.

Hand-Cleaning And Odor Control Methods

If your shoes aren’t machine-washable or you prefer a gentler approach, hand-cleaning works well. A damp cloth and mild soap handle most surface dirt. For odors that build up after long hikes, a few simple household items can make a real difference.

1. Hand-clean the interior: Use a damp cloth and work in a circular motion from toe to heel, applying gentle pressure. This lifts dirt and sweat residue without soaking the lining.
2. Toothbrush for stubborn stains: Dip an old toothbrush in mild soapy water and scrub stained areas on the upper or outsole. The bristles reach into texture and crevices that a cloth misses.
3. Baking soda for odors: Sprinkle baking soda inside the shoes and let them sit overnight. Shake out the powder before wearing. This helps absorb moisture and neutralize smells.
4. Vinegar spray: Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Mist the inside of the shoes lightly, then let them air-dry completely. The vinegar smell fades as the shoes dry.
5. Dry insoles separately: After cleaning, remove the insoles and let them air-dry in a low-humidity area with normal temperature. This prevents mildew and keeps the insoles from holding onto moisture.

Some of these methods — like baking soda and vinegar — are household tricks rather than official KEEN recommendations. They’re generally safe for non-leather shoes, but test a small hidden area first if you’re concerned about discoloration or material changes.

Drying Your Shoes The Right Way

Air-drying is the only method KEEN recommends for drying hiking shoes. Never put your shoes in a clothes dryer — the heat can shrink synthetic materials, melt adhesives, and deform the sole structure. Even low-heat settings can cause permanent damage, and the warranty won’t cover heat-related issues. Air-drying takes patience, but it’s the safest way to preserve the fit and performance of your shoes.

After the wash, remove excess water by pressing the shoes with a clean towel. Don’t twist or wring them — that can distort the shape and permanently wrinkle the upper. Stuff the toes with newspaper or paper towels to absorb moisture from the inside and help the shoes hold their form. Change the paper halfway through if it becomes fully saturated, and remove the paper once the inside feels mostly dry.

Some users place the shoes in a mesh laundry bag during the wash to protect them from the drum. For drying, skip the bag and leave the shoes open. A spot with good airflow and room temperature works best — avoid direct sunlight, radiators, or space heaters. Drying can take 24 to 48 hours depending on humidity.

Drying Method	Safe for KEEN Shoes	Notes
Air-dry at room temperature	Yes	Best method; stuff with newspaper
Lay flat near a fan	Yes	Speeds up drying without heat
Clothes dryer	No	Heat damages materials and adhesives
Direct sunlight	No	UV and heat can warp materials

The Bottom Line

Keeping your KEEN hiking shoes clean is mostly about preparation and patience. Remove the laces and insoles, brush off the dirt, and machine wash on gentle cycle with cold water if the model allows. Always air-dry away from heat. For leather models or if you’re unsure, hand-cleaning is the safest bet.

Most KEEN hiking shoes can be machine-washed on cold, but leather models and waterproof membranes require different care. Your local REI or outdoor gear shop can help identify your shoe’s material and recommend products that match your specific pair’s needs.