Clean Salomon shoes by hand using water and a soft brush. Never use a washing machine. Air-dry at room temperature away from direct heat or sunlight.
You finish a long hike, and your Salomon shoes are caked with mud from the trail. The easiest fix seems obvious: toss them in the washing machine with the rest of the gear and let the machine do the heavy lifting.
The honest truth is that your washing machine poses a bigger threat to your hiking shoes than any muddy trail. Salomon explicitly states on its official care page that their shoes should never be cleaned in a washing machine. A proper hand wash takes about 10 minutes and preserves the waterproof membrane and bonding much longer.
Why Your Washing Machine Destroys Hiking Shoes
Modern hiking boots rely on layered materials, specialized adhesives, and waterproof membranes like Gore-Tex to keep your feet dry. The violent tumbling and high-speed spinning cycles of a washing machine stress every one of those components.
The spin cycle applies force that can delaminate the sole from the upper, collapse the padded collar, and create micro-tears in the waterproof liner. Salomon’s guidance is clear: never machine wash.
Heat from a dryer causes additional damage. High temperatures can shrink the materials and degrade the glue that holds the outsole in place, leading to separation after just a few cycles.
Why Many Hikers Still Risk It and What You Actually Need
The appeal of machine washing is speed and convenience. Nobody enjoys scrubbing mud out of tread lugs with a brush. But the cost of replacing a pair of damaged boots far outweighs the 10 minutes a hand wash takes.
You don’t need specialized equipment for a great clean. A few basic household items get the job done without risking your gear.
- Soft Brush or Sponge: Removes stubborn mud from the outsole and uppers without scratching leather or ripping mesh.
- Clean Water: Tap water works fine for rinsing away surface dirt and loose debris before you start scrubbing.
- Mild Soap (Optional): If plain water doesn’t cut it, a small amount of mild soap lifts remaining grime without stripping the waterproof coating.
- Disinfectant Spray: Salomon recommends using a disinfectant spray as part of your routine cleaning to keep the interior fresh.
- Newspaper or Towel: Stuffing the shoes after washing helps them hold their shape while drawing moisture out from inside.
That short list covers everything you need. The process is straightforward and takes less time than a single load of laundry.
Step-by-Step: The Salomon-Approved Cleaning Method
To keep your shoes in peak condition, follow the exact sequence the manufacturer recommends. Start by removing the insoles and laces so every part dries thoroughly.
Give both shoes a good rinse under clean water to loosen surface mud and dirt. Salomon’s official guide explains that you should rinse with water first before moving to any scrubbing.
After rinsing, use your soft brush to work into the tread lugs and crevices. Remove the insoles and clean them separately with a gentle wipe, then let them air dry away from direct heat.
| Common Mistake | Why It Hurts | Better Option |
|---|---|---|
| Machine Wash | Delamination, broken eyelets, collapsed padding | Hand wash with soft brush |
| Hot Water or Dryer | Shrinks materials, damages waterproof glue | Air dry at room temperature |
| Harsh Detergent | Strips waterproof coating | Mild soap or just water |
| Soaking Insoles | Traps moisture, encourages bacteria growth | Remove and air dry separately |
| Hard Scrubbing | Scratches leather, rips mesh | Stiff nylon or soft brush |
Stick to the right tools and methods, and your hiking shoes will stay waterproof and comfortable for many more miles on the trail.
How to Dry Your Salomon Shoes the Right Way
Drying is the step where most people accidentally shorten their shoe’s lifespan. High heat is the enemy of adhesives and synthetic materials.
Follow this sequence for safe, effective drying that protects your investment.
- Remove insoles and laces immediately after cleaning. This allows air to circulate inside the shoe and prevents moisture from getting trapped.
- Stuff with newspaper or a dry microfibre towel. The material absorbs interior moisture and helps the shoe retain its shape as it dries.
- Place in a well-ventilated room at normal room temperature. Good airflow is the key to even drying without damaging heat.
- Avoid placing on radiators, in direct sunlight, or near a fire. Intense heat can warp the shoe structure and weaken the glue bonds.
- If using a boot dryer, keep it on the low setting. Gentle airflow is effective; high heat is unnecessary and risky.
Patience here makes a real difference. Shoes dried naturally last longer and maintain their fit better than those rushed with artificial heat.
Dealing with Stubborn Mud, Salt Stains, and Odors
A quick water rinse handles light dirt, but heavy mud cakes on, salt stains form from dried sweat, and odors develop from bacteria inside the shoe. Each problem requires a slightly different approach.
For lingering smells, one popular home remedy involves a diluted vinegar solution. Cleverhiker recommends a light spray of equal parts water and white vinegar. You can read their full breakdown of vinegar for odor removal if the smell persists after standard cleaning.
Salomon also suggests using an anti-odor spray or re-waterproofing the shoes if smells keep returning. Re-applying a waterproof coating helps seal the fabric and limits bacterial growth inside.
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Light Mud | Rinse with water and wipe clean with a soft brush |
| Stubborn Odor | Light spray of 50/50 vinegar and water solution |
| Bad Smell (Persistent) | Anti-odor spray or re-waterproof the shoes |
Catching problems early keeps the cleaning process quick and prevents grime from embedding deep into the fabric.
The Bottom Line
Taking care of your Salomon hiking shoes by hand keeps them performing for seasons longer than a washing machine ever could. Remove the insoles, scrub with a soft brush, rinse clean, and air dry away from any heat source. The whole routine takes about 10 minutes after a hike.
The specific mud and moisture conditions on your local trails vary widely. A knowledgeable salesperson at your nearest outdoor gear retailer can offer advice and product recommendations tailored to the terrain you actually hike, making general guidance from any single article a starting point rather than the final word.
References & Sources
- Salomon. “How to Clean and Care for Your Hiking Shoes” The first step in cleaning is to rinse the hiking shoes with water.
- Cleverhiker. “How to Clean Hiking Shoes Boots” A vinegar solution (1 part water to 1 part vinegar) can be lightly sprayed inside the shoe to address odors, but the material should not be soaked.