Can you put walking boots in the washing machine?

Why washing machines and boots do not mix

Several things go wrong in a machine. Most boots use glue to bond the sole and rand, and warm water and long soaking can weaken those bonds. Leather loses its natural oils in detergent and dries stiff and cracked. Waterproof membranes such as Gore-Tex can be damaged by detergents, fabric softener and mechanical stress. Tumbling can also crush heel counters and distort the shape.

Then there is the machine itself. Heavy, stiff boots bang around the drum and can damage it, and grit and mud end up in the filter.

Note:Always check the maker's care instructions first. If they forbid machine washing, doing it anyway may affect any warranty claim.

How to clean walking boots by hand

A hand clean takes about ten minutes and is gentle on every part of the boot.

Do this soon after each muddy walk rather than letting mud dry for weeks. Dried mud draws moisture and oils out of leather, and grit works into seams and stitching where it wears the boot from inside as you walk.

1. 1

   Remove the laces and insoles and wash them separately.

2. 2

   Knock off dried mud outside, then brush the uppers and sole with a soft brush.

3. 3

   Rinse under a tap or with a bucket of lukewarm water, scrubbing gently.

4. 4

   Use a dedicated boot cleaner or a little mild soap on stubborn dirt, not household detergent.

5. 5

   Rinse thoroughly so no cleaner is left in the upper.

6. 6

   Stuff with newspaper and dry at room temperature, away from radiators and fires.

Read the full cleaning guide →

What about walking shoes and trail runners?

Some fabric walking shoes and trail running shoes can go in a washing machine if the maker allows it. If you do, put them in a laundry bag or pillowcase with a couple of towels, use a cool delicate cycle, a small amount of non-biological detergent, no fabric softener and no tumble dryer.

Waterproof shoes with Gore-Tex or similar linings are best washed by hand, because detergents and softeners can affect the membrane. Leather walking shoes should always be cleaned by hand.

Drying without damage

Drying is where many boots are damaged. Direct heat from radiators, fires, tumble dryers and hairdryers can shrink and crack leather and weaken glue. Stuff boots with newspaper, change it after a few hours and let them dry at room temperature with good airflow. A gentle boot dryer designed for footwear is another option.

Our guide on how to dry walking boots covers faster methods that are still safe.

After cleaning: reproof and condition

Clean boots take reproofing treatments better, because the product reaches the material rather than sitting on dirt. Apply a reproofer suited to the upper while the boots are still slightly damp if the product instructions say so. Leather boots benefit from a conditioner or wax now and then to keep the leather supple.

Our guide on how to waterproof walking boots explains which product suits which material. If your boots are near the end of their life, the best walking boots you can resole last longer with this kind of care.

Frequently asked questions

Can you wash Gore-Tex boots in the washing machine? Most makers advise against it. Clean them by hand with lukewarm water and a boot cleaner, then air dry.

Can I put walking boot insoles in the washing machine? Many fabric-topped insoles can be hand washed or put in a cool wash bag. Air dry them flat, and check the label for foam or gel insoles.

How do I get the smell out of walking boots? Wash the insoles, dry the boots fully and use odour-absorbing products. Our smelly walking boots guide has more tips.

Can I wash my walking shoes in the washing machine? Fabric shoes without a membrane sometimes can, if the maker allows it, on a cool gentle cycle in a bag.