Hiking shoes are subjected to an array of terrain and use. They encounter water, heat, mud, sharp objects and other things while on the trail, all of which contribute to wear and tear on your hiking footwear. But no matter the kind of material your hiking shoes are made of, or the level they are supposed to perform at, it’s important for you to take care of them. Here are a few easy steps to help you take care of your hiking comfort shoes in Rochester Hills, MI.
Clean your hiking shoes
Inevitably, your hiking shoes will get dirty during a day or weekend of trudging through the wilderness. To preserve your footwear, be sure to clean your shoes after hiking and whenever they get dirty or smudged with dirt or trail debris. As hiking shoes are easy to clean, there’s no excuse not to clean them! Simply slap the soles of the shoes together to knock off debris, then take a soft brush, dip it in warm water and brush away stains other debris.
Dry your hiking shoes
Keeping your hiking shoes dry is the key to enjoying a long lasting pair of shoes and maintaining an adequate level of performance. Your shoes, even if they’re breathable, will get wet with sweat, and rainwater can get in your shoes very easily. Here’s what you can do to help your shoes dry completely:
- Remove the insole. This allows the shoes to breathe and dry faster.
- Keep wet shoes away from exposure to direct heat, such as a space heater, fireplace or clothes dryer. Direct heat can deform them. Instead, leave them to dry at room temperature for as long as it takes.
- Crumple up newspaper and stuff it inside wet shoes to absorb humidity and help the shoes retain their shape.
Re-waterproof your hiking shoes
All waterproof hiking shoes should be treated with a re-waterproofing spray. But first, clean them and make sure they dry completely to ensure the treatment adheres properly. It’s important to note that you will need to re-waterproof your hiking shoes occasionally, especially if they’re exposed to water on a regular basis. Once or twice a year should be sufficient.
What do waterproofing sprays do? They can help restore the material’s ability to repel water, which allows the water to slide off easily and not get absorbed into the shoe. Always use waterproofing sprays in a ventilated area. Alternatively, you can use re-waterproofing grease on leather hiking shoes to prevent dryness and cracking and to make the leather water repellent.
Store your hiking shoes properly
Before putting your hiking shoes into storage, make sure they are completely dry. Keep them stored in a dry, ventilated area and away from heat and UV rays. Don’t keep them in places like the trunk of your car or a gym locker. Planning to store them for a long while? Dry them thoroughly, then stuff with newspaper to maintain their shape.
Haig Shoes carries a variety of hiking shoes, sandals and comfort shoes in Rochester Hills, MI. Visit our shop today to peruse our selection!