How to Clean and Sanitize Used Hiking Shoes for Trail-Ready Comfort
When you find a perfect pair of used hiking shoes at a great price, it's like striking gold—except for the funky smell and questionable cleanliness.
Don't worry! With the right approach, you can transform those pre-loved trail companions into fresh footwear that feels made just for you.
Why Proper Sanitization Matters
That pair of trail shoes has seen miles of adventure—and collected every bit of sweat, dirt, and bacteria along the way. Cleaning them properly isn't just about removing odors; it's about your foot health too.
Did you know? The average hiking shoe contains over 100,000 bacteria per square centimeter when not regularly cleaned. That's about 10 times more than what's on your toilet seat!
Essential Supplies for Trail Shoe Restoration
Before diving into the cleaning process, gather these supplies:
The Complete Sanitization Process
Step 1: Initial Assessment and Prep
Remove the laces and insoles from your shoes. This gives you better access to all the nooks where bacteria love to hide. Shake out any loose dirt by tapping the soles together outdoors.
Step 2: Dry Clean First
Using your soft brush, gently remove caked-on mud and debris. Pay special attention to the treads on the bottom—dirt trapped there can affect your grip on the trails.
Step 3: Hand Washing
Mix a small amount of mild soap with warm water. Never fully submerge your trail shoes unless they're specifically labeled as machine-washable. Instead, use a cloth or sponge to clean the exterior and interior surfaces.
For stubborn spots, your old toothbrush is perfect for scrubbing without damaging the materials.
Step 4: Deep Deodorizing Treatment
This is where the magic happens for those previously-used trail shoes:
Make a paste with baking soda and a few drops of tea tree oil
Apply this mixture inside your shoes and let it sit overnight
The baking soda absorbs odors while the tea tree oil kills odor-causing bacteria
Pro tip: For extra-stinky shoes, a vinegar solution (1 part white vinegar to 2 parts water) works wonders for neutralizing stubborn smells.
Step 5: Proper Drying Technique
How you dry your shoes is just as important as how you clean them:
Stuff them with crumpled newspaper to absorb moisture and help maintain shape
Replace the paper every few hours until the interior feels dry
Air dry in a well-ventilated area—avoid direct heat sources like radiators or dryers that can warp materials and break down adhesives
Bold fact: Direct sunlight can kill up to 99% of remaining bacteria while helping to eliminate lingering odors naturally.
Insole Revival
Don't forget about those insoles! They absorb most of your foot sweat and harbor the majority of odor-causing bacteria.
For fabric insoles, hand wash with soap and water, then air dry completely. For specialized insoles, check the manufacturer's recommendations—some can be cleaned while others may need replacement.
Many hikers replace insoles in used shoes as a matter of course—it's like giving the shoes a fresh start.
Maintaining Your Restored Trail Shoes
Now that you've brought your used hiking shoes back to life, keep them that way:
Allow shoes to dry completely between uses
Use cedar shoe trees to absorb moisture and maintain shape
Sprinkle baking soda inside overnight for preventative odor control
Consider rotating between multiple pairs for longer shoe life
When to Replace Instead of Restore
While most used shoes can be successfully sanitized, some warning signs suggest replacement might be better:
Significant wear on the outsoles affecting traction
Collapsed cushioning that doesn't recover
Cracks in the midsole foam
Separated seams or delamination issues
Final Thoughts
With proper sanitization and care, second-hand trail shoes can offer the same performance and comfort as new ones at a fraction of the cost.
The restoration process not only saves you money but also extends the life of perfectly good footwear and keeps it out of landfills.
Remember that even the most effective cleaning can't extend the life of shoes beyond their structural limits.
But when you find quality used hiking shoes with good bones, this restoration protocol will have you hitting the trails with confidence in no time.
Q&A
Why is sanitizing used hiking shoes so important? Isn’t cleaning enough?
Answer:
Cleaning removes visible dirt, but sanitizing kills bacteria and fungi that can cause:
Foot odor
Skin infections
Athlete’s foot
Used hiking shoes can harbor over 100,000 bacteria/cm² if not cleaned regularly—proper sanitization protects your health and keeps your shoes fresher longer.
Can I put used hiking shoes in the washing machine?
Answer:
Generally, no. Most hiking shoes are not machine-washable unless specifically labeled as such. Submerging them or exposing them to high agitation can:
Damage adhesives
Warp the sole or structure
Shorten their lifespan
Stick to hand-cleaning with mild soap and warm water, using a brush or sponge.
How do I know if a used pair of hiking shoes is still structurally sound?
Answer:
Look for:
Even tread wear — Uneven wear suggests gait issues
Firm cushioning — Press the midsole; it should bounce back
No cracks in the foam or outsole
Tight seams — No visible glue separation or fabric pulling away
If any of these are failing, the shoe may be past its functional life.
How long should I let the shoes dry after cleaning?
Answer:
Let them air dry for 24–48 hours:
Stuff with newspaper and replace every few hours to pull moisture out
Avoid heat sources (like dryers or radiators)
Dry in shade or indirect sunlight for best results
Sunlight also helps kill lingering bacteria and odors.
When should I replace the shoes instead of restoring them?
Answer:
Some issues can’t be fixed. Replace if:
The outsole is worn smooth (no grip)
The cushioning is compressed or collapsed
The midsole foam is cracked
Seams or glue are coming apart permanently
Restoration is for shoes with “good bones”—not shoes at the end of their life.
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