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Brush off fresh mud as soon as you can, clean the outsole and upper gently with water, then remove the insoles and let everything air-dry away from heat and direct sun. Check the care label first: cleaning directions differ by shoe brand and material, especially for waterproof or breathable membranes.
What you need
- A soft-bristle brush, such as an old toothbrush or soft vegetable brush
- Clean water
- A ventilated place to air-dry the shoes and insoles
Use the shoe maker’s care instructions if they differ from general cleaning advice. Salomon, Brooks, and HOKA do not give identical instructions about soap, so avoid treating one brand’s method as universal.
How to clean muddy trail-running shoes
- Remove fresh mud. Knock off loose clumps and brush away as much mud as practical before it dries. Salomon notes that fresh mud is easier to remove; dried crust can stiffen the outer material and increase wear where the shoe flexes (Salomon’s running-shoe cleaning guide).
- Take out the insoles. Remove the insoles and loosen or remove the laces if that makes the shoe easier to clean. Clean and dry removable parts separately.
- Clear the outsole. Use a soft brush and water to work mud out of the tread lugs and grooves. REI warns that dirt-caked outsoles can compromise traction (REI’s running-shoe cleaning advice). Avoid sharp tools that could cut or gouge the sole.
- Brush the upper gently. Use a soft, wet brush and clean water. Do not soak or submerge the shoe; Brooks advises cleaning the upper with a soft brush and cold water rather than soaking it (Brooks’ shoe-cleaning instructions).
- Air-dry the shoe and insole. Leave them in a dry, well-ventilated place, away from radiators, clothes dryers, and direct sunlight. Brooks suggests putting plain newsprint inside the shoe while it dries; this is an optional brand suggestion, not a required step (Brooks’ instructions).
- Check before your next outing. Make sure the shoes and insoles are dry, and check that mud is no longer packed into the tread.
Adjust the method for the shoe material
Waterproof or breathable membranes
For shoes with Gore-Tex or a similar waterproof/breathable membrane, check the shoe’s care label and use a compatible specialized footwear cleaner if the manufacturer permits it. REI cautions that soap or detergent additives can gum up membrane footwear (REI’s footwear-cleaning guidance). Do not assume a cleaner suitable for one membrane or model is suitable for another.
Leather uppers
Use only a treatment approved for the shoe’s leather and follow both the footwear maker’s and treatment maker’s directions. Salomon names Nikwax as an example of a cream or water-based wax treatment for leather and notes that treatment can change the leather’s original appearance (Salomon’s care guidance). That advice is not a general recommendation for mesh uppers or every waterproof membrane.
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For mesh or other textile uppers, gentle brushing with water is a cautious starting point, but the model’s care label takes priority. Avoid applying leather treatments to textile materials.
Why cleaning and drying advice differs by brand
Manufacturer directions are not uniform. Salomon’s general footwear guidance calls for a soft, wet brush and clean water and says not to machine-wash shoes; its running-shoe guidance also says not to use washing powder or soap. Brooks recommends a soft brush and cold water for the upper, and advises against soaking or machine-washing. HOKA’s general care guide allows handwashing in cold water with mild soap or detergent, followed by air-drying away from heat or direct sunlight (Salomon care; Brooks care; HOKA cleaning and care guide). Use the instructions for your exact model and material rather than combining these methods.
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Deal with dampness and odor
Remove the insoles and air the shoes after a run to help them dry. Salomon also recommends periodic lining cleaning to help prevent odor buildup (Salomon’s care guidance). If odor or moisture persists, Salomon’s hiking-shoe advice mentions disinfectant spray, but that is not a required treatment for every trail-running shoe (Salomon’s footwear guidance). Check the product label and shoe-maker instructions before applying a spray.
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Common mistakes to avoid
- Leaving mud until it hardens: Dried crust is harder to remove and can stiffen the upper.
- Scrubbing aggressively: A soft brush and gentle pressure are better suited to uppers than abrasive tools.
- Ignoring the tread: Mud left in the lugs and grooves can compromise traction.
- Using a washing machine or dryer without approval: Salomon and Brooks advise against machine-washing shoes, and external heat can damage footwear.
- Applying soap or a treatment without checking compatibility: Directions vary by material and brand, especially for membrane footwear.
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