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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteRemove fresh mud before it dries, clean the outsole and upper gently with a soft brush and water, then air-dry the shoes with the insoles out. Check your shoe’s care label before using soap, detergent, a washing machine, or a waterproofing treatment; brands give different instructions for different materials.
Clean mud off while it is fresh
At the trailhead or when you get home, knock off loose clumps and brush away as much fresh mud as you can. Salomon says fresh mud is easier to remove than dried mud, which can crust over and stiffen outer materials where the shoe flexes. Salomon’s running-shoe care guide recommends dealing with it before it dries.
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Clean the outsole and upper
Clear the tread
Use a soft brush and clean water to work mud out of the outsole’s lugs and grooves. A soft-bristle shoe brush is useful, but an old toothbrush or soft vegetable brush can do the job. REI notes that dirt-caked outsoles can compromise traction, so check the tread rather than cleaning only the visible sides of the shoe. REI’s running-shoe cleaning advice covers both the outsole and upper.
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Brush the upper gently
Use a soft, wet brush and clean water on the upper, working gently rather than scrubbing aggressively. Remove the insole first, and loosen or remove the laces if that makes it easier to reach muddy areas. Brooks advises against soaking shoes or submerging them; its guidance is to clean the upper with a soft brush and cold water. Brooks’ shoe-cleaning instructions also recommend removing the internal liner before cleaning.
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Choose cleaning products by shoe material
There is no single detergent rule that applies to every trail shoe. Salomon advises using clean water and a soft, wet brush, and says not to machine-wash footwear; its running-shoe article also advises against washing powder or soap. Brooks likewise says not to machine-wash or soak shoes. HOKA’s general guide, by contrast, recommends handwashing with cold water and mild soap or detergent. Follow the care label for your specific model and material rather than applying one brand’s method to another shoe.
For shoes with Gore-Tex or another waterproof/breathable membrane, REI recommends a specialized footwear cleaner because soap or detergent additives can gum up the material. Check both the shoe maker’s instructions and the cleaner’s compatibility before use. REI’s guidance on membrane footwear explains this material-specific distinction.
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Air-dry the shoes away from heat
Remove the insoles and let the shoes and insoles dry separately in an open, well-ventilated place. Keep them away from radiators, clothes dryers, and direct sunlight: Salomon, Brooks, and HOKA all caution against external heat or direct sun. Brooks suggests putting plain newsprint inside the shoe as it air-dries; this is one brand’s suggestion, not a required step. None of these instructions establishes a universal drying time, so wait until both the shoes and insoles are dry before wearing them again.
Handle odor and leather treatments selectively
Regularly airing shoes and removing the insoles can help them dry between outings. Salomon also recommends periodic lining cleaning to help prevent odor buildup. Its hiking-shoe guidance suggests disinfectant spray if odor or moisture persists, but that is not a mandatory treatment for every trail-running shoe. Follow the shoe maker’s directions before applying a spray.
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For leather footwear, Salomon names Nikwax as an example of a cream or water-based wax treatment and notes that treatment can change leather’s original appearance. That advice is not for textile mesh uppers or every waterproof membrane. Use a treatment only if the footwear maker and the treatment label say it is suitable for your shoe.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Check the shoes before the next outing
- Confirm the shoes and insoles are dry.
- Check the outsole lugs and grooves for packed mud; REI warns that caked dirt can compromise traction.
- Reinstall the insoles and relace the shoes once everything is ready.
Salomon also recommends airing footwear in a dry, well-ventilated place after use.
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