How To Store Hiking Boots: A Guide With Pictures

Hiking boots are expensive, so I want to get the most out of them if possible. That’s why I try to properly take care of them. Storing the boots properly is a big part of that.

There are a lot of different ways to store hiking boots and a few things you should do and keep in mind when you store them. Let’s go.

Ways to store hiking boots

I’ve listed different ways you can store your hiking boots. For some, I have pictures as examples, and for some, I have links to products you can take as examples.

Here’s the list of different ways you can store hiking boots:

1. Shoe Rack

The simplest solution is the place the boots on a shoe rack. It’s a simple way to organize the shoes, but it does leave them exposed to dust, so it doesn’t fit longer storage.

It’s pretty comfortable having your boots where the rest of your shoes are and having them accessible for a quick adventure.

2. Hang them on a hanger or a shoe tree rack

Another option for day-to-day storage is to use a hanger or a shoe tree. These display the shoes better, but they usually do take up a bit more space. For example, you can get this one (link to Amazon)

Again, just like the shoe rack, this leaves shoes exposed to dust, so it doesn’t fit long storage.

3. Storage bin

You can have a wide storage bin, and organize the boots flat in the bin, like this one (link to Amazon). You can place the bin anywhere, so it’s quite comfortable. I’d suggest having a storage bin with a lid, to protect your boots from dust.

4. Keep them in shoe boxes

An easy long storage solution is to simply put the boots back into the shoe boxes you bought them in. If you threw the boxes out, you can purchase cheap clear shoe boxes and store them there.

I like this solution for long storage, because it protects the shoes from dust, and because you can place the box anywhere you want.

I usually store my boots in shoe boxes in the bottom drawer of my closet. It’s accessible, but it’s not in the way.

5. Under-the-bed shoe organizer

There are a lot of shoe organizer options you can buy, and simply store the boots under the bed. For example, this one (link to Amazon) It’s quite comfortable and usually protects the boots quite well.

The only thing you need to make sure of is that the size of the organizer fits your boots, which are usually bigger than standard shoes.

You can place the organizer under your bed, to keep the away buy accessible.

Cleaning your hiking boots before storage

It’s quite important that your properly clean your boots before storage. Storing dirty shoes isn’t only unkind to future you, but it can also cause harm to them. So let’s consider how to clean your hiking boots before storage.

So here’s how to clean your hiking boots:

1. Soak shoe outsoles in water for an easier clean

By soaking the shoe outsoles in water before you start cleaning them, you’ll loosen stuck dirt and mud off of them, making cleaning them much easier.

You don’t need to soak them for a long time – around 20 minutes should be enough.

2. Remove boot laces, and prepare a brush and soapy water

By removing the laces, you’ll have better access to all parts of the shoes.

While cleaning the boots you’ll be using a brush and soapy water. The type of brush doesn’t matter, since hiking boots and generally durable and can withstand a good scrub.

For soap, you can use a simple solution of water with a little dish soap, or a dedicated boot cleaner. I wouldn’t recommend other types of soap, as they might have some additional ingredients that can harm the boots. Make sure your specific cleaner can be used on your boots.

3. Brush boots and outsoles

Start by brushing the boots dry, and then use the soapy solution to properly clean the boots. Start with the top of the shoes, and when it’s completely clean, start brushing and cleaning the outsoles.

If the shoe has some stubborn piece of dirt you can’t remove, you soak it a little more, and carefully use some stick to remove the gunk, brushing some more afterward.

Don’t wash your boots in a washing machine. It can seriously damage the shoe.

4. Rinse shoes with clean water

After cleaning your boots with the soapy solution, you should make sure to rinse them out. You don’t want soap residue on your shoe when it dries.

5. Remove insoles and dry at normal temperature

Remove the insoles of the boots to let them properly dry.

Avoid using any external heat source to dry the shoes. High temperatures can cause damage to the shoes, even if not visual. For quicker drying, you should place them in a well-ventilated, low-humidity place, maybe with a fan directed at it.

6. Use a conditioner for full-grain leather boots

If you have full-grain leather shoes, you should also condition your shoes after drying them out.

Use a dry cloth to apply the conditioner to the outside of the boot. Don’t use too much conditioner.

The purpose of using conditioner is to moisturize and protect the leather. It can increase the lifespan of your boots.

Tips for storing hiking boots

There are a few things you can do to ensure that your boots last longer while storing them:

1. Add moisture-absorbing material to avoid damage

Water can weaken the material of your shoe, and even develop fungus growth and other disgusting things. That’s why when you buy shoes, you’ll often find a small silica packet in the shoe box – it’s moisture-absorbing material that’s there to protect the shoes from moisture.

So to protect your shoes, you should store them with some kind of moisture-absorbing material.

I’d recommend getting some silica packets and placing one with each boot. You can also stuff them with some acid-free tissue paper which will help with moisture, but normal wrapping paper or curled-up newspapers should also do fine.

2. Stuff tall boots to keep their shape

Stuffing tall boots serves two purposes: it absorbs moisture that can ruin the shoe, and it helps to keep the boot shape.

You can use any cloth or paper to stuff your boots. I usually recommend recycling and curling up some old newspapers, or using wrapping paper.

3. Avoid storing boots in unstable temperatures or high moisture

Big temperature variances and moisture can damage your shoes. To get the most out of them, avoid putting them in places where they’re exposed to unstable temperatures and high moisture.

For example, try to avoid storing your boots in the attic or basement.

Final Thoughts

We’ve considered different ways to store your hiking shoes, how to clean them before storage and additional storage tips.

Hiking shoes can be expensive, so you must take care of them when not using them.

I hope this was helpful, and enjoy!