Kit & Gear

How to take care of Trail Kit

As the saying goes “if your shoes aren’t muddy, you’re doing it wrong” - your trail shoes are built to get wet and covered in mud. Through mud and streams, across ploughed fields and along stony tracks, trail shoes withstand a lot of wear and tear. Here’s how to give them a little TLC after your run to keep them at their best.

ㅤ

ㅤ

1. Remove the sock liners and wash them separately to keep your trail shoes feeling fresh inside.

2. Mud and grit can become engrained in fabric and start to eat away at it, which can start to damage the upper of the shoe. Using a hose, firstly wash the worst of the mud off the shoe.

3. Then, using a soft toothbrush and lukewarm water gently scrub the mud away from more difficult to reach areas, such as around the laces. Use this opportunity to check for any issues such as loose stitching or fraying.

4. For particularly stubborn dirt, you can use a specialist footwear cleaner such as Nikwax to help remove it.

5. Take special care to remove any mud or stones lodged between the treads on the outsole. At the same time check for problems such as extreme wear, worn down treads or peeling lugs which could compromise grip and traction on the trail. If you see any of these signs, it’s time to start thinking about replacing your shoes.

6. If your trail shoes have a waterproof coating, you’ll need to add a waterproof treatment from time to time, usually when you notice that water is beading on the upper. Apply this when your shoes are clean and damp, always following manufacturer recommendations.

7. Stuff your shoes with newspaper to help absorb moisture.

8. Leave to dry overnight at room temperature in a well ventilated room, away from sources of direct heat such as radiators or fireplaces. By morning your shoes will be good to go on your next adventure!

ㅤ

Interested in the latest shoes, apparel and technology? Then head over to our Kit & Gear category for more reviews, tips, advice and product releases.