We all know that Gore-Tex shoes are one of the most popular and innovative pieces in the market. This material makes it possible for you to wear them in any weather without worrying about your feet getting wet or cold, which is excellent.
The only problem with Gore-Tex is that it can get dirty easily. If you want to keep your pair looking new and shiny, we will give you six ways on how to clean Gore-Tex shoes, so they look like they just came out of the box again!
Remove the Foot Bed (if possible)
Not all shoes have removable footbeds, but you should pull them out and clean them separately from the shoe if they do. It would be best to do this because with many Gore-Tex models having a hole in the sole, the footbed also gets dirty.
In most cases, people complain about sand or other dirt getting stuck between the holes of their shoes, and we don’t want that. It’s easier to remove it and clean it with some water and soap than to try to pull off all that dirt from between those tiny openings after the fact.
Shake Out Any Dirt or Gravel
When you look at your Gore-Tex shoes, there is a good chance that they have some sand or dirt stuck between the soles’ ridges. You should remove it before going any further with your cleaning process.
There are tiny openings on the side of your shoe that allow water to escape and air to enter. This is also a way for dirt and gravel to get in, so if you shake them out well, most of that stuff will come out on its own. This step is simple and very easy, but it’s often forgotten.
Wipe the Outside With a Cloth
This step is essential because you don’t want to damage the fabric parts of your shoes by using any harsh chemicals. The best way to clean them without ruining or altering their color is with just some gentle soap and water.
Make sure that the water is lukewarm, not hot or cold. If it’s too hot, it will shrink your fabric, and if it’s too cold, you might end up with water stains. If you have any cleaning solution that doesn’t contain bleach or alcohol, you can use it for this step.
Use a Soft-Bristled Brush
This step can get a little tricky because what you need to do here is clean the leather parts of your shoe without making them too wet. Something that often happens with Gore-Tex shoes is that water gets stuck between the ridges, and when it dries, it stains the material, which means you will have to take care of this little problem sooner rather than later.
Using a soft-bristled brush should be enough to get rid of the dirt without messing up your shoe too much; make sure that you clean it before the water stains set in. This is also an excellent opportunity to condition your leather shoes not to get too dry and crack.
Clean the Soles With a Mild Detergent
If the soles of your Gore-Tex shoes are really dirty and you can’t seem to get the dirt off with just a brush or water, then it’s time to bring out the big guns. In this case, you will need some mild detergent to help you clean them.
Just make sure that you avoid any harsh chemicals because they can damage the material. Instead, use a product that is specifically designed to clean shoes without harming them in any way.
Leave Your Shoes to Air Dry
Simply drying your shoes with a towel or cloth is not enough because the fabric of the shoe will become stiff, and since Gore-Tex can’t dry out completely, you might end up with some mildew on them without knowing it.
It would be best if you let your shoe air dry properly not to get damaged at all. You can leave them to dry overnight, and you should touch them before you wear them again to make sure that they are completely dry.
Tips For Gore-Tex Care
Now that we know the best ways to clean your Gore-Tex shoes, I’d like to share my favorite tips on keeping them clean.
- Clean them frequently
- Wipe away dirt or mud from the outside after every use
- Keep them away from high temperatures (don’t leave them outside in the sun)
- Replace the laces before they start to wear down
Final Thoughts – Cleaning Gore-Tex Shoes
If you have a pair of Gore-Tex shoes, then you know that they are not the easiest to clean. However, if you follow these simple steps, you will be able to get them looking good as new in no time. Just make sure that you avoid any harsh chemicals or products that might damage your shoes and always let them air dry properly.
