Quick answer

Rinse mud off with cool water, clean the upper with a soft brush and mild soap, then air-dry at room temperature away from heat. Never machine-wash or tumble-dry GTX shoes, and avoid direct heat or sunlight, which can degrade the waterproof membrane and adhesives. For shoes like the Men's Timp 6 GTX or Men's Torin 9 GTX, this routine keeps the GORE-TEX Invisible Fit upper and Vibram outsole working as intended.

Why GTX shoes need a different routine

Waterproof shoes have a delicate balance: the GORE-TEX membrane blocks external water while still letting some moisture vapor escape. Mud, grit, and body oils clog the outer fabric and reduce breathability. If you clean too aggressively or dry with heat, you can damage the membrane or the glued seams that keep water out. The goal is to remove dirt without stripping the water-repellent finish or stressing the materials.

What you need (and what to avoid)

Gather a soft-bristle brush (an old toothbrush works for tight spots), a bucket of cool water, and a small amount of mild soap or dedicated footwear cleaner. Avoid harsh detergents, bleach, and fabric softeners. For drying, you need newspaper or crumpled paper towels and a well-ventilated spot indoors. Do not use a washing machine, dryer, radiator, or hair dryer.

When to clean: after every wet run?

If you ran through mud or standing water, clean them soon after. If the shoes are just damp from rain on pavement, a quick rinse and air-dry may be enough. Letting mud dry and cake on can pull fibers and clog the outsole tread. For heavy mud, rinse first before it sets. Check the shoes after each wet run and decide based on visible dirt and odor.

Step-by-step care after a wet run

  1. Rinse off loose mud and grit: Use a garden hose or a bucket of cool water to rinse the entire shoe, including the outsole. Do not use high pressure, which can force water into the membrane. Checkpoint: Remove all visible mud before it dries and hardens.
  2. Clean the upper with a soft brush and mild soap: Dip the brush in soapy water and gently scrub the upper in circular motions. Pay attention to creases and seams. For stubborn dirt, let the soap sit for a minute before scrubbing. Mistake to avoid: Using a stiff brush or harsh detergent, which can abrade the fabric and strip water repellency.
  3. Rinse thoroughly with cool water: Wipe or rinse away all soap residue. Soap left on the shoe can attract dirt and reduce breathability. Checkpoint: The water running off should be clear, not sudsy.
  4. Remove insoles and laces: Take out the insoles and laces to clean and dry them separately. This allows air to circulate inside the shoe and prevents odors. Mistake to avoid: Leaving wet insoles inside, which can lead to mildew and breakdown of the midsole.
  5. Air-dry at room temperature: Stuff the shoes with crumpled newspaper or paper towels to absorb moisture and help them hold their shape. Place them in a well-ventilated area away from direct heat or sunlight. Replace the paper when it becomes damp. Mistake to avoid: Putting shoes near a radiator, in a dryer, or in direct sun, which can warp the shoe and damage the waterproof membrane.
  6. Re-lace and store properly: Once completely dry, reinsert the insoles and laces. Store your shoes in a cool, dry place. If they will be stored for a while, consider using shoe trees or stuffing them to maintain shape. Checkpoint: Shoes should be fully dry before wearing again to prevent moisture buildup and odor.

Product facts

  • Men's Timp 6 GTX: Men's Timp 6 GTX has a waterproof GORE-TEX upper and a grippy Vibram® outsole. The waterproof upper needs gentle cleaning to maintain breathability, and the Vibram outsole benefits from having mud removed to keep traction.
  • Men's Torin 9 GTX: Men's Torin 9 GTX has a lightweight, waterproof GORE-TEX Invisible Fit upper and an all-new durable Vibram® XS DURA rubber outsole. The stretchy upper requires careful handling to avoid tears, and the durable outsole can handle regular cleaning without excessive wear.
  • Women's Olympus 6 Hike Mid GTX: Women's Olympus 6 Hike Mid GTX has a waterproof lining, leather upper, and grippy outsole. Leather uppers need conditioning to prevent cracking, and the waterproof lining benefits from air-drying to avoid mildew.