Clean Salomon trail shoes right after a muddy run: rinse them under water while the dirt is still fresh, use a soft brush or sponge to work off anything stuck in the lugs and mesh, then let them air dry at room temperature away from direct heat. That’s the core of it – the two things that actually damage trail shoes are a washing machine and a heat source like a radiator or direct sun, both of which Salomon specifically warns against. Everything else (re-waterproofing, insole care, storage) is secondary maintenance that keeps a pair going longer, but rinse-brush-air-dry is the routine that matters after every muddy outing.
Key Takeaways
- Rinse mud off as soon as possible after a run, using plain water and a soft brush or sponge – dried, caked mud is much harder to remove.
- Never put trail shoes in a washing machine or use washing powder or soap on them – Salomon explicitly warns this can damage the shoe.
- Dry shoes at room temperature in a ventilated space, never near a radiator or in direct sunlight; stuff them with newspaper to speed drying.
- Remove insoles and let them air dry separately from the shoe.
- If your shoes use a GORE-TEX or waterproof membrane, re-treat the exterior with a proper waterproofing spray or pad periodically, following the product’s own instructions.
- Store shoes in an open, ventilated space rather than sealed in a plastic bag.
Salomon Cleaning Routine at a Glance
| Step | What to do | What to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Right after your run | Rinse with water, knock soles together to dislodge debris | Letting mud dry and cake on |
| Upper and mesh | Soft brush or sponge with water | Washing machine, soap, detergent powder |
| Outsole and lugs | Rinse thoroughly under running water | Scraping with hard, sharp tools |
| Drying | Room temperature, ventilated room, newspaper stuffed inside | Radiators, direct sunlight, direct heat sources |
| Insoles | Remove and air dry separately | Leaving them inside a wet shoe |
| Waterproofing (if applicable) | Re-apply a GORE-TEX-appropriate spray or pad periodically | Skipping re-waterproofing after heavy wear |
How Do You Get Mud Off Salomon Trail Shoes?
Direct answer: Rinse them under running water as soon as you can after your run, using a soft brush or sponge to work stubborn mud out of the mesh and lugs.
Explanation: Mud that’s still wet comes off with plain water and light brushing; once it dries and hardens, it bonds to the mesh fibers and outsole lugs and takes far more effort – and often more aggressive scrubbing than the upper materials can safely handle – to remove.
Nuance: Knocking the soles together (holding the shoes by the heel, then by the toe) dislodges a surprising amount of caked debris before you even reach for water, and it’s worth doing this immediately after a run rather than waiting until you’re home.
Recommendation: Keep a simple rinse-and-brush routine as close to habit as possible after muddy runs – it takes a few minutes and avoids the more aggressive cleaning a neglected pair eventually needs.
Can You Put Salomon Trail Shoes in the Washing Machine?
Direct answer: No. Salomon’s own care guidance is explicit that a washing machine, along with washing powder or soap, can damage the shoes.
Explanation: Trail shoes combine bonded mesh, foam midsoles, reinforced overlays, and sometimes a waterproof membrane – materials and adhesives that a washing machine’s agitation and heat cycle can loosen, warp, or break down in ways hand-cleaning doesn’t.
Nuance: This is a common shortcut people take with regular sneakers, and while it sometimes gets away with it there, trail-specific construction (particularly GORE-TEX membranes and midsole foams) is more vulnerable to washing machine damage than a typical canvas sneaker.
Recommendation: Stick to hand cleaning with water and a soft brush. If a pair is genuinely too dirty for that to work, it’s a sign to clean more often after runs rather than reaching for the washing machine.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I re-waterproof my Salomon GORE-TEX shoes?
There’s no fixed universal interval – it depends on how often and how hard you run in wet conditions – but re-treating with a proper waterproofing spray or pad whenever you notice the exterior fabric no longer beading water is the practical trigger point.
Can I dry my shoes with a hairdryer to speed things up?
No – direct heat sources are specifically what Salomon warns against, since they can damage foam midsoles and adhesives. Stuffing shoes with newspaper and letting them air dry at room temperature is the safe way to speed up drying.
Should I remove the laces before cleaning?
It’s not required for a basic rinse, but removing laces gives you better access to clean the tongue and eyelet area if they’re particularly muddy, and laces can be rinsed separately.
Is it normal for trail shoe mesh to look permanently discolored after heavy use?
Some light discoloration from repeated mud exposure is common and doesn’t necessarily mean the shoe is damaged, though prompt rinsing after each muddy run significantly reduces staining over time.
Can I use a stiff-bristle brush instead of a soft one?
A soft brush or sponge is the safer choice – stiff bristles can fray mesh fibers or wear down glued overlays faster than they need to, especially on the upper.
How should I store trail shoes between runs?
In an open, ventilated space rather than a sealed plastic bag or airtight container, which traps moisture and can encourage odor or material breakdown over time.
Getting a new pair? Check our Salomon sizing guide first to make sure you order the right fit.
Ready for your next pair? Cecile Milan carries Salomon trail and everyday footwear.
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