Your trusty Keen shoes tackle trails, streams, and daily adventures, but all that action means they collect dirt, sweat, and odor faster than regular sneakers.

Regular cleaning isn't just about looks; it preserves the materials and keeps them performing like new. Whether you've got leather hikers, synthetic sandals, or mesh hybrids, the right cleaning method makes all the difference.

This guide walks you through everything from hand-washing techniques to odor elimination, ensuring your Keens stay fresh for countless adventures ahead.

Identify Your Keen Shoe Material Before You Start Cleaning

The material composition of your Keen shoes determines the appropriate cleaning method. Using the wrong technique can damage the materials and shorten the lifespan of your footwear.

Common Keen shoe materials include:

• Synthetic uppers: Water-resistant polyester or nylon materials that tolerate wet cleaning methods

• Leather: Natural material that requires gentle cleaning and conditioning to prevent cracking

• Nubuck: Brushed leather with a soft texture that stains easily and needs specialized care

• Mesh panels: Breathable fabric that can fray with aggressive scrubbing

• Polyester webbing: Durable straps found on sandals that clean easily with soap and water

To identify your shoe's material, check the tag inside the tongue for material information or search your model number on Keen's website.

You can also perform these simple tests:

• Leather feels smooth and slightly cool to the touch

• Synthetic materials have a consistent plastic-like texture

• Mesh appears as small perforated patterns

• Nubuck has a soft, suede-like texture

Always test cleaning products on a hidden area first to prevent visible damage.

How Do You Clean Synthetic Keen Shoes & Sandals?

Synthetic Keen models like Newport, Whisper, and Clearwater sandals are designed for water exposure and are easy to clean. Begin by rinsing with water to remove loose dirt, then use a soft-bristled brush to clean the tread patterns.

Use mild dish soap mixed with water for cleaning. Avoid bleach and harsh detergents that can damage waterproof coatings.

Hand-Washing Method (This is the Most Reliable Option)

If you're wondering how to wash Keen shoes by hand, follow these steps:

1. Mix warm water with a small amount of dish soap in a bowl

2. Dip a soft brush into the solution and scrub all surfaces, including straps and buckles

3. Work soap through webbing straps using gentle circular motions

4. For stubborn sole stains, use a specialized shoe cleaning sponge like SneakERASERS in gentle swiping motions

5. Rinse thoroughly until all soap is removed

6. Press out excess water without twisting the materials

7. Allow to air dry completely

Machine Washing (Only Models Keen Approves)

Only specific Keen sandal models, like the Newport H2 and Whisper, are machine washable. Check your model's care instructions before attempting machine washing.

Machine washing instructions for cleaning Keen sandals:

1. Place shoes in a mesh laundry bag

2. Use a gentle cycle with cold water

3. Add mild detergent only

4. Skip the spin cycle to prevent damage

5. Never put Keen shoes in the dryer

6. Air dry at room temperature

How to Clean Leather Keen Shoes & Boots Without Damaging Them

Leather Keen boots require careful cleaning to maintain the material's integrity. Excessive water exposure can cause leather to crack, lose shape, or separate from the sole.

Always brush off dry dirt first using a soft-bristled brush, then clean surface stains with a slightly damp cloth.

Gentle Leather Cleaning & Conditioning

When learning how to clean Keen hiking boots with leather uppers:

1. Create a mild cleaning solution using castile soap diluted heavily with water

2. Dampen a cloth with the solution and wipe leather surfaces

3. Avoid saturating the leather with water

4. Pat dry with a clean towel

5. Stuff boots with newspaper to maintain shape while drying

6. Allow to air dry away from direct heat

7. Apply leather conditioner once completely dry to prevent cracking

8. Use SneakERASERS or similar products only on rubber sole areas in gentle swiping motions

Treating Salt Stains & Tough Spots

Winter salt stains appear as white rings on leather boots. To remove them:

1. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water

2. Dab the solution onto salt stains using a cloth

3. Wipe clean with a damp cloth

4. Allow to dry naturally

For scuff marks, start by using a pencil eraser to remove light scuffs. If the marks are deeper, gently buff the area with fine-grit sandpaper, working in small circular motions to avoid damaging the leather. Once the scuffs are treated, apply a leather conditioner to restore moisture and maintain the material's finish.

Cleaning Mesh, Knit & Fabric Keen Shoes

Fabric uppers on Keen shoes trap dirt and odors in their woven fibers. These materials require gentle cleaning to avoid damage.

Start by removing excess dirt outdoors, tapping shoes together to release debris. Remove insoles and laces before cleaning for better results.

Deep Cleaning with SneakERASERS SOAK

Shoe cleaners like SneakERASERS SOAK break down organic matter that causes odors:

1. Mix the cleaning solution according to the package instructions

2. Submerge the fabric uppers in the solution

3. Soak for 15 to 30 minutes

4. Rinse thoroughly with clean water

5. Gently squeeze out excess water without wringing

6. Stuff with paper towels to absorb moisture

7. Air dry completely before wearing

This method is more effective than scrubbing, which can damage mesh fibers.

Cleaning Your Keen Shoes Soles, Midsoles, Insoles & Laces

The soles and insoles of Keen shoes harbor bacteria that cause odors. Rubber outsoles collect debris in tread patterns, while foam midsoles can discolor over time.

Sole cleaning steps:

1. Mix dish soap with warm water

2. Use a stiff brush to scrub tread patterns

3. Pay attention to grooves where dirt accumulates

4. Clean midsoles to remove yellowing and stains

Quick Clean Method Using SneakERASERS

Dual-textured cleaning sponges like SneakERASERS work effectively on rubber soles:

1. Wet the sponge and squeeze out excess water

2. Use the softer side for general cleaning

3. Use the textured side for stubborn stains

4. Work in gentle swiping motions

5. Rinse the sole with clean water

6. Wipe dry with a towel

Washing Insoles & Laces

1. Remove insoles and laces from shoes

2. Soak in warm soapy water for 10 minutes

3. For deeper cleaning, use enzyme-based cleaners

4. Scrub laces between your hands to remove dirt

5. Gently brush insoles without damaging the fabric surface

6. Rinse until the water runs clear

7. Air dry flat to maintain shape

Drying Your Keen Shoes Properly (Avoid Heat Damage)

Heat damages shoe materials and adhesives. Never use dryers, radiators, or direct sunlight for drying. High temperatures can:

• Melt adhesives causing sole separation

• Shrink synthetic materials

• Warp leather

• Fade colors

• Weaken waterproof coatings

Proper Air-Drying Methods:

Newspaper method: Insert crumpled newspaper, replace every 2-3 hours as it absorbs moisture

Fan drying: Position a fan to blow air directly into shoes

Natural ventilation: Place in a well-ventilated area at room temperature

Typical drying times:

• Synthetic sandals: 4-6 hours

• Mesh shoes: 8-12 hours

• Leather boots: 24-48 hours

Replace the newspaper regularly during the drying process for faster results.

How to Remove Odor, Waterproof & Do the Long-Term Maintenance

Bacteria thrive in warm, moist environments inside shoes, creating unpleasant odors. Several methods effectively eliminate odors:

Odor removal options:

• Sprinkle baking soda inside shoes overnight, and shake out before wearing

• Spray a mixture of equal parts water and vinegar, and allow to dry

• Insert activated charcoal odor absorbers between wears

• Apply diluted tea tree oil spray (10 drops per cup of water)

Waterproofing treatments:

• Leather shoes: Use leather-specific waterproofing sprays

• Synthetic shoes: Apply silicone-based water repellents

• Reapply waterproofing every 3-4 months or after deep cleaning

Maintenance schedule:

• Deep clean monthly for regular wear

• Clean immediately after exposure to mud or salt

• Condition leather every 3-4 months

• Quick sole cleaning weekly with cleaning sponges (Remember, gentle swiping motion)

• Check and replace worn laces as needed

Regular maintenance prevents buildup that requires intensive cleaning later. Learn more about proper shoe storage to extend their lifespan.

Keep Your Keen Shoes in Good Condition and Adventure-Ready!

Proper cleaning and maintenance significantly extend the lifespan of Keen shoes. By matching cleaning methods to your shoes' specific materials, you protect their structural integrity and performance features.

Regular cleaning prevents the buildup of dirt and odors that can permanently damage materials.

Key maintenance principles are to identify materials before cleaning, use appropriate cleaning products for each material type, avoid heat during drying, maintain a regular cleaning schedule, and address stains and odors promptly.

With these methods, your Keen shoes will maintain their comfort, functionality, and appearance through years of use. Products like SneakERASERS SOAK simplify deep cleaning, while proper drying techniques prevent damage. Consistent care takes minimal time but provides maximum protection for your footwear investment.

References

"How to Clean Wool Shoes." Make the Label Count, prod.makethelabelcount.org/care/how-to-clean-wool-shoes/.

"Keen2Clean." Ocean Crusaders, oceancrusaders.org/keen2clean/.