How to Clean KEEN Sandals After a Hike: Step-by-Step

By weOfficial KEEN® Site – Consciously Created Footar for a Better Planet | KEEN Footwear | Published: 2026-10-14

Category: Tips & Care

A practical step-by-step guide to cleaning KEEN sandals after hiking, including odor removal, drying, and care tips to extend the life of your hybrid footwear.

Quick answer

To clean KEEN sandals after a hike, rinse them with cool water, scrub the footbed and straps with a soft brush and mild soap, then air-dry them away from direct heat. For odor, a baking soda paste or a diluted vinegar wipe on the footbed helps. Never put them in a washing machine or dryer, as heat can warp the sole and break down adhesives.

Why post-hike cleaning matters for hybrid sandals

Hybrid sandals like the Men's Newport H2 Sandal are built for water and trail, but mud, sweat, and organic debris left on the straps and footbed can accelerate wear and cause odor. Regular cleaning also preserves the fit and function of the lacing system. Because these sandals often go from creek to campsite, a quick rinse and scrub after each hike prevents grit from acting like sandpaper inside the shoe.

Tools you already have (and one to avoid)

You do not need a special kit. A soft-bristle brush (an old toothbrush works), mild dish soap or castile soap, a bucket of cool water, and a microfiber cloth cover most situations. For odor, baking soda or white vinegar are effective. Avoid harsh chemicals, bleach, or abrasive scrubbers that can discolor straps or scratch hardware. Also skip the washing machine and dryer—agitation and heat are the fastest way to ruin the glue-free or glued construction of any KEEN sandal.

How often should you clean them?

After a muddy or sweaty hike, clean them the same day. If you only wore them on dry pavement or light trail, a monthly rinse is enough. Sandals used in saltwater or chlorinated pools should be rinsed after every use to prevent salt and chemical buildup. For the Women's Leiki Speed Hiking Shoe, which is a closed shoe, follow the same steps but pay extra attention to the interior lining and insole, which trap more moisture than an open sandal.

Step-by-step cleaning process

1. Knock off loose dirt and debris: Before getting them wet, clap the sandals together or use a dry brush to remove caked mud, pebbles, and grass. Pay attention to the tread and the space between the footbed and straps. Common mistake: skipping this step and turning mud into a muddy slurry that spreads deeper into the materials. Checkpoint: most surface debris is gone before you introduce water.
2. Rinse with cool water: Hold the sandals under a gentle stream of cool water or dip them in a bucket. Do not use hot water, which can shrink straps or weaken adhesives. For the Newport H2, rinse the bungee lacing area thoroughly. Common mistake: using a high-pressure hose, which can force water into the midsole and break down cushioning. Checkpoint: water runs clear from the sandal.
3. Scrub the footbed and straps with mild soap: Apply a few drops of mild dish soap or castile soap to a soft-bristle brush. Gently scrub the footbed, straps, and around the lacing. For stubborn odor, make a paste of baking soda and water, apply to the footbed, and let it sit for 10 minutes before scrubbing. Common mistake: using a stiff brush or abrasive cleaner, which can scratch the footbed and dull the straps. Checkpoint: no visible dirt or soap residue remains after a final rinse.
4. Rinse again and wipe excess water: Rinse the sandals thoroughly with cool water to remove all soap. Use a microfiber cloth to blot excess water from the straps and footbed. Common mistake: leaving soap residue, which can attract dirt and cause skin irritation. Checkpoint: no slippery feel or soap bubbles when you rub the footbed.
5. Air-dry away from direct heat: Place the sandals in a shaded, well-ventilated area. If they are very wet, stuff the footbed with crumpled newspaper or a dry towel to speed drying and help them hold their shape. Never put them in a dryer, on a radiator, or in direct sunlight for long periods—heat can warp the sole and cause delamination. Common mistake: drying them in the sun, which can fade colors and degrade materials. Checkpoint: sandals are completely dry before you wear them again, usually 12–24 hours.
6. Treat odor at the source: If odor persists after cleaning, sprinkle baking soda inside the sandals and let it sit overnight, then shake it out. For a deeper refresh, wipe the footbed with a cloth dampened with white vinegar, then air-dry. Common mistake: masking odor with sprays instead of removing the bacteria that cause it. Checkpoint: no lingering smell after the sandals are dry.

Product facts

Men's Newport H2 Sandal | Navy/Medium Grey: The Men's Newport H2 Sandal is described by KEEN as the original hybrid sandal, with 50 million adventures and counting. It has Easy-On Bunge lacing for quick adjustments and is available in Regular width across a range of sizes. The bungee lacing is easy to adjust but can trap sand and grit; a soft brush around the lace loops keeps them functioning smoothly. The open design also means the footbed dries faster than a closed shoe.
Women's Leiki Speed Hiking Shoe | Birch/Safari: The Women's Leiki Speed Hiking Shoe is a versatile, fast & light hiking shoe with a women’s-specific fit and street-to-trail design. Because it is a closed shoe, it requires more thorough drying inside than a sandal. After cleaning, stuff it with newspaper or a dry cloth to absorb moisture and maintain shape.