Mucky gear, esp trainers and hiking boots

[MartinRohdesBellybuttonFluff]

Has anyone got any tips on how to deal with the filthy mucky gear that my dc's are coming home in after events like hiking and cross-country please?

I am inundated with wet mucky footwear. I am trying to dry stuff off and then just brushing off muck afterwards in time for the next race etc.

Any tips please (besides taking up swimming )

I'm afraid muddy trainers would get a rinse under outside tap and then go through washing machine then into airing cupboard. Hiking boots take more effort- I would usually soak the soles in an inch of water till mud on bottom drops off and then scrub the rest with an old toothbrush trying to minimise how much water goes inside, rinse and drip dry on drainer (in utility room) then into the airing cupboard for a few days to dry properly.
Best tip would be to loosen laces or at least open them up so they dry quicker.

Stuff with newspaper to speed the drying then bash together outside to get the dried mud off. I do not wash under tap as they are never dry in time for the next use.