The problem is well-known to all climbers. Your new climbing shoes have quickly become one of your most treasured things after a few months of use. They should now be broken into a snug fit, shaping themselves to your feet like a glowing yellow second skin. However, an issue has arisen. Because you and your favorite shoes smell, your pals no longer want to sit close to you. 

Why Do The Climbing Shoes Stinck?

Climbing shoes can quickly acquire an unpleasant odor, as is well known. After a few too-enthusiastic workouts, those puppies will have a scent that will make your grandpa’s old cycling shorts smell like mush.

The crux of the matter is that when you crush so hard, your climbing shoes grow hot and humid. The combination of this with the shoe’s inherent closed construction creates an ideal environment for the growth of germs. The delicious aroma wafting from your exercise bag is this. You must exercise caution when you are in a haste to repair those odoriferous climbing shoes should you prematurely retire them. 

Removing The Odour From Climbing Shoes:

This is the number one reason why climbing shoe cleaning is desired by the majority of people. While there are solutions to the problem of unpleasant odors, the best course of action is to avoid getting stinky climbing shoes in the first place. Because most climbers don’t use socks, stinky shoes are a typical concern. Your sweaty feet create a humid atmosphere that is ideal for bacteria, and by extension, bad smells.

Just keep in mind that different climbing shoes have different odor retention rates. Climbing shoes made of leather have far better breathability than their synthetic counterparts due to the incredible natural characteristics of leather. Because of this, they are typically more effective at controlling foot temperature and odor than alternatives that are suitable for vegans.

Method 1: Remove Them

Taking off your climbing shoes and letting them air out after a couple of climbs will help prevent them from getting stinky. Relatedly, I know how hard it is to bring your climbing shoes home with you, so please don’t do that.

Take a moment to unzip your gym bag, remove your shoes, and give them a good airing before putting them away. By doing so, you can dry them out and stop the growth of bacteria.

Method 2: Use A Product

If you use accessories that repel odors, you won’t have to wash your climbing shoes as often. Not only is it easier, but you also won’t have to worry about damaging your shoes in the long run. Put a dryer sheet inside your shoes or spray them with an odor remover while they’re not in use to keep them smelling fresh. In addition, there are some ingenious solutions available, such as Boot Bananas, which are made to combat the unpleasant odor of climbing shoes.

Get some baking soda out of the cupboard if you’d rather clean your climbing shoes on your own. You can lessen the odor emanating from your shoes by using baking soda to neutralize the conditions that bacteria need to flourish. If you want your climbing shoes to smell fresh, you might as well clean them down afterward.

Additionally, there is an easy solution for the persistent layer of filth and grime that accumulates within your shoes, in case the odor isn’t enough to put you off. You may restore some of the lustre to your priceless footwear with a disinfecting wipe.

Method 3:  Always Wear Clean Shoes.

Considering the condition of your own feet is also a good idea; after all, they caused the stench to begin with.

Before putting on your shoes, make sure your feet are clean. Putting some chalk on your feet might be a good idea if they perspire excessively. Consider the impact on your hands as weird as it sounds before you judge. Be careful not to apply too much; a little dusting should be sufficient.

You can eliminate the stench for good if you want to keep your shoes from ever smelling musty. 

Are Climbing  Shoes Washable?

We are frequently asked if it is possible to wash climbing shoes. Unexpectedly, there is a tonne of conflicting material available on this subject. It seems that not even shoemakers can agree on the correct response.  

Certain companies, like Evolv, advise against washing climbing shoes at all. They argue that it might erode the adhesive,  preserving the shoe’s structural integrity. Scarpa, however, asserts that washing your shoes is ok. Indeed, they promote it. The Italian shoe company claims that human perspiration contains chemicals and salts that weaken the materials in our shoes. They claim that giving your shoes an occasional deep cleaning can make all the difference in the world. 

I don’t think washing climbing shoes properly and with care will significantly affect their lifespan or performance. As long as you wash them with the same care as a newborn baby, I have washed countless pairs of shoes both leather and synthetic, and have never experienced any major problems as a result of a thorough cleaning.

Methods Of Cleaning Climbing Shoes:

While some synthetic shoes can theoretically be machine washed, it is nearly never advised. Nevertheless, even if the label on your shoes says that they may be washed in a machine, avoid using hot water, stick to a moderate setting, and never use detergent. 

Nevertheless, even if the label on your shoes says that they may be washed in a machine, avoid using hot water, stick to a moderate setting, and never use detergent. The 99.99% of climbing shoe models recommend hand washing. I’ll take you through my surefire method for cleaning climbing shoes in a nutshell.

 Step 1: Gather Your Cleaning Supplies.

They stink like the dickens and absorb a lot of perspiration like many synthetic sneakers. I feel awful for anyone who comes within 10 meters of me at the gym, even though I use my Boot Bananas and let my shoe air out after every exercise.

 The time for a wash is over. You will require a few cleaning tools in addition to your shoes. It’s imperative to use a gentle brush. To be honest, a toothbrush works great for getting into the footbed and thoroughly cleaning the inside of the shoe.

Additionally, I prefer to always have a rag on hand to gently touch the more sensitive areas of the shoe, such as the heel counter logo.

Step 2: Use Running Warm Water To Clean

Warm,  running water ideally from a washbasin or shower is all you need to wash your shoes. Use just cold or room-temperature water to avoid scorching your shoes.

Start by scrubbing the inside of the uppers and the footbed of your shoes with water. Make sure not to overexcite yourself when brushing, since this could lead to damage to the uppers. For this reason, a soft toothbrush works well in this situation.

The water’s initial brown color will astound and disgust you in equal measure. Make sure to gently clean and squeeze your shoes if they have a padded tongue because they absorb some perspiration. When the water begins to run clear, keep carefully cleaning the shoe’s outside and interior.

Step 3: Drying The Shoes

It’s time to dry those babies out once your shoes are spotless. Give them a brisk wipe-down with a microfiber cloth or dry towel. After that, insert a piece of cloth into the shoe and gently press it; this will assist remove some of the water and speed up the drying process. 

To help your shoes dry out and maintain their original form now that they aren’t completely soaked, lightly stuff them with paper or a microfiber towel. Place them somewhere warm, preferably with some airflow, and open them to let some fresh air in. 

It should go without saying that you should never expose them to too much sunshine or use a drying machine. Climbing shoes are natural foes of severe temperatures, much like vampires and my ginger mother. They will unavoidably result in deoxidized rubber, distorted shoes, and delamination of the glue. 

Step 4: Fixing Unclean Soles

Examine the bottoms of your shoes. Most people don’t bother to inspect, but occasionally a dirty sole can be the cause of slick footholds. This indicates smears of dirt outside, but in the gym, it signifies a thin covering of chalk.  

FAQs:

Do Climbing Shoes Need To Be Washed?

It seems that not even shoemakers can agree on the correct response. Certain companies, like Evolv, advise against wearing climbing shoes at all. They argue that it might erode the adhesive preserving the shoe’s structural integrity. Scarpa, however, asserts that washing your shoes is OK. Indeed, they promote it.

How Should Baking Powder Be Used On Climbing Shoes?

Some people would rather use baking powder after giving their climbing shoes a good wash in warm water and detergent. In this instance, after completely rinsing away all of the soap, apply the powder to the wet shoe. To make sure the powder gets into the material, work it in with your soft brush.

How Should My Climbing Shoes Be Cleaned?

Another tried-and-true technique for revitalizing any pair of climbing shoes is the use of tea bags. Tea bags are extremely absorbent, so they absorb the moisture in your shoes which encourages the growth of bacteria that create odors. To prepare each climbing shoe, simply stuff fresh, dry tea bags inside and let them sit for a day or two.

Conclusion

Maintaining your climbing shoes will extend the life of your equipment and increase your popularity among nearby climbers. However, there’s a stronger case for doing it. Fungal/bacterial development is the source of that stench. Additionally, it touches your skin directly. It consumes the waste products secreted by your perspiration glands.