If you're a climber, you know the struggle of dealing with smelly climbing shoes. Your favorite pair may have become a second skin to you, but to others, they emit an unpleasant odor. You may have tried throwing them in the washing machine, but that only led to disappointment as your shoes shrank and lost their shape. So, what can you do to keep your climbing shoes fresh and clean?

In this article, we'll explore several solutions to prevent your climbing shoes from smelling and teach you how to clean them properly without damaging them. We'll also cover how to clean dirty soles and provide step-by-step instructions to get your shoes looking and smelling like new again. With these tips, you'll be able to enjoy your climbing shoes for longer and avoid any unpleasant odors.

Why Do Climbing Shoes Smell?

Climbing shoes are notorious for developing unpleasant odors, and there are several reasons why this happens. Firstly, your feet sweat a lot when you climb, and this moisture gets trapped inside your shoes. This creates a warm, damp environment that is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. As these microorganisms grow and multiply, they produce unpleasant odors that can be difficult to get rid of.

Another factor that contributes to smelly climbing shoes is the materials they are made from. Many climbing shoes are constructed from synthetic materials that don't breathe well, which can exacerbate the problem of trapped moisture and bacteria growth. Additionally, the rubber soles of climbing shoes can absorb odors and hold onto them for a long time.

To combat smelly climbing shoes, it's important to take steps to prevent bacteria growth. This can include wearing moisture-wicking socks, airing out your shoes between climbs, and using anti-bacterial sprays or powders. It's also important to clean your shoes regularly, but be careful not to use harsh chemicals or scrub too aggressively, as this can damage the materials.

Overall, smelly climbing shoes are a common problem that can be addressed with proper care and maintenance. By taking steps to prevent bacteria growth and regularly cleaning your shoes, you can keep them smelling fresh and extend their lifespan.

How To Stop Climbing Shoes From Smelling

Climbing shoes are notorious for developing an unpleasant odor due to the moist environment created by sweaty feet. Fortunately, there are several solutions to prevent your climbing shoes from smelling. Here are three effective solutions that you can try:

Solution #1: Take Them Off

One of the easiest ways to prevent your climbing shoes from smelling is to take them off and let them air out after use. Leaving your shoes stuffed in the bottom of your bag can promote bacteria buildup and worsen the odor. Instead, open your shoes out and let them air dry in a suitable place. This will help reduce the moisture inside your shoes and prevent bacteria growth.

Solution #2: Apply Some Product

There are several odor-fighting products available on the market that can help prevent the need for frequent washing of your climbing shoes. You can consider using odor eliminator sprays or placing dryer sheets inside your shoes when not in use. Boot Bananas is a popular product that is specifically designed to fight smelly climbing shoes.

If you prefer a DIY approach, you can use baking soda to neutralize the environment needed for bacteria to thrive, which will reduce the smell coming from your shoes. After applying baking soda, wipe your shoes down to remove any excess powder.

If the smell isn't the problem and it's the permanent coating of dirt and grime inside your shoes that's putting you off, then a disinfectant wipe can help bring a bit of sparkle back to your precious shoes.

Solution #3: Keep Your Feet Clean

Your feet are the culprits that started the stink in the first place, so it's essential to keep them clean before slipping your shoes on. If your feet tend to get extra sweaty, consider applying a bit of chalk to your feet to reduce moisture. Wearing socks is by far the best way to prevent your shoes from soaking up all that stinky sweat in the first place. While most climbers prefer not to wear socks, this is a sure way to stop the stank.

In conclusion, preventing your climbing shoes from smelling requires a bit of effort and care. By following these simple solutions, you can keep your shoes smelling fresh and clean and enjoy your climbing experience to the fullest.

Can You Wash Climbing Shoes?

The answer to whether or not you can wash your climbing shoes is not straightforward. There are varying opinions on the matter, with some manufacturers suggesting that it is perfectly fine to wash your shoes, while others recommend against it.

In our opinion, washing your climbing shoes can be beneficial, as long as it is done carefully and correctly. It is important to note that not all climbing shoes are made the same way, so it is essential to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for washing and care.

If you do decide to wash your climbing shoes, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Use a mild soap and lukewarm water.
• Do not use a washing machine or dryer.
• Allow your shoes to air dry completely before using them again.

Overall, if done correctly, washing your climbing shoes can help extend their lifespan and maintain their performance. Just remember to follow the manufacturer's guidelines and take care when washing them.

How To Clean Climbing Shoes

Step 1: Grab Your Cleaning Equipment

To start with, you'll need to gather some essential cleaning equipment. A soft brush is an essential tool in cleaning your climbing shoes. You can purchase one from Amazon or use an old toothbrush. A cloth is also handy for rubbing the more delicate parts of the shoe, such as the logo on the heel rand.

Step 2: Clean Using Running Warm Water

When washing your shoes, you should use warm running water, ideally in a shower or sink. Avoid using hot or boiling water as it can damage your shoes. Begin by flushing your shoes with water and gently brushing the footbed and inside of the uppers. Be careful not to damage the uppers by brushing too hard. A soft toothbrush will work best. Keep scrubbing the inside and outside of the shoe until the water runs clear.

Step 3: Drying The Shoes

After washing your shoes, it's time to dry them out. Use a dry towel or microfiber cloth to wipe them down. Then, stick a cloth inside the shoe and give it a gentle press to absorb some of the water from the inside. This will significantly decrease the drying time. Stuff your shoes with paper or a microfiber cloth to help them dry out and retain their natural shape. Open them up to allow air to circulate and put them somewhere warm (not hot) with a bit of airflow. Avoid putting them in the drying machine or exposing them to excessive sunlight.

Step 4: Enjoy Your Clean Climbing Shoes!

After a few hours, your shoes will be dry and ready to climb in again. If you want to speed up the drying process, you could use a hairdryer on the lowest heat setting, keeping it well away from your shoes. Avoid heating your shoes up; you're just offering some extra airflow. By following these simple steps, your climbing shoes will look and smell clean, ready for your next climb.

Cleaning Dirty Soles

The soles of your shoes can accumulate dirt and grime over time, which can reduce their grip and contribute to wear and tear. Cleaning your rubber soles not only helps with grip, but it also improves the lifespan of your shoes.

To prevent excess build-up of grime on the bottom of your shoes, it is recommended to wipe them off before climbing. This can be done with a cloth, your pant leg, or a quick swipe of your hand. You will notice a significant difference in grip after doing so.

For more thorough cleaning, a little bit of water and a good scrub with an old toothbrush can do wonders for your soles. This is especially important if you are an avid outdoor climber, as dirt and grime can accumulate quickly.

It is important to note that different types of rubber may require different cleaning methods. Be sure to check the manufacturer's recommendations before cleaning your shoes.

In addition to cleaning, there are other ways to improve the friction in your shoes. Check out our article on how to make your climbing shoes sticky again for more ideas.

By taking care of your shoes and cleaning your dirty soles, you can improve your grip and extend the life of your climbing footwear.

Ready To Get Cleaning?

If you're ready to tackle the task of cleaning your climbing shoes, there are a few things to keep in mind. First and foremost, avoid using high heat during the washing and drying process, as this can damage the construction of your shoes and ruin the perfect break-in you've worked so hard to achieve. Additionally, be sure to avoid shrinking your shoes or destroying the upper's material.

There are several methods you can use to clean your climbing shoes, from basic prevention to more drastic measures like a good hand wash. Regardless of the method you choose, it's important to take care and be gentle with your shoes.

To prevent excessive odor and dirt buildup, be proactive and practice good footwork while climbing. Avoid walking through mud and other debris that can get trapped in the soles of your shoes. By taking good care of your shoes and being considerate of their condition, you can extend their lifespan and save money in the long run.

Remember, while it's important to keep your climbing shoes clean, don't stress too much about achieving a completely odor-free pair. Embrace the natural funk and focus on maintaining the overall cleanliness and condition of your shoes.