How To Clean Climbing Shoes (Get Rid Of That Funky Smell!)

Hello climbers! Today I want to be brutally honest with you. Our scorecard is often poor when rating the cleanest and most well-groomed individuals. Our days are spent away from home, in tents or cars near the mountains or cliffs doing what we love most; climbing.  

Now, picture yourself wearing your beloved pair of climbing shoes for several days. This pair has become your most treasured piece of possession on earth. However, you recently noticed that your friends no longer want to sit near you, mainly whenever you remove your shoes. The smell is unbearable.  

So how can you go about it? Does throwing them into the washing machine solve the problem? Unfortunately, this is not the best solution. This guide is meant to help you learn how to clean climbing shoes and continue enjoying your climbing experience with your friends.  

Can I Wash My Climbing Shoes? 

Climbers frequently ask, "Can I wash my climbing shoes"? Or "How often should I wash my climbing shoes? 

You have probably come across several contradicting pieces of information about washing your shoes. Surprisingly, even manufacturers can't speak in one voice on this matter.  

For example, some climbing shoe manufacturers such as Evolve caution their clients from washing their climbing shoes. The main reason these manufacturers cite is that water weakens or interferes with the glue that maintains your shoe’s structural integrity.  

On the other hand, other manufacturers like Scarpa encourage their clients to wash their climbing shoes. The Italian shoe manufacturer observes that salt and other chemicals contained in sweat can weaken the shoe materials' strength and elasticity. According to the company, regularly cleaning your climbing shoes is more helpful than doing them harm.  

As an experienced climber who has consulted multiple sources on whether to wash my climbing shoes, I can attest that washing your shoes has little impact on the shoe's performance and lifespan. 

I have owned and washed several pairs of synthetic and leather climbing shoes. I do not remember any single time I had an issue with my shoes due to washing them. 

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How To Clean Climbing Shoes (Step By Step Guide)

Step 1: Fill The Bucket or Tub With Water

Your first step is to fill the bucket, tub, or sink with lukewarm water, approximately 35 degrees Celsius, or 95 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature is suitable to enhance the removal of dirt from your shoes with ease. Hot water is not recommended because it can damage the rubber on the sole. Cold water, on the other hand, is not very effective. 

Step 2: Brush Off Any Dust Before Shoes Get Into Contact With Water

It is vital to brush off dust before putting the shoes in water. Brushing off the dust and any chalk traces eases the cleaning process as you prevent turning this debris into paste and mud. Brush the shoes gently while blowing some air over them shoe to get rid of the dust particles. Also, turn the shoes upside down before padding them lightly to remove all chalk and stone debris crumbs. This is one of the most important steps on how to clean climbing shoes.

Step 3: Use A Mild Detergent  

Use a mild detergent with water to wash your shoes and remove dirt and sweat. You must use a detergent because removing the dirt with only water can be challenging. Water alone can't remove the dirt embedded in the niches and cracks of the shoes.  

However, avoid using harsh detergents and chemicals that can damage the soles and upper liner of the shoes. Strong detergents also increase the vulnerability of the leather to wearing out.  

Step 4: Brush Or Scrape Outside Of The Shoe Gently 

After wetting the shoe, begin by scrubbing the outside, including the upper tongue and sole, using the brush. The brush is a crucial tool for removing the notorious stains from the shoe.  

Don't press the shoe too hard with the brush. Remember, your goal is to clean the shoe and not damage the delicate parts, materials, or soles.  

Most climbers overlook the sole when cleaning their climbing shoes. Ensure that you clean it by dipping it in lukewarm water to loosen the dirt. Submerge the shoes until they soak thoroughly to remove bacteria and germs that cause your shoe to smell.  

Step 5: Clean The Inside Of Your Climbing Shoes

Wash the brush after cleaning the outside. Begin cleaning the inside by flushing water into the shoe. Scrub the inner part of the shoes gently using the brush. You will be disgusted by the brown water at fast. 

Ensure that you wash all the hard-to-reach places in your shoes, including the toe box. Use your fingers to rub the corners that the brush can't reach gently.  

A slippery climbing shoe is often an indication of a dirty sole. The thin layer of chalk that you apply to increase your grip may attract traces of dirt. Scrubbing the sole gently with a brush will work miracles.  

After cleaning the shoe thoroughly, dunk it clean lukewarm soapy water multiple times until it no longer produces brown water. Soapy water helps you remove the loosened particles of chalk and dirt, keeping the shoe clean.  

Step 6: Rinse The Shoes 

You are almost done. Pour the dirty water from the sink or tub and rinse it before adding lukewarm water. Place your shoes in the water and move them sideways, up and down and swish them.  

Drain all the water from the shoe and repeat the process until there are no traces of soapy leftovers and the water coming out of the shoe is clean. You can use running warm water to make the process more efficient. Rinse all the water.  

Step 7: Dry The Climbing Shoes

Your shoes are now sparkling clean, thanks to your effort and patience. It is now time to dry the lovely babies out. Wipe them using a dry microfiber cloth or towel.  

Drain more water to dry the shoe by sticking a piece of dry cloth inside the shoe and giving it a gentle press. The piece of cloth absorbs water from the shoe's inner part, decreasing the drying time significantly.  

 You have removed all the dripping water that could have increased the drying duration. Stuff the shoes with dry microfiber cloth or paper to enable them dry while maintaining their natural shape.  

Open the shoes up to enhance free air circulation and place them in a warm and non-humid environment to dry. Avoid exposing them to hot conditions such as direct exposure to scorching summer sun.  

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How Do You Prevent Your Climbing Shoes From Smelling? 

Here is a short story. There was this one guy in our climbing group. His shoes gave off that unpleasant smell whenever he took them off. Others secretly named him ‘smelly feet.’ 

However, things got ugly when he discovered his unfortunate new name, coiled from a green joke. He was angry and almost left the group.  

You do not have to be given such a displeasing name because of your climbing shoes. One of the most common reasons for cleaning climbing shoes is to get rid of the smell.  

It is worth noting that some climbing shoes, such as synthetic shoes, can retain more odor than leather shoes. However, you want to keep the smell as minimal as possible and leave water for only desperate and very necessary times.  

Check these solutions to prevent your climbing shoes from smelling.  

1. Take The Shoes Off In-between Climbs 

One of the easiest ways of reducing the odor is by taking the shoes off and allowing free air circulation after a few climbs. Normalize taking off your shoes in-between climbs to allow free air circulation to keep the smell at bay.

Besides, avoid leaving the shoes stuffed in your bag with other climbing gear whenever you get home. Remove the shoes and put them on the outdoor track for fresh air before storing them in their suitable place indoors.  

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2. Apply Odor-Fighting Products  

Another way to reduce the frequency of washing your climbing shoes is by utilizing odor-fighting accessories. Odor-reducing products protect your shoes from the long-term damage resulting from frequent washing and are hassle-free.  

For instance, you may leave a dryer sheet inside the shoes when you aren't using them or apply an odor-eliminator spray. Some climbers use other brilliant products such as Boot Bananas to reduce the smell.  

You can also opt for a DIY method. Get some kitchen baking soda and apply it to your shoes to neutralize the conditions that favor bacterial growth. This approach is one of the easiest ways of keeping your climbing shoes odor-free.  

3. Keep An Eye On Your Foot Hygiene 

It all begins with you. The state of your feet is among the primary culprits of smelly shoes making food hygiene a critical aspect of dealing with stinky shoes.  

It is advisable always to ensure that your feet are clean and dry before slipping on your shoes to do what you love most. Do your feet get too sweaty? Applying some chalk will help you in keeping your feet dry.  

4. Keep Your Climbing Shoes Dry  

One of the easiest ways to keep your climbing shoe stress-free is by keeping them as dry as possible. I was once disappointed by my climbing shoes because they kept disappointing me. I could barely stand the odor whenever I took them off. Nothing seemed to work in getting off the odor.  

I discovered the problem after talking with a fellow climber. I used to put the shoes in the bag while sweaty and damp. Lack of natural air circulation resulted in the odor.  

I learned the trick of hanging the shoes outside the bag with a carabiner as I headed home from my bouldering sprees. I often received strange glances and wrinkled noses whenever I boarded a bus or train, but it helped me to curb the demonic smell.  

Always keep your climbing shoes as dry as possible before and after every bouldering session.  

Conclusion  

Nothing can take the place of prevention when keeping your climbing shoes in good shape. A good pair of climbing shoes may cost you a fortune making it vital that you maintain them with the highest standards to avoid shopping for another pair soon. Cleaning your climbing shows requires some effort but doing it pays.

The shoes will last you longer and give you a more refreshed and comfortable feeling whenever you don them. Besides, you won't receive hefty public criticisms whenever you take them off in front of your colleagues or hang them outside the bag from or to climbing sprees. The article was meant to help you learn how to clean climbing shoes, and we hope you have learned something.  

To more climbing! We are mountaineers, and it is what we love most!  

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