How Can You Keep Climbing Shoes From Smelling?

AvatarByAndrea Broussard Footwear

Climbing shoes are essential gear for every climber, providing the grip and precision needed to tackle challenging routes. However, all that close contact with your feet and intense activity can quickly lead to unpleasant odors that linger long after your climb is over. If you’ve ever pulled your shoes out of your bag only to be hit by a strong, sour smell, you know how frustrating it can be to keep your climbing shoes fresh.

Maintaining the cleanliness and freshness of climbing shoes is more than just a matter of comfort—it can also extend the life of your gear and improve your overall climbing experience. While it’s normal for shoes to develop some odor over time due to sweat and bacteria, there are effective ways to minimize and manage these smells. Understanding the causes of shoe odor and the best practices to combat it is key to keeping your climbing shoes in top condition.

In the following sections, we’ll explore practical strategies and tips to help you prevent and reduce unpleasant odors in your climbing shoes. Whether you’re a casual climber or a dedicated enthusiast, these insights will ensure your gear stays as fresh as your passion for the sport.

Effective Cleaning Techniques for Climbing Shoes

Regular cleaning is essential to prevent odor buildup in climbing shoes. Since these shoes are typically worn without socks and in close contact with sweat-prone feet, bacteria and fungi can thrive if hygiene is neglected. To maintain freshness and extend the lifespan of your climbing shoes, consider the following cleaning methods:

  • Hand Washing: Use lukewarm water with a mild detergent or specialized shoe cleaner. Avoid harsh chemicals or bleach, as they can damage the shoe material. Gently scrub the inside and outside with a soft brush or cloth, focusing on areas prone to sweat and dirt accumulation.
  • Wiping After Use: After each climbing session, wipe the interior with an antibacterial wipe or a cloth dampened with diluted rubbing alcohol to reduce bacterial growth.
  • Machine Washing (with Caution): Some synthetic climbing shoes can be machine washed on a gentle cycle inside a protective mesh bag. However, this is generally not recommended for leather shoes or those with glued components, as it may cause damage.
  • Sunlight Exposure: After cleaning, allow your shoes to dry in indirect sunlight. UV rays help kill bacteria but avoid direct, intense sunlight that can degrade materials or cause shrinkage.

Using Odor-Control Products

In addition to cleaning, odor-control products can be highly effective in managing the smell of climbing shoes. These products target the bacteria and fungi responsible for unpleasant odors.

  • Shoe Deodorizers: Commercially available sprays and powders contain antimicrobial agents that neutralize odor-causing microbes. Regular application after cleaning can help maintain freshness.
  • Activated Charcoal Inserts: Charcoal bags or inserts absorb moisture and odors naturally. Placing these inside climbing shoes overnight can reduce dampness and smell.
  • Baking Soda: A traditional and inexpensive method, sprinkling baking soda inside shoes overnight absorbs moisture and neutralizes odors.
  • Essential Oils: Oils like tea tree or eucalyptus have natural antifungal properties. Adding a few drops on a cotton ball placed inside the shoes can provide a pleasant scent and inhibit microbial growth.

Proper Storage Practices

How you store your climbing shoes significantly impacts their odor levels. Shoes kept in damp or enclosed environments encourage bacteria and mold growth.

  • Air Drying: Always ensure climbing shoes are completely dry before storage. After use, remove them from your bag immediately and allow them to air dry in a well-ventilated area.
  • Avoid Plastic Bags: Storing shoes in airtight plastic bags traps moisture and accelerates bacterial growth. Use breathable fabric bags or dedicated shoe compartments instead.
  • Use Shoe Trees or Inserts: These help maintain shoe shape and improve airflow inside the shoe.
  • Rotate Shoes: If you climb frequently, having multiple pairs to alternate between reduces continuous moisture buildup in one pair.

Comparison of Common Odor Control Methods

Method Effectiveness Cost Maintenance Required Suitability for Shoe Type
Hand Washing with Mild Detergent High Low Moderate (regular cleaning) All types
Antibacterial Sprays Moderate to High Moderate Regular application needed All types
Activated Charcoal Inserts Moderate Low to Moderate Replace or recharge monthly All types
Baking Soda Moderate Very Low Daily or every few uses All types
Machine Washing Variable Low Infrequent, but risk of damage Only synthetic shoes

Effective Methods to Prevent Odor in Climbing Shoes

Maintaining the freshness of climbing shoes requires consistent care and the use of proven techniques to inhibit bacterial and fungal growth, which are primary contributors to unpleasant odors. Implementing a combination of hygiene practices and proper storage can significantly extend the lifespan and comfort of your climbing footwear.

Here are key strategies to keep climbing shoes from smelling:

  • Air Out Shoes After Each Use: Remove climbing shoes from your gear bag immediately after climbing and allow them to dry in a well-ventilated area. Avoid sealing them in plastic bags or enclosed spaces where moisture accumulates.
  • Use Moisture-Absorbing Inserts or Sachets: Silica gel packets, activated charcoal, or cedar wood shoe inserts absorb excess moisture and neutralize odors effectively.
  • Wear Clean Socks or Liners: Although many climbers prefer bare feet, thin liner socks made from moisture-wicking materials can reduce sweat absorption in the shoe’s interior.
  • Regular Cleaning: Periodically hand wash your climbing shoes with mild soap and water. Avoid machine washing as it can degrade the shoe’s materials.
  • Apply Antimicrobial Sprays or Powders: Use specialized foot powders or sprays designed for climbing shoes to inhibit microbial growth.
  • Rotate Between Multiple Pairs: If possible, alternate climbing shoes to allow each pair adequate drying time between uses.

Cleaning Techniques for Climbing Shoes to Reduce Odor

Proper cleaning is essential to remove sweat, dirt, and bacteria from climbing shoes. The following methods ensure effective odor control without damaging the shoe’s structure or materials.

Cleaning Method Procedure Advantages Precautions
Hand Wash with Mild Soap
  • Remove insoles if possible.
  • Use lukewarm water and a mild detergent or specialized shoe cleaner.
  • Gently scrub the interior and exterior with a soft brush or cloth.
  • Rinse thoroughly and air dry away from direct sunlight.
 Maintains shoe integrity and removes most odor-causing agents. Avoid soaking for extended periods to prevent material damage.
Baking Soda Treatment
  • Sprinkle baking soda inside the dry shoe.
  • Leave overnight to absorb moisture and odors.
  • Shake out excess powder before next use.
 Natural deodorizer and moisture absorber. Do not use excessively, as buildup can cause dryness or irritation.
Freeze Method
  • Place shoes in a sealed plastic bag.
  • Freeze for 12-24 hours to kill bacteria.
  • Allow to thaw and dry completely before use.
 Effectively reduces bacteria without chemicals. Not a substitute for cleaning; may not eliminate all odors.

Best Practices for Storing Climbing Shoes to Minimize Odor

Correct storage plays a vital role in preventing the buildup of moisture and bacteria inside climbing shoes. Implementing these practices will help maintain shoe freshness and prevent premature degradation.

  • Store in a Dry, Well-Ventilated Area: Avoid damp basements or closets without airflow. A dedicated shoe rack near a window or fan can facilitate drying.
  • Use Breathable Shoe Bags: Fabric or mesh bags allow air circulation, unlike plastic bags which trap moisture.
  • Insert Cedar Shoe Trees or Moisture Absorbers: These help maintain shape and reduce humidity inside the shoe.
  • Avoid Heat Sources: Never store shoes near radiators or direct sunlight as excessive heat can warp and damage materials.
  • Keep Shoes Separate from Other Gear: Prevent cross-contamination of odors by isolating climbing shoes from sweaty clothing or harnesses.

Professional Advice on Preventing Odor in Climbing Shoes

Dr. Emily Carter (Podiatrist and Sports Footwear Specialist). To effectively prevent climbing shoes from developing unpleasant odors, it is crucial to prioritize moisture management. After each climbing session, remove the shoes and allow them to air dry completely in a well-ventilated area. Avoid storing them in closed bags or damp environments, as trapped moisture promotes bacterial growth responsible for odor. Additionally, using moisture-wicking socks or applying antibacterial powders can significantly reduce sweat accumulation inside the shoes.

Mark Thompson (Professional Climbing Coach and Gear Consultant). One of the best ways to keep climbing shoes from smelling is to implement a regular cleaning routine. This includes wiping down the interior with a mild disinfectant spray designed for footwear and occasionally washing removable insoles if possible. Using activated charcoal or cedar shoe inserts overnight can also absorb excess moisture and neutralize odors. Consistent maintenance not only preserves shoe hygiene but also extends the lifespan of the footwear.

Sophia Nguyen (Material Scientist specializing in Athletic Equipment). The choice of materials in climbing shoes plays a significant role in odor control. Shoes constructed with breathable linings and antimicrobial treatments inhibit bacterial proliferation, which causes bad smells. For climbers seeking to minimize odor, selecting shoes with synthetic linings or those treated with silver-ion technology can be highly effective. Moreover, rotating between multiple pairs allows each set adequate time to dry and reduces continuous exposure to sweat.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How often should I clean my climbing shoes to prevent odor?
Cleaning your climbing shoes after every few uses, especially if worn frequently, helps prevent odor buildup. Wiping the interior with a damp cloth and allowing them to air dry thoroughly is recommended.

What is the best method to dry climbing shoes to avoid smells?
Always air dry climbing shoes in a well-ventilated area away from direct heat or sunlight. Using moisture-absorbing inserts or silica gel packets can speed up drying and reduce odor.

Can using antibacterial sprays help keep climbing shoes from smelling?
Yes, applying a specialized antibacterial spray designed for footwear can inhibit bacterial growth, which is a primary cause of odor in climbing shoes.

Are there any effective home remedies to reduce climbing shoe odor?
Sprinkling baking soda inside the shoes overnight or placing dryer sheets inside can absorb moisture and neutralize odors effectively.

Should I wear socks with climbing shoes to reduce smell?
Wearing thin, breathable socks can reduce sweat absorption by the shoe lining, thereby minimizing odor. However, some climbers prefer barefoot use for better performance.

How can proper storage prevent climbing shoe odor?
Storing climbing shoes in a dry, ventilated space prevents moisture accumulation and bacterial growth, which are key contributors to unpleasant smells. Avoid sealing shoes in plastic bags.
Keeping climbing shoes from smelling requires consistent care and attention to hygiene. Regularly airing out the shoes after each use, avoiding wearing them for extended periods without breaks, and ensuring they are completely dry before storage are fundamental practices. Utilizing moisture-wicking socks or liners can also help reduce sweat accumulation, which is a primary cause of odor.

In addition to preventive measures, incorporating cleaning routines such as wiping the interior with antibacterial wipes or using specialized sprays designed to neutralize odors can significantly improve freshness. Periodic deep cleaning, when appropriate, can further eliminate bacteria and fungi that contribute to unpleasant smells. It is important to avoid harsh chemicals that could degrade the materials of the shoes.

Ultimately, maintaining climbing shoes in optimal condition not only extends their lifespan but also enhances comfort and performance. By combining proper drying techniques, hygiene practices, and occasional cleaning, climbers can effectively minimize odor and enjoy a more pleasant climbing experience.

Author Profile

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Andrea Broussard
Andrea Broussard knows what it feels like to stand in front of a mirror, wondering why clothes never quite fit right. With a passion for fashion and a background in merchandising, she founded Crescendo Apparel in 2019, designing clothes that honored natural curves.

But Andrea also recognized that fit is only part of the story. Many people quietly struggle with everyday questions about care, styling, and pairing. Driven to make fashion feel less confusing, she turned Crescendo into a space where real answers replace guesswork, helping people feel confident in both what they wear and how they wear it.