Stinky shoes climbing shoes?

If you have had issues with stinky climbing shoes we have some tips coming from someone who has handled thousands of them.

• Moisture is the key culprit because it creates a perfect environment for foot bacteria to grow. The easiest solution to avoiding moisture is to air them out by hanging them off of your pack or storing them in a cool dry place.
  
• Clean your feet. Clean feet = clean shoes. We know it is hard when you are on the road but if you could clean your feet more or equal to your hands your shoes won't stink.
• Climbing with socks. While some may say this is drastic, drastic smells deserve drastic measures.
  
• Rotate shoes. Have a few pairs of shoes so if you climb a lot you can alternate a day and give a chance for shoes to air out.
  
• Foot powders and charcoal. Charcoal is a natural odor eater so you can put a few pieces of charcoal in a sock with some baking powder and stick those in your shoes during storage periods.
  

Good luck reducing smells and thanks for your efforts before you send on your climbing shoes for resoles.

Cheers,

The cobbler