Tips for smelly shoes: If your climbing shoes smell... Here's the solution!

People sweat on their feet; it's part of the body's natural temperature regulation. Sweat itself doesn't smell; it's the bacteria that break down the sweat that cause foot odor. Therefore, cleanliness is paramount to preventing smelly climbing shoes or feet; fewer bacteria = less odor.

In principle, all other antibacterial remedies also work against smelly feet and shoes. So, it's important to slow bacterial growth.

It's also logical: If you put on your climbing shoes with dirty feet, you shouldn't be surprised. Therefore, it's best not to warm up with your old smelly shoes and then step into your new climbing shoes with sweaty feet! This will transfer the old smell directly into your new shoes. It's best to wear new shoes with clean feet if possible to keep them fresh for a long time.

That's why it's also worth keeping other shoes reasonably clean, even inside. That means approach shoes or everyday shoes, and especially sandals or flip-flops you wear between routes ( Nikwax Sandalwash even comes with a sponge attachment for a quick brush-over).

To keep your climbing or bouldering shoes smell-free, follow these tips:

Cleanliness helps. If you struggle with foot odor, you should wash your feet with warm water at least once a day, ideally before wearing climbing shoes. Drying thoroughly afterward is important, as moisture provides an ideal breeding ground for bacteria (which in turn cause odor). Mild cleansing agents are better than regular soap to avoid damaging the skin's natural flora. (For example: Seba-Med Bar Soap )

After washing and drying, applying cream to your feet helps reduce sweating. Deodorizing creams are a good way to combat foot odor, or you can use regular lotion and add a few drops of tea tree or lavender oil. These essential oils have natural antibacterial properties and impart a fresh scent.

Shoes and socks can also cause smelly feet. Synthetic fibers in socks or plastics worsen the situation because they are not very breathable and promote bacterial growth. It's best to opt for natural materials (cotton or wool for socks, leather or breathable fabrics for shoes).

Whether climbing shoes or regular shoes, it's a good idea to let them dry thoroughly to improve the olfactory situation. Therefore, always remove climbing shoes from your backpack after use and store them in a dry place. Consider purchasing a spare pair so that one pair can dry and air out sufficiently.

Dead skin cells on the feet provide ideal conditions for bacteria to thrive. Rub your feet with a pumice stone once a week after showering to remove excess skin and deprive bacteria of a breeding ground.

The more your feet are in the fresh air, the less they sweat and smell: Fresh air promotes healthy skin flora. (Extra tip: It's best to do this at home or in the garden, rather than in a bouldering gym.)

Usually, the problem isn't limited to the climbing shoes, but extends to the feet. In regular shoes, insoles can help absorb foot sweat. You can choose either washable cotton or leather ones. Insoles made of cinnamon or cedarwood are also great – they have natural antibacterial and deodorizing properties.

Cat litter absorbs moisture. A climber's tip: Place cotton bags containing cat litter and cinnamon powder in your shoes. This will dry them faster and leave them smelling of cinnamon. The inventors of Boot Bananas have kindly done the work for us and invented these ingenious anti-stink bananas – somehow cooler than cat litter.

Baking soda is a versatile household remedy. It's effective against bacteria: fill it into a small bag (an old sock, tied tightly) and place it in your shoes.

The classic: Kaiser Natron or Heitmann Soda

Climbing shoes don't belong in the washing machine—but they'll survive in a bucket of warm water and mild detergent. Use a discarded toothbrush to remove stubborn dirt. Then rinse with vinegar and water. And then again with clean water. Once they're dry. It's best to treat them with shoe deodorant before first use. Disadvantage: If you do this thoroughly, it's a lot of work and will take a few days until the shoes are ready for use again. But it's worth it.