TCpro’s

Truly be on that stink stink.

Stanking up my bag

Stanking up my apartment

Stanking up my car 

Stanking up the vibe when tryna sleep in the back 

Any washing recommendation welcome!!

Freeze em. See if that works. If not, you could try isopropyl alcohol in a ziplock bag with the shoes. That will kill everything. Then clean them as normal. 

Take them out of your backpack when you're done climbing. Every time. Let them air out.

You just need some activated charcoal to absorb all the stank, if you ha e a large amount of gunk build up the only solution is soapy water and a toothbrush. If your feet are just super gunky consider cleaning your feet before you put on your climbing shoes or wear socks. Avoiding chunky leather footwear will also help with foot stank. 

Baking soda also works a treat. Just dump some in dry or if it's really nasty rub it in with water.

FrankPSwrote:

Take them out of your backpack when you're done climbing. Every time. Let them air out.

This is the way. 

If your living condition is too humid, get one of these Blower fans  and point it into your shoes. Cheaper at costco

Throw them out, get a new pair, then use thin socks??? (A PSA from the Crusty Trad Grandpa Association).

These “nonscents” things are the only shoe deodorizers I’ve tried that actually work. But I think they’re best used preventively. Haven’t tried rescuing a pair that’s already fetid.

Daniel Joderwrote:

Throw them out, get a new pair, then use thin socks??? (A PSA from the Crusty Trad Grandpa Association).

I also use thin socks and I am def more of a board bro than a trad dad these days by volume. Some world cup climbers use socks too

Shoes don't stink by themselves, they need someone's help.

I have been down this same road. Several years ago I had a pair of shoes that STUNK. I tried everything: baking them, freezing them, alcohol, detergent soak, baking soda, Lysol, Febreeze, Ozium, scrubbing.  NOTHING WORKED. The only solution is to start over and NEVER pack the shoes away damp. Socks can help but I don't think they are necessary (or desirable) if your foot skin is clean and healthy.

I took my shoes off at the gym one time and tossed them behind me.  My Wife saw the group of women behind me immediately all look at each other in absolute disgust and abject horror.

Since then I've got these in all my athletic shoes (climbing, running, approach, hiking etc):  https://drypointe.com/

I don't do anything else at all....  sweaty ass gym climbing shoes come off, balls go back in and get thrown back into bag

OK yall, thanks for the good advice. They're in the freezer now, I've done that with other items...it usually works. Yeah the shoes always stay on the outside of the pack, I think its just the constant climbing and sweating. Im gonna try the balls too.

JB