Last updated on: May 13, 2024, 10:32 p.m.
For anyone who has been climbing for a while, you know that one of the worst parts is shoe smell. Mine are in such bad shape that just handling them to remove them between climbs leaves my hands with stinky feet. Unfortunately, there is no way to minimize sweating, especially in gyms where it is hot. The only real solution is to wash them, but be careful. You need to know how to clean climbing shoes before you start, otherwise you risk damaging them.
Climbing shoes are different from any other pair you have at home. The irony is that the rubber that makes them so durable can be easily damaged by traditional washing. If you want to preserve the health of your shoes while eliminating deadly climbers’ foot odor, follow our guidelines.
Why it is important to clean your climbing shoes
Climbing shoes are the most important item on any climbing gear list. It’s the first thing you buy and the equipment you use most often. Clean climbing shoes ensure good grip on the rock and do not come loose unexpectedly, which could lead to injury.
Of course stinky shoes suck. But dirty shoes can actually be dangerous. It’s best to take the time to make sure they are in tip-top shape and ready to play.
How to clean climbing shoes
You can clean your climbing shoes in seven steps to keep them in tip-top shape. There aren’t many specific guidelines on how to wash climbing shoes. The basics are to dry, scrub off the dirt, lather with mild soap, rinse off any residue, then let your shoes air dry.
Step 1: Get the Right Supplies
Before you start cleaning, you need to make sure you have the right tools. Take a second and put together:
- Mild soap or climbing shoe cleaner (a little dish soap is enough, but don’t overdo it)
- A soft brush or toothbrush
- A microfiber cloth or soft towel
- A water source (sink or bucket)
Step 2: Dry Scrub Any Dirt
First shake your shoes well to rid them of dirt and debris. Then gently use your brush to wipe away any remaining dirt. Don’t use water yet and go slowly while brushing. No need to put too much pressure on them just yet.
Step 3: Lather
Mix mild soap with a little water in a container or sink. If you have a fancy climbing shoe cleaner, follow the directions on the bottle. If you’ve ever cleaned something before, this part should be easy.
Step 4: Wash Climbing Shoe Fabric
There are different ways to wash climbing shoes, but I’ll give you the method I use. Take your soft brush or toothbrush, dip it in the soapy goodness and gently scrub the fabric of your shoes. Work on the fabric, showing extra love to areas with pesky stains and dirt spots.
You can even get inside the shoe and scrub the insole to clean it. Since the majority of your sweat will accumulate here, you may not be able to clean all the stains. But a scrub will still do a lot of good.
Step 5: Rub the Outsole
Cleaning the exterior of the rubber sole may seem unnecessary, but it’s actually the most important step for performance. You’ll want to get rid of chalk buildup and any dirt that’s preventing your shoes from giving their best grip.
Step 6: Rinse off the dirt
Rinse your shoes well in clean, cold water to remove any leftover soap or cleaner. You don’t want any soap or grime left on the fabric, so rinse it as much as possible. Your shoes are going to get wet, but the less wet they are, the better.
Step 7: Air Dry Only
Dry your shoes gently with a soft cloth or towel to remove as much water as possible – do not wring or squeeze them. Stuff the shoes with newspaper to help absorb any leftover water.
To complete the drying process, let your shoes sit at room temperature, away from any heat sources. Excess heat is bad for your shoes, if you want to place them near a fan to speed things up, that’s no problem.
Can you put climbing shoes in the washing machine?
NO! This is the quickest way to destroy your shoes. If you can’t tell from the steps above, the name of the game when it comes to cleaning shoes is tricky. A washing machine will put too much pressure on the stitching and adhesive and will likely cause your shoe to explode. There are a few brands like Butora that say you can machine wash, but this is not true for all pairs and you do so at your own risk.
My opinion? Don’t take the easy way out: clean your climbing shoes properly or lose your shoes forever.
How to Fix Holes in Climbing Shoes
If you notice that there is a hole in the rubber of your shoe, it requires more than just cleaning. At this point, you may want to consider resoling your climbing shoe. This is a process that you cannot do yourself and will need to contact an expert for help. But by doing so, you can give your shoes a second life and avoid having to buy a new pair.
Can I use Lysol climbing shoes?
If you’re looking for a quick solution, you can freeze your shoes without damaging the fabric. Lysol is a good temporary solution, but it does not completely clean climbing shoes. This won’t do anything about the dirt, so you need to use soap and water if you want the job done right.
Conclusion: How to Clean Climbing Shoes
Cleaning climbing shoes is a simple way to help combat stinky feet. Remember that these shoes are not ordinary shoes and knowing how to properly clean climbing shoes is essential to maintain their performance and lifespan. Avoid the washing machine at all costs and opt for a gentle and practical approach.
Respect your shoes and they will reward you with the grip you need to conquer those difficult routes. And if you ever find a hole in the rubber, consider getting them resoled instead of saying goodbye to your favorite pair.
Remember, Lysol can provide a quick fix, but nothing compares to a good clean with soap and water. Now that you know how to clean climbing shoes, take pride in maintaining them: they will be your faithful companions throughout countless adventures. Happy climbing!