Fifty Plus (50+) - Stinky shoes

Thanks to a very hot summer that's seen me sweating like you wouldn't believe, my shoes now reek of sweat. The dog thinks they're wonderful :eek:

Any suggestions on how to reduce or control the stink?

Richard

What kind of shoes are they?

Most of the time the stink is in the insoles. If they came with the shoes, they're probably not anti bacterial. I always replace factory insoles with after market brands like Peterson Foodbeds or SOLE (the best IMO). Both are far better for your feet too. If you don't want to replace them, soak them overnight in warm water and antifungal hand soap after squeezing them several times in the solution to be sure it's been absorbed. Rinse the same way. If your shoes are 100% synthetic, dunk them in the same soap solution a couple times and rinse under running water. Stuff small rags inside to absorb excess water then remove them and allow the shoes to dry at room temperature. Then start using unsented antibacterial Lysol after every ride.

Here's what works for me, YMMV:
- multiple shoes, never wear the same pair two days in a row but cycle through them allowing sufficient time to air-dry
- after each ride, fumigate them with a sanitizing spray. I use tinactin (a spray used to control jock itch), lysol or something similar might work for you.
- clean socks

But if they already have a musty-moldy smell, I don't know if you can get rid of it.

Hey, europa, I've been google mapping through Australia and Adelaide looks like a cool place to live - reasonably green and beaches to die for. It occurred to me that a trans-Australia bike tour would be a fine thing to do, at least in the south. Have you ever heard of anyone doing a bike crossing in the north. It looks formidable in all its waterlessness.

Back on topic - sounds like a good excuse to buy new shoes.

Someone turned me on to this. I always carry a small spritz bottle of rubbing alcohol (the cheap stuff). After each ride I spray the inside of my shoes and my helmet. It kills the bacteria that causes oder. Surprisenly it works! It also works well on gloves. As soon as I take them off they get a spritz! No more stinky gloves!

I powder mine well. Or spray with anti-fungal first, then powder. Don't forget to treat your feet, too.

Go clipless and then you will only be wearing the Shoes for only 4 hours a day.:innocent:

I have 2 pairs and I keep switching them out. Also I spay them once in a while. I update my insoles as well, once a year.

I wondered what that odd smelling breeze coming out of the south was. You're getting good distance, mate.:D

Take 'em into the shower with you after a ride, soap and rinse 'em, and leave 'em to dry in the sun. Sunshine is a natural anti-bacterial

Then a sprinkle of baking powder. Not a joke, it works. Loads of runners would agree

Oh, and maybe change 'em every couple of decades whether they need it or not.

Wash your feet with Hibiclens. Rub it on and leave it on for about 30 seconds. Every day for a week and twice a week thereafter. This will control the bacteria, so it won't get going in your shoes. Once a pair of shoes is skunky, take them to your local bowling alley and pay them to put them on their UV light setup for a while. Then let them dry out for a week. Otherwise, start with a new pair. bk

Hey, europa, I've been google mapping through Australia and Adelaide looks like a cool place to live - reasonably green and beaches to die for. It occurred to me that a trans-Australia bike tour would be a fine thing to do, at least in the south. Have you ever heard of anyone doing a bike crossing in the north. It looks formidable in all its waterlessness.

Back on topic - sounds like a good excuse to buy new shoes.

People regularly ride around Australia, across the top and through the middle. Mind you, people also die doing it so some preparatory reading is a good move. Lots of touring sites discuss the trip. There's nothing that sensible preparation can't address. The south of the country is wonderful touring territory. The biggest issue you'll face will be the distances between anything. Australia's the same size as continental USA but we've a much smaller population and 80% is jammed into a few cities on the eastern coast.

Richard

I wondered what that odd smelling breeze coming out of the south was. You're getting good distance, mate.:D

Odd smelling breeze indeed. Hmmph. Stapfam's contribution has also been noted :mad:
:D

The baking soda suggestion is a good one, I've been using that for odour control for years and if you use it with vinegar, there aren't many stains that you can't remove - with kids, pets and carpet, I've had ample opportunity to test that one.

I thought of leaving the shoes out in the sun so I'm pleased to have that one suggested.

I will go for Pam's rubbing alcohol too, though partly because it's a solution that doesn't have me buying a specially designed product :rolleyes:

Richard

After cleaning and spraying the insides of the shoes with the product of your choice (several good suggestions listed), put them out in direct sunlight to dry. The sun will kill much of the smelly bacteria.