View Full Version : get the stink out!
so i've tried washing my shoes (even multiple times) in the washing machine to get out the hiker stink. i won't take out the insoles b/c once they're taken out, then never seem to fit back in exactly right. is there anything special you guys use to freshen up your trail runners?
I have a shoe/boot dryer I use - stinks like heck while drying but once dry the smell is mostly gone
Appalachian Tater
03-18-2008, 11:58
The smell is caused by organisms. You have to kill them.
Pringles
03-18-2008, 12:13
I spray in some Lysol type stuff.
wilconow
03-18-2008, 12:29
Overnight in a plastic bag in the freezer. I did this with my Hardrocks and it worked
http://www.ehow.com/how_113579_freshen-smelly-shoes.html
Put your nose as far in the boot as you can and breathe for about 45 minutes, you wont be able to smell anything.
Or try Dr scholls stinky boot spray.
if i wash em the smell goes away UNTIL i wear them again. it's like i put em on and the stink comes back instantly! (no my feet don't stink :D )
If adding some liquid bleach doesn't help (not too much), you should probably bury them.
the freezer idea sounds good. i'll give that a whirl. thanks
sheepdog
03-18-2008, 13:03
Might want to put a fresh box of baking soda in the freezer before hand. It might spare the steaks. :D:D:D
the ziplock should seal in the smell :D
Blissful
03-18-2008, 13:43
Probably need to change your insoles.
envirodiver
03-18-2008, 13:51
Might try Febreeze (sp?)
take-a-knee
03-18-2008, 14:05
Overnight in a plastic bag in the freezer. I did this with my Hardrocks and it worked
http://www.ehow.com/how_113579_freshen-smelly-shoes.html
The freezer won't necessarily kill the bacteria but it will effectively kill the yeasts/molds, so do it for that reason. Then get some mirazyme, then back into the freezer.
what is this myrazime you speak of?
the power of Google.....
http://www.rei.com/product/694530
canoehead
03-18-2008, 14:48
The problem is the stinky feet
1st Choice see doctor have him prescribe something to tame the funk, dry'em out
2nd Choice try foot funk products off the shelf
3rd Chop'em off and be done with the stink.
Use Desinex spray powder after washing and drying them. Use Desinex powder on your feet every morning befor putting on socks to prevent fungi forming. Ounce of prevention worth pound of cure. Goodbye to stinky trail runners.
Might be time for new shoes.
All the above ideas are practical, but I have never had good luck washing shoes in a machine.
Skidsteer
03-18-2008, 20:13
Use a Steripen.:D
It dawned on me that you washed them without removing the insoles.
How did they dry? What is growing under the insoles?
Jason of the Woods
03-19-2008, 10:09
Easy and it works: use a bit of Lysol, after that put a lot of powder(Gold Bond) in them, then stuff them with newspaper and let them sit for a couple of days. I promise that it works or your money back.;)
yeah mud that's probably the problem. i decided to take the insoles out and give em a wash. i'll try the powder and newspaper bit after they're done. thanks all
BackTrack1
03-19-2008, 14:09
A lady on the Long Trail told me her husband throws his sneakers into the swimming pool and she says it works great, something to do w/ the chlorine i guess, try it.
What kind of socks do you wear? My feet don't stink (much) since I've started wearing some kind of wool sock like smartwools.
I have one of those shoe/boot dryers. Those things are a household neccesity as far as I'm concerned. It makes the problem of wet shoes and boots a non-issue. It only used gentle heat so it does not ruin the glue and stuff in your shoe. It suggested on the box to put your shoes on it everyday to keep them fresh.
Skidsteer
03-19-2008, 17:42
A lady on the Long Trail told me her husband throws his sneakers into the swimming pool and she says it works great, something to do w/ the chlorine i guess, try it.
Chlorine and sunlight. Not a bad idea.
Second the Gold Bond powder. Insoles have to come out to clean...lil bleach and a hi pressure hose is better than a washing machine.