My winter cycling boots (Spesh Defrosters) still smell…..

During a week of riding the 7 Stanes in the wet at Easter, they never properly dried out in the B&B and have now developed their own unique aroma which isn’t going away. I’ve tried denture steriliser tablets in them, washing thoroughly etc.

What can I do, bar soak then in bleach, to kill the bacteria that seems to have taken hold?

I’m pretty sure bleach will work, but it will probably also destroy the waterproof membrane, which would be a shame.

this was on Dragons Den so must be ace but new shoes will be cheaper;

http://www.win-health.com/klenz-multipurpose-sanitiser.html

I’ve found that leaving my stinky shoes in strong sun all day (yeah, I know, chance would be a fine thing) renders them safe again.

That sanitiser might be cost effective over a few years – I’ve binned several sets of walking boots after they developed their own eco-systems!

Taking the insoles out and cleaning them makes a big difference.
I’ve managed to get them to not stink by putting them in the washing machine which isn’t ideal and then making sure they are put in a hot dry environment (hair dryer) and dried thoroughly.
Problem is the stink lingers, although not as bad, as soon as they get damp inside.

if that Klenz sanitiser does work, there must surely be companies who can offer services using such a device? do dry-cleaners offer such a service?

I use some anti fungal footpowder that was recommended from my doctor, I think it’s called Arnica (or something like that, I’ll check when I get home) It’s in a yellow and red squeezy bottle and is like talc.

I don’t normally suffer with smelly feet but now and again my shoes stink, this both dries them out and stops fungal stuff growing leading to no smell.

bikebouy – let me know the make and I’ll give it a go!

brakes – was just thinking that, I could invest in one and offer an STW shoe sanitisation service!

ace gentle bleach or i have some antibac sport wash (quick trip to kitchen) “halo sport wash” from a supermarket de-stinks all my cycling gear 🙂

Give the shoes a good scrub [take the insoles out – with very hot water and washing powder/liquid
Leave them to dry in the sun

Bicarbonate of Soda sprinkled inside when they’re dry

Like Jota.

Heaps of bicarbonate of Soda, give them a shake, tip out the BoS.

Instant no smelly

+1 for bicarb. Leave it in overnight.

Inside a plastic bag and then stick them in the freezer for a day or two…works wonders on mine.

The Klenz thing doesn’t work, or at least it was absolutely useful on my pongy climbing boots.

Fill them with bicarb or Ajax or something.

doesn’t work, or at least it was absolutely useful on my pongy climbing boots

*can’t work out if this is a ringing endorsement or a harsh criticism*

I’ll give bicarb a go, and if that fails – bleach!

Virkon-S FTW

Available from all good farm suppliers – soak em in it overnight before rinsing out, or put some in the drawer of the washing machine for a shoe wash

It’s bacteria and fungus that cause the smell. A quick spray of Scholl shoe spray when I take them off does the trick. Ended up using it for all my shoes, just sits on the rack.