I mean seriously, these things smell. I sweat in them at least three times a week, and more often than not I am out on a trail. I’ve been washing the dirt off with water and sticking newspaper in them right after my run (a tribute to my drying out my snowboots in Minnesota as a kid). These methods improve the smelly situation, but don’t solve the problem.
So I am on the hunt for a way to clean them up and make them smell pretty– well, at least smell better. Some of the things I might try:
- The original tag that came on my shoes suggests running them through the washing machine and then letting them air dry.
- My friend Krista suggested taking them with me in the shower.
- This blog suggests putting them in the dishwasher.
- This one here recommends scrubbing them with a toothbrush.
- This forum at Runner’s World suggests, among other things, soaking them in borax/warm water and placing them in front of a fan to dry.
- Shawn thinks I should just wear socks. Is that a barefoot running cop-out?
Have you found a shoe cleaning method that works? Please share!
two green kayaks 
i think socks may help! not sure but it may
I have had a similar smell problem with my Five Fingers. I found what worked best was soaking them in a strong solution of vinegar and warm water for a couple of hours, and then tossing them in the washer on the gentle cycle with a lot of soap. I let them air dry on the clothesline. They didn’t seem any worse for the washing, and the smell has stayed away, especially since I’ve consistently worn socks with them since.
Good luck!
Thanks for the tip! I should have thought of vinegar, it’s good for everything!
I actually have those same shoes and I run them through the washer and air dry them. I do the same thing with my vibrams.
I have used baking soda in the past, and it definitely helps. Same here: http://www.ehow.com/how_5763378_clean-out-stinky-water-shoes.html ciao!