Climbing Shoe Care: Essential Dos and Don’ts of Shoe Maintenance
Decided to invest in a pair of climbing shoes? Wondering how to take care of your climbing shoes to make them last longer? Look no further. We will dive into the dos and don’ts of climbing shoe care to help you get the most out of your footwear investment.
Climbing shoes play a cruzial role in your performance and safety. It is important to insure that they remain effective and comfortable over time. Through proper climbing shoe care, you can increase the longevity of your shoes and neutralize any unbearable shoe odor.
Climbing Shoe Care: How to take care of your climbing shoes?
Our experts, at Bouldering Master, have compiled a list of our top tips for the dos and don’ts of climbing shoe care. Check out below for all the tips and information you need to keep your climbing shoes lasting longer.
Do: Can you wash your climbing shoes?
The simple answer is yes. We recommend wiping down your shoes with a damp cloth after every climbing session to remove chalk, sweat, and dirt.
Don’t: Can you wash your climbing shoes in the washing machine?
We do not advice you to wash your climbing shoes in the washing machine. The agitation from tumbling around in the washing machine and the harsh detergents can damage the sensitive materials and weaken the adhesive bonds. INSTEAD, we suggest using a soft brush and water (combined with a light soap), to clean the outside and interior of the shoe. Brush lightly and then rinse until the soap is gone. Then leave them out to dry.
Do: Air Out Your Climbing Shoes.
Proper climbing shoe care includes letting your shoes air dry thoroughly after every clean and after every climbing session.
Don’t: Can you leave your climbing shoes in the sun?
Do not leave your shoes in the sun or any other direct heat sources, such as radiators, heaters, or clothes dryers. It would even be wise not to leave your climbing shoes in your car, because the heat can cause the rubber to become brittle and lose its stickiness. Furthermore, it can cause discoloration and degrade the materials.
Do: Store your climbing shoes properly.
Find a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to store your climbing shoes.
Don’t: Leave your climbing shoes wet.
Never store wet climbing shoes in a closed container or bag after use. Moisture can promote the growth of mold and bacteria, leading to deterioration and foul odors. INSTEAD, make sure your shoes are completely dry before leaving them in a bag.
Do: How to de-stink climbing shoes?
Say you accidentally leave your shoes in your climbing bag after a day of climbing and open your bag to the smell of spoiled eggs. Not to worry. To combat odor buildup, use shoe deodorizers or odor-absorbing inserts. These can help maintain a fresh scent and prevent bacterial growth inside the shoes.
These are our recommendations:
Do: Resole when necessary.
As the rubber on your climbing shoes wears down, consider getting them resoled to extend their lifespan. You will likely start seeing tears or holes develop near the toe area first. When this occurs, look for reputable resoling services that speacialize in climbing shoes to ensure quality workmanship. Note: Once the hole hits the fabric and becomes to big, resoling locations may decline to resole the shoe.
Don’t: Neglect Repairs.
For proper climbing shoe care, it is important not to ignore signs of wear and tear such as tears, loose stitching, or peeling rubber. Addressing these issues promptly can prevent further damage and extend the lifespan of your climbing shoes.
Caring for your climbing shoes is essential for maintaining their performance, comfort, and longevity. By following these dos and don’ts, you can ensure that your footwear remains in top condition for many climbs to come. Remember to clean them regularly, store them properly, and address any signs of wear and tear promptly. With proper climbing shoe care, your climbing shoes will continue to support you on your vertical adventures for years to come.
