If you climb regularly—indoors, outdoors, or both—your shoes are going to get gross. Trust me, I’ve been there: chalky, sweaty, sometimes even a bit muddy after a good session. The worst was pulling my shoes out of my bag after a weekend trip, only to be hit by a smell that could clear out a gym.
For years, I thought you just had to live with it. “A real climber’s shoes are supposed to stink,” someone told me early on. But after buying a couple of used pairs and realizing how much a clean shoe matters (for comfort, performance, and just not grossing out your friends), I started searching for the best way to clean climbing shoes—and how to keep them smelling fresh.
Are you supposed to clean your climbing shoes?
Absolutely. Clean climbing shoes last longer, perform better, and—most importantly—are way less likely to drive your carpool buddies insane.
Whether you’re wondering how to clean chalk off climbing shoes, how to clean the inside of climbing shoes, or just how to keep climbing shoes clean after an outdoor mud-fest, this guide is for you.
How to Clean Climbing Shoes: The Basics
Let’s keep it simple. Most of the time, your shoes don’t need some deep, industrial cleaning—they just need a little TLC to keep funk at bay and rubber sticky. Here’s my go-to method for how to clean climbing shoes after a typical session:
What You’ll Need:
- A soft brush (I use an old toothbrush or a dedicated climbing shoe brush)
- Mild soap (no harsh chemicals, just a gentle hand or dish soap)
- Lukewarm water
- A clean towel
- (Optional) Baking soda for odor, and a shoe spray for stubborn smells
Step-by-Step
How I Clean My Climbing Shoes
1. Remove loose dirt and chalk
Right after climbing, especially if I’ve been outside, I’ll knock my shoes together to get rid of loose dirt and sand. Then I take a dry brush and gently scrub the uppers and soles to get chalk, grit, and dried mud off.
2. Spot clean with soap and water
For scuffs, stains, or built-up grime, I dip the toothbrush in soapy water (lukewarm, never hot!) and gently scrub the trouble spots. Be careful not to soak the shoes; a damp cloth works well for cleaning the surface.
Tip: Focus on the toe box and heel, where sweat and chalk tend to build up.
3. Wipe down and dry
Once I’m happy with the clean, I use a towel to wipe down the shoes and absorb excess moisture. Never wring them out or put them somewhere hot—high heat is a surefire way to kill your shoes.
4. Air dry
Let the shoes dry out of direct sunlight, with the tongues open and stuffed with newspaper if they’re especially wet inside. I’ve ruined one pair by rushing this process and drying them on a radiator—don’t do it!
Can You Clean Climbing Shoes in the Washing Machine?
I see this on Reddit all the time: “Can I just toss my climbing shoes in the washing machine?”
My advice: Don’t.
The washing machine is too harsh, can damage the glue, and will break down leather or synthetic uppers. Maybe you get away with it once, but over time your shoes will deform or the rubber will peel off.
Stick to hand cleaning—your shoes (and wallet) will thank you.
How I Clean Smelly Climbing Shoes (Yes, It’s Possible)
Let’s be honest: even the cleanest-looking climbing shoes get ripe after a few sessions.
There’s nothing more embarrassing than slipping off your shoes and watching everyone subtly inch away. So here’s how I keep my climbing shoes from smelling like a biology experiment.
Quick Clean for the Inside
- Lightly damp cloth wipe: After every few sessions, I wipe out the inside with a slightly damp cloth (water with just a tiny bit of mild soap).
- Air them out: Never leave your shoes zipped up in your gym bag. I always let them air dry overnight—outside if possible, or at least somewhere breezy.
The Baking Soda Trick
After a sweaty day, I sprinkle a small amount of baking soda inside each shoe and let it sit overnight. The next morning, I dump it out and brush away any residue. It absorbs odors and moisture, and it’s saved a few pairs for me.
Vinegar and Other Home Remedies
I get asked a lot about vinegar: Can you clean climbing shoes with vinegar?
The answer: in moderation!
Mix a small amount of white vinegar with water (about 1:3), lightly mist or wipe the inside, then dry thoroughly. Vinegar kills bacteria and neutralizes odor, but too much or too often can damage synthetic materials.
When Shoes Are REALLY Stinky
If your shoes have crossed into “toxic” territory (we’ve all been there), there are a couple of options:
- Shoe sprays: There are climbing-specific sprays (and even DIY sprays with tea tree oil) that kill bacteria and add a fresh scent.
- Sunlight: Once in a while, a short stint in indirect sunlight can help kill odor-causing bacteria—but don’t leave them in the sun all day, or you’ll risk damaging the rubber.
What DOESN’T Work
- Febreze or strong perfumes: Covers the smell, but doesn’t solve the problem.
- Bleach or harsh cleaners: Ruin your shoes.
- Freezer trick: Some swear by putting shoes in the freezer to kill bacteria. I tried it, and honestly, it didn’t do much for me.
Tips for Keeping Climbing Shoes Smell-Free Longer
- Wash your feet before climbing: Sounds silly, but makes a huge difference.
- Never wear socks from street to climbing shoes: Dirt and sweat are odor’s best friends.
- Alternate pairs if you can: Letting each pair dry fully between sessions cuts down on stink.
Why Cleaning Chalk Off Climbing Shoes Matters
Chalk is a climber’s best friend… until it cakes up all over your shoes, especially the rubber. Too much chalk actually makes your rubber less grippy and attracts even more dirt.
I remember slipping off a tiny foot chip, only to look down and see my sole was basically coated in chalk paste. That was the last straw—I started cleaning my rubber regularly after that.
Best Way to Clean Climbing Shoe Rubber
- Brush it:
A simple dry brushing with a stiff bristled brush (toothbrush or shoe brush) works wonders. This removes loose chalk and grit. - Damp cloth wipe:
For stubborn chalk buildup, a lightly dampened cloth (no soap needed) gets rid of the residue. Don’t soak the shoe—just a quick wipe. - Magic eraser:
Occasionally, I use a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser on the rubber for deep cleaning. Be gentle—it’s abrasive, so don’t overdo it.
How to Clean the Bottom of Climbing Shoes
- Brush off dirt and dust before every climb.
It takes 10 seconds, and you’ll immediately notice the difference on slippery holds. - If you step in something sticky or muddy, let it dry, then pick/scrape off the big chunks, and wipe the rest with a damp cloth.
How to Clean Chalk Off Synthetic or Leather Climbing Shoes
- Synthetic shoes:
Respond well to light brushing and spot cleaning with a damp cloth. - Leather climbing shoes:
More delicate—avoid getting them too wet. Use a barely-damp cloth, and treat the leather with conditioner if they start to dry out or crack.
How to Clean La Sportiva, Scarpa, and Other Popular Brands
Honestly, the basics work for all brands, but some need extra care:
- La Sportiva climbing shoes:
I own several pairs (shout out to the Theory and Katana), and have found they respond well to gentle cleaning—never soak them. - Scarpa, Five Ten, Evolv:
Same approach. The most important thing is never to put them in the washing machine and always dry naturally.
FAQ: Cleaning Climbing Shoes
Can You Clean Climbing Shoes in the Washing Machine?
Short answer: Don’t do it. The glue and rubber just can’t handle it. Hand cleaning is always safer.
Can You Clean Climbing Shoes With Baking Soda or Vinegar?
Absolutely! Both are excellent for fighting odor—just use them in moderation, and never soak the shoes. Baking soda for inside, diluted vinegar for inside and out.
How Do I Clean Chalk Off Climbing Shoes?
Brush it off with a dry brush, then wipe with a slightly damp cloth for stubborn areas. For the soles, magic erasers work for deep cleaning.
How to Clean the Inside of Climbing Shoes?
A damp cloth with mild soap, followed by a sprinkle of baking soda overnight, is my go-to. For a serious deep clean, use diluted vinegar, then dry fully.
How Often Should You Clean Your Climbing Shoes?
I do a quick clean every couple of sessions, and a deeper clean once a month (more often if I climb outdoors). The inside gets baking soda as soon as it starts to smell.
