Are you a fan of rock climbing though you dread the times you need to condition your climbing shoes? I totally get it. It can be quite a pain to learn how to clean climbing shoes.

However, imagine if I told you that there exists a waterproof shoe brand that can also be used for climbing. Yes, you read that right. This year, we are talking about Vessi, our brand that has shocked the entire world with their comfortable, stylish and fully waterproof shoes.

The Vessi sneakers that we create are 100% waterproof because we use patented technology to create them. This means that you can wear them irrespective of the weather situation, and for those rainy days when you wish to climb. And the best part? This company offers shoes in different models meaning that you can choose the model that you like most.

Some of our customers do use Vessi shoes while climbing or for any other outdoor activity even though we do not label our shoes as climbing shoes. Besides, they are super comfortable, and you can even get some great looking ones that do not look like shoes meant for running.

Now let’s find out how to wash out the climbing shoes and why exactly Vessi shoes are worth considering.

How to Clean Climbing Shoes: Step-to-Step Process of Hand-Washing Climbing Shoes

There is no doubt that climbing shoes are among the most important items for any climber. They require proper and regular cleaning and maintenance in order to prolong their useful life span and efficiency. Though one may be tempted to put them in the washing machine, it is advisable that one wash them by hand.

Requirements

• A tub or sink

• Mild detergent (such as gentle dish soap)

• A soft-bristled brush

• Lukewarm fresh water

• A towel

Steps

1. Fill a tub with water: Begin by pouring lukewarm water into a tub or sink. Do not wash the shoes with hot water because it weakens the glue used in joining the layers of the leather and the shoes are likely to delaminate.
   

2. Use mild detergent in the water: Add a small amount. Stay away from harsh detergents or bleach, which can damage the shoes' materials.

3. Brush off dust before shoes get wet: To clean the shoes first wash off any dust loosely attached by using a soft bristle brush on the shoes. Such as this will ensure that you do not get the dirt sinking into the shoe’s fabric. If the shoes have folds, one may be required to iron the creases out before wetting the shoes.

4. Turn the shoes upside down and pad them to remove debris and small rocks: Turn them over and then tap them with your hands to dislodge any small stones or rocks which may have been lodged between them. The following will do a lot in ensuring that the interior part of the shoe is safe from any sort of damage.

5. Gently scrub the outside of the shoes: With the shoe upside down and handle properly, clean the outer side with the help of soft-bristled brush. Be sure to focus on any overly grimy, painted or scratched zones.

6. Clean the shoes from the inside: Now, turn the shoes upside down and clean the inside parts as well with little pressure. Many sneakers accumulate dirt and sweat most often around the heel and toe regions, a fact you should consider when washing sneakers.

7. Rinse your rock shoes with lukewarm fresh water: Rinse them thoroughly with lukewarm fresh water after scrubbing them outside and inside. Ensure you remove all the soap residue.

8. Completely dry the shoes: Rinse with water and then blot the excess water with a clean towel. Finally, using another dry towel, wipe off any water droplets that may be remaining on the shoes. Do not twist the shoes as this will lead to stretching of the material used in making the shoes. Moreover, as soon as they are dry, they should be kept out of direct sunlight in a cool, dry and preferably dark area.

How to Machine Wash & Clean Rock Climbing Shoes

Even though almost every climber has at his / her disposal at least one pair of rock climbing shoes, these are essential elements of climbing equipment. They may become dirty and develop unpleasant odors, which hampers performance level of the equipment. Fortunately, sneakers or shoes can as well be cleaned with a washing machine with lots of ease. Here's a guide to machine washing and cleaning your smelly climbing shoes:

Requirements

• Brush

• Washing machine

• Mild washing detergent

• Lukewarm water

Steps

1. Brush off dust before shoes get wet: The first step to cleaning your shoes is usually to use a brush in order to get rid of every kind of dirt or dust that might be on the shoes. This will reduce chances of contamination of washing machine with dirt and will be easier to wash.

2. Turn shoes upside down and pad them to remove debris and small rocks: Next, turn your shoes upside down and gently pad them to remove any debris or small rocks lodged in the shoe crevices.

3. Set your washing machine to a gentle washing cycle: If you are washing the shoes separately make sure you use a gentle washing cycle since using the normal cycle may harm your shoes. Another requirement which should not be followed is washing with hot water because it weakens the glue and longevity of the shoe.

4. Add some mild washing detergent. Avoid using bleach: Add a small amount of mild washing detergent to the machine, and make sure not to use bleach, as it can damage the shoe material.

5. Rinse your wet climbing shoes with lukewarm fresh water: After the wash cycle, rinse the shoes with lukewarm fresh water to remove any excess soap residue.

6. Completely dry the shoes – avoid hot dryers: Last but not least, take them out of the washing machine and fill them with paper towels or newspaper so that they do not lose their shape during the drying process. Do not use a hot dryer because synthetic climbing shoes can be damaged under such conditions. Rather, they should be left to dry in the open but in a cool and dry place only.

Cleaning Your Rock Climbing Shoes When You Are Outdoors or Camping

When in the outdoors on a camping or climbing expedition and you find yourself needing to clean your shoes, you have to have the right equipment as well as the know-how. Let's show you how to clean your rock climbing and bouldering shoes while you're out and about:

Requirements

• Rubbing alcohol

• Water

• Spray bottle

• Brush

Steps

1. Mix rubbing alcohol: Mix rubbing alcohol with water in a spray bottle in a 1:1 ratio. Shake the bottle to ensure the solution is well-mixed.

2. Brush the climbing shoes: Use a brush to remove any loose dirt and debris from the shoes. Make sure you're brushing gently to avoid damaging the shoes.

3. Use a bottle to keep the alcohol mix and spray the shoes: Spray the rubbing alcohol mix onto the shoes, focusing on the most soiled areas. Let the solution sit on the shoes for a few minutes to allow it to break down any dirt and grime. Use a clean cloth to wipe the shoes clean.

4. Dry the shoes: All that’s left is to allow the shoes or sneakers to dry in an open area or any other proper ventilation. It is not advisable to dry them with direct sunlight or under strong heat such as heaters or over a fire.
   fire, as this goes against the instructions on how to dry the shoes.

Tips for Cleaning a Climbing Shoe

Cleaning your climbing shoes is essential to maintaining their performance and prolonging their lifespan. Here are some tips for cleaning your climbing shoes:

• Clean your shoes regularly: Keeping your climbing shoes clean is essential to maintain their grip and prevent odors from building up.

• Remove excess dirt and debris: It is mostly unadvisable to wash your climbing shoes directly without prior use of a soft brush to clean any sticky dirt stuck on it. This shall make washing to be effective and minimize instances where dirt clogs up the weaves of the fabric.

• Wash with mild soap and water: When washing your climbing shoes, you should use some mild soap or even detergent. Don’t use heavy chemicals, chlorine, or fabric softeners because these erode the material and dexterity. Wash the shoes with warm water using a soft-bristled brush then rinse them properly under running water.

• Air dry: When washing your synthetic or leather climbing shoes it is advisable that you allow them to dry out naturally since extraneous heat is not good for them. Do not dry your climbing shoes with the help of a dryer or on any other heat source. However, in case the shoes are made from synthetic material or leather, let them dry in a good airy place. When not in use, stuff newspaper inside them to help them maintain their shape and to also soak excess water.

• Don't expose them to direct sunlight: Direct sunlight can cause the colours of your climbing shoes to fade and weaken the material. So, avoid drying them in direct sunlight or storing them without exposure.

• Use a shoe deodorizer: Climbing shoes can become smelly due to the accumulation of sweat and bacteria. To prevent this, use a shoe deodorizer to keep them smelling fresh and clean.

• Avoid wearing your shoes outside: Climbing shoes are usually intended for indoor or outdoor climb, and wearing them outside on a tarmac leads to wearing out of the shoes. If you have to wear them outside, it is advisable to put on shoe covers or remove them whenever you are in and out of the climbing area.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Cleaning Climbing Shoes

1. Should you wash climbing shoes?

Certainly, cleaning the climbing shoes is important for the intended durability of the shoe and the safety of the user. A climber’s shoes are bound to get soiled with dirt, sweat and bacteria that create odour and infection.

Cleaning climbing shoes is important in removing dirt and bacteria and also helps in enhancing the grip, flexibility and comfort of the shoes. However, the cleaning method should not pose any harm on the structure of the shoe or how it operates.

2. Can I hand wash my climbing shoes?

Indeed, hand washing is the best technique of washing climbing shoes. First wash the surface gently by dusting it with a brush or soft wipe to flush out dust and other dirt particles. Next, pour warm water into a bathtub or a sink and use only a few drops of a gentle washing powder.

Submerge the shoes in water for a few minutes and with a small brush start gently scrubbing. Avoid using hard soap or bleach as this may affect the quality of the material used on the shoe. With clean water rinse them and hang them to dry in a well aerated place away from direct sun.

3. How do you get the smell out of climbing shoes?

Climbing shoes often have a pungent smell due to sweat and bacteria buildup. To get rid of the smell, there is need to use shoe deodorizer spray assist in eradicating the bacteria that causes smell.

The second is baking soda, which makes it possible for it to whiten by absorbing moisture and tend to neutralize smell. Pour baking soda in the shoes, let it stay for some time then shake off all the baking soda. You can also try putting the shoes in a plastic bag together with some tea bags and leave over night. It will remain smelling nice from the tea leaves that will have soaked moisture in the process.

4. How often should I wash my climbing shoes?

The cleaning frequency of climbing shoes will therefore depend on how frequently one uses the shoes and the conditions that they are used in. Depending on how often you use them or in what environment either wet or more often in the dusty environment you may need to wash them after each climb.

On the other hand if you hiking once in while or in a dry climate, it can be washed once a month or as often as needed. The major problem is the ability of dirt and bacteria to build up and cause odor and infection. Cleaned in a proper way can also be effective on maintaining the shoes ability to provide good grip, flexibility and being comfortable to wear.