Stinky running shoes

[viane]

So, during my race a few weeks ago when it poured my shoes got soaking wet. Well, after they dried they started to really stink. So, knowing that I'm not supposed to wash them, I just wiped them with some shout and wiped them to rinse them. It helped till I started running again in them. They stink so bad now. I don't know what else to do. My mom says to spray them with Lysol and stink into a sealed bag overnight to let it penetrate. Any other suggestions??

[kelly]

Out of curiosity, how come you can't wash them?

Febreeze might help.

[viane]

Febreeze dosen't work. Tried.

Soaking your shoes can breakdown the glues in the materials. It also voids the warrenty on your shoes. Also, it ruins the shape of your shoes.

All that comes from my local Fleet Feet person.

[james]

I have noticed the same things with mine recently. I tried washing (oops) but it didn't really help as the mildew smell never really came out... haven't figured out what to do yet... Let me know if something works for you.

[tracy]

Rinse with vinegar

Sprinkle with baking soda and let sit

Try stuffing Bounce dryer sheets in them


I've never tried any of these, but I know that vinegar is supposed to be really good for getting out odors; I keep a box of baking soda in my fridge and it kept the cast on my wrist from smelling; I got that email about Bounce doing everything under the sun, so who knows? GOOD LUCK!!!

Let us know if they work!!!

[peter]

I stick mine in the washing machine, just don't use hot water.

and let them air dry.

I always "heard" that it was ok to wash your shoes in the machinge, with cold water. The thing that was bad for the glue/material was sticking them in the dryer due to the heat.

it works for me, have washed different pairs several times with no adverse affets.