The car next to us in Moab, Utah, came to a stop, and two unshaven faces grinned knowingly from behind dusty windows. I was returning to Washington after my first time climbing in Indian Creek, and although the locals had certainly seemed friendly, it wasn't until they pointed to the climbing shoes strapped to my roof rack that I realized the significance of their smiles. After a week of sweltering temperatures and ubiquitous desert dust, my shoes had taken on a life of their own, harboring a foul funk which spread to adjacent sleeping bags and socks.

In order to combat this malodorous specter, and preserve some semblance of tranquility on the return trip, we had strapped the shoes up top for our entire 14-hour sojourn. These were drastic measures, taken to combat a drastic problem, but had I taken a few steps of prevention, I could have largely avoided the foot funk which plagues so many climbers, skiers, cyclists, and runners.

Minimizing sweat is the best place to start. Gold Bond powder and standard talcum powder can be applied to foot or shoe at the start of the day, be it cycling, skiing or climbing. The reduction in sweat will also keep feet drier and warmer during winter months. If out rock climbing, you likely already have a little sack of no-sweat powder hanging from your waist. Just stop every few pitches to remove your shoes and chalk up your toes. This will also make your feet less likely to slip around inside your shoes, improving your odds on that delicate smearing pitch.

If your climbing shoes aren't too tight, consider wearing thin socks. I launder my socks (at least after every 5 or 6 wearings), but climbing shoes always get put away dirty. Using a clean, synthetic liner sock will reduce the sweat and dirt in your shoe. Finally, try using antiperspirant on your feet. Ice climbers and skiers employ this for keeping feet dry in winter, but the sweat reduction is equally as effective at minimizing foot stink and preventing rubbing or chafing on marathons or century rides.

If your feet are like mine, then sweat prevention is only half the battle. In hopes of not scaring away that new ski partner, there are ongoing methods for de-stinking your shoes as well. For boot liners, some tennis shoes, and even some climbing shoes, employ regular washings with warm soap and water – by hand. The shape and stiffness of climbing shoes can be damaged in a washing machine, and you don't want your $200 carbon fiber road racing shoes bouncing around in there either.

However, even these delicate items can be cleaned by hand, and should always be thoroughly dried prior to storage. The McNett Corporation makes a Revivex odor eliminator spray, which works well, particularly if the insole is removed and sprayed on both sides. Finally, try submerging your shoes or boot liners in a diluted tub of Mirazyme wash. This enzyme-based odor-destroyer was developed for notoriously foul neoprene wetsuits, outfits which divers do more than just sweat into. After dunking your shoes in a Mirazyme wash for several minutes, allow the offending article to air-dry, during which the natural enzymes will go to work on your embattled bacteria.

By preventing sweat, storing my shoes in a dry, cool location, and washing my dirty shoes on a regular basis, I'll be able to return home from my next road trip with all equipment stored safely inside the vehicle.

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