Get rid of running shoe stank?
I live in an incredibly wet climate so there is absolutely no way for me to go on a run (or outside for that matter) without getting my running shoes soaked (and generally myself as well). Despite being very diligent with cleaning my shoes after a run, pulling the insoles and drying them out (by placing them next to an oil monitor and using in-shoe boot dryers) they absolutely reek. I mean, I can smell them across the room... it's like being back on the fishing boat.
I've tried baking soda, Febreeze, freezing them... everything short of running them through the washer with a little bleach (I think that's next).
How do you keep your running shoes from smelling horrible?
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Running them through the washer usually results in shoe disintegration. Dry them, bag them and leave them in the freezer for a day. Use fungicidal talcum powder before and after the run.
I had been told that instead of a washing machine, consider a dish washer. But I imagine it is not too easy on the shoes.
Of course you could cook some salmon at the same time in there if you wanted too.
I too suffer from stinky shoe syndrome. I leave mine outside on the porch to annoy the dogs.
I find that vinegar works for my clothing, which can't be washed at high temp. It neutralises the bacteria. Try a dilute spray on your shoes when you get back as part of the clean/dry process and see if that helps.
Fungicide will usually fix this, such as Desenex spray or something similar. Bleach is kind of hard on running shoes -- use it sparingly if at all.
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