How to Clean Your Gym Shoes and Remove Odour Safely
My lifting shoes are starting to smell quite bad and I am looking for the best way to clean your gym shoes and remove odour safely. I am afraid that if I put my expensive leather lifters in the washing machine they will shrink or the glue will fail.
I have tried using some sprays but they only mask the smell for a day or two. I train in a very busy gym in Essex and I do not want to be the person with the smelly gear. Is there a specific soap or a method for hand washing that you all recommend?
I have also heard that putting them in the freezer can kill the bacteria. Does that actually work or is it just an urban legend? If you have a routine for keeping your shoes fresh without ruining the structural integrity please share it with me!
For leather lifters, definitely don't machine wash! I've had good luck with a gentle hand wash using a mild soap like saddle soap for the exterior, then stuffing them with baking soda in old socks overnight to absorb moisture and odor from the inside. Works a charm!
Prevention is key. I always pull out the insoles after a session and let both the shoes and insoles air out properly. Never leave them stuffed in a gym bag. That's a breeding ground for bacteria.
Push50
EssexLass, for expensive leather lifters, avoid harsh chemicals. A damp cloth with a tiny bit of leather cleaner (specifically for athletic leather) should be enough for the outside. For the smell, try charcoal inserts; they're excellent for absorbing odors without harshness.
Honestly? Just buy new ones when they get too rank. Or embrace the funk, it's a gym, not a ballroom. 🤷♂️
Controversial tip: put your shoes in a plastic bag and stick them in the freezer overnight. The cold kills bacteria. Let them thaw and air dry fully afterwards. I've done it with running shoes, not sure about leather lifters though.
The insoles are the real problem usually. Take them out, scrub them gently with a brush, warm water, and a bit of laundry detergent (like a tablespoon in a bowl of water). Rinse thoroughly and let them air dry completely, ideally in direct sunlight if possible for an hour or two. Don't put them back in until bone dry.
For long-term odour management and maintaining shoe shape, cedar shoe trees are brilliant. They absorb moisture and leave a fresh, natural scent. A bit of an investment, but worth it for good quality shoes.
+1 for baking soda. Can't beat it for simplicity and cost.
Be careful with any harsh chemical sprays or cleaners directly on the sole of your lifting shoes. Some chemicals can degrade the rubber or plastic, affecting your grip and stability, especially during heavy lifts.
If the smell is really stubborn, a diluted white vinegar solution can work. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle, lightly mist the *inside* of the shoes, and let them air dry completely. The vinegar smell dissipates as it dries, taking the funk with it.
Perhaps we're overthinking this. Gym shoes are for the gym. They're going to smell. It's the natural order of things. A tool meant for hard work will show the signs of its use.
Simple as it sounds, just air your shoes out immediately after every single workout. Don't toss them straight into a bag or closet. Let them breathe.
For a really cheap solution, crumple up old newspaper and stuff it into your shoes after a workout. It's surprisingly effective at absorbing moisture and some odor. Replace it daily.
So, to sum up some popular ideas: baking soda, cedar trees, good ventilation, and cleaning insoles are all great starting points. The main thing is consistency and not letting the moisture build up. Good luck, EssexLass!