First things first - don’t machine wash your shoes. Seriously.
We get it, climbing shoes can get funky. But tossing them in the washing machine is the fastest way to wreck your favorite pair. Water, detergent, and heat can break down materials and cause the glue to deteriorate.
Instead, grab some disinfectant wipes or a spray and give the inside a light clean. Let them air dry in a cool, shaded spot. If you absolutely must wash them, do it gently by hand with cold water and a mild soap. Avoid aggressive scrubbing and brushing, as well as high temperatures from blow driers, the sun, and microwaves. Just let them air dry.
Leather Shoes = No Go for Washing
Leather and water don’t mix. Leather becomes brittle after washing because water strips the natural oils that keep its fibers flexible. When the leather dries, these stripped fibers are left without their necessary moisture and oils, causing them to become stiff and prone to cracking. Washing leather shoes can also cause the dyes to bleed from the leather and turn your feet into a tie-dye project. Keep them dry and clean with a light wipe-down only.
Everyday Care Tips
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After each session, open up your shoes and let them breathe.
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Toss in some odor-absorbing inserts or deodorizers to keep things fresh.
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Avoid storing your shoes in a closed bag for days - they deserve better than to become a petri dish.
The Sun Is the Enemy
Leaving your shoes in a hot car, on a sunny crash pad, or hanging off your pack all week might seem harmless, but it’s not. Prolonged exposure to heat, oxygen (unavoidable), ozone, and UV light slowly breaks down the rubber’s polymer chains and will cause the rubber to crack.
Keep them cool, dry, and out of direct sunlight whenever possible. A little care goes a long way toward keeping your climbing shoes sticky, strong, and ready for whatever you’re projecting next.
Take care of your shoes, and they’ll take care of your sends.
– Team Evolv
