The summer season officially started a week ago. But most of you probably didn't wait until June 21st to go climbing. In this article,the AlpinStore gives you tips on how to take care of your climbing shoes.

Maintain the sole

It's the easiest part to maintain. After each session, gently rub the soleplate with a sponge moistened with clear water. This will remove dirt, stones, dust, and magnesia residue.

The soleplate is made of a soft gum. The more it is damaged, the less adherent it will be. To increase the lifespan of your climbing shoes, you can :

• Avoid walking with them (remove them after getting off the route).
• Put your feet firmly on the holds (to avoid slipping).

Maintaining the interior

There are several ways to prevent bad smells in your climbing shoes.

• Keep your feet clean before putting them on
• Do not leave them in the bottom of your bag when you get home.
• Store them in a dry, open air place.
• Climbing with silver thread socks (they have anti-bacterial properties and prevent bad smells)
• After each session, put 2 teaspoons of baking soda and stir so that the powder is well distributed everywhere. It will absorb moisture and slow the growth of bacteria.

If finally, bad smells appear and become too strong, use a special deodorizing spray (preferably anti-fungal).

Caring for the exterior

Don't wash your climbing shoes in the machine! Indeed, the weave of the fibre, rubber and leather do not tolerate temperature rises, which can lead to irreversible damage. For example: tears, shrinkage, delamination. This will make them unusable.

The best solution, is a hand wash withsoapy water using a soft brush and/or sponge.

As for drying, never dry them in the sun, on a radiator or in a tumble dryer. Let them dry in a dry, well-ventilated place in the shade. You can remove the laces or undo the Velcro to open them wide.

AlpinStoretips

When to clean them?

As little as possible! Especially if you're a climber who doesn't sweat much and you don't exchange your slippers with other partners.

Clean them only when necessary, the best time being at the end of a session.