Smelly Vibrams!

[calvinbiss]

Anyone got any tips on getting the smell out of my Vibram Five-Fingers?
Mine are about 2 years old and essentially smell like trash even after I wash them. I try to wash the at least every 2 weeks, if not more frequently. Typically, I go through the following steps:
1. soak in denture cleaner for at least 15 mins
2. Spray with Oxy-clean, use a tooth brush on the inner soles to clean
3. Rinse in cool water
4. Wash in washing machine

Normally, I was on cold and delicate. The smell is so bad now that last night I washed in hot water with some towels.

Help!

 

[abaez]

Once the smell is there you probably won't be able to take it out.

I have kept mine from smelling by spraying my feet with antiperspirant/deodorant spray each time I use them (make sure you get inbetween toes). Mine are two years old now and don't smell at all.

 

[brainhulk]

24 hour soak in bleach then,
24 hour marinade in baking soda

 

[AdamK47]

I'd throw them out and get real shoes.

 

[SlitheryDee]

I'd say two years of use is about all you can expect out of them anyway. Just buy a new pair.

 

[Nintendesert]

You wear gorilla-douche shoes and now they smell like gorilla, what's the problem?

 

[alien42]

i soak mine in Efferdent overnight and then throw them in the washer.

 

[surfsatwerk]

Hand wash them in water and bleach, then a quick rinse.

 

[lxskllr]

This is why synthetic fibers are bad. I don't wear polyester clothes, and I pick shoes with minimal synthetic materials. The baking soda bath is what I would try. Bleach will likely weaken the material. You could also try a vinegar bath. I don't know if that would work, but vinegar seems to get rid of stink in other things.

 

[alien42]

This is why synthetic fibers are bad. I don't wear polyester clothes, and I pick shoes with minimal synthetic materials. The baking soda bath is what I would try. Bleach will likely weaken the material. You could also try a vinegar bath. I don't know if that would work, but vinegar seems to get rid of stink in other things.

my Vibrams uppers are made from coconut fiber

 

[Capt Caveman]

Febreeze and there area also baking soda powder/spray shoe deodorants.

 

[Drako]

I'd throw them out and get real shoes.

LOL, yup

 

[Fingolfin269]

Sometimes you just have to retire a shoe. If you're actually running in those then I imagine they need to be replaced anyway.

 

[Gooberlx2]

After a run I use febreeze sport and baking soda powder. I toss them in the wash every now and then. When it's really bad, I soak them in Dr. Bronner's overnight.

I think I'm going to start using toe-socks for running.

 

[z1ggy]

I didn't know what vibram's were until I read this so I was coming into this thread expecting something X rated in nature. More specifically a large, disgusting looking penis. I stand corrected.

 

[silverpig]

I would just stick them in a bucket of hot soapy water and let them sit overnight. Then I'd rinse them well, throw them in the washer, and let them hang dry outside.

 

[WelshBloke]

I didn't know what vibram's were until I read this so I was coming into this thread expecting something X rated in nature. More specifically a large, disgusting looking penis. I stand corrected .

And hopefully relieved?

 

[ElFenix]

oven at 400. gotta kill the bacteria. watch out for melting.

 

[alkemyst]

2 years is well beyond the life expectancy of any running wear.

 

[silverpig]

2 years is well beyond the life expectancy of any running wear.

It's not like there's foam in them that breaks down. I've had mine for longer than that and they are still great. I've switched to something else for most of my running, but still occasionally take them out.

 

[lsv]

This is a common occurrence with these shoes, what you are smelling is not BO but your own inner hipster funk coming out. The only way to stop the funk is to get real shoes like a man.

 

[DAPUNISHER]

Just add 16oz of white distilled vinegar to the prewash cycle. The bacteria is causing the funk. The rubberized collars in my BJJ Gis will start to get the funk after a few usages, despite washing. It takes it right out.

 

[highland145]

Deep freezer overnight.

 

[irishScott]

Hmm. Probably your feet. When I take mine off they smell like.. wet dirt. Probably because that's what inside them. Soaking in water for 30 minutes and lightly scrubbing the inside with a paper towel is all it takes for me.

Look into this: http://www.livestrong.com/article/267517-how-to-use-tea-soaking-for-foot-odor/

 

[The_Dude8]

or wear toe socks when you're wearing your 5 fingers.