Choosing the Best Shoe Spray to De-Stink After Rock Climbing

(Left) Chris Shane/(Right) Courtesy of Lumi OutdoorsThe right shoe spray can keep your climbing shoes fresh—even after a long day on your feet.

Climbing shoes are notorious for retaining hard-to-remove foot odor, especially since they’re usually worn without socks that could help soak up any sweaty stink. To neutralize smells, you’ll need a powerful counteragent. Enter Extra Strength Lemon Eucalyptus Essential Oil Odor Eliminator ($15; lumioutdoors.com) from Utah-based Lumi Outdoors. This shoe spray relies on natural, antimicrobial ingredients for odor elimination, including essential oils of lemongrass, eucalyptus, tea tree, and peppermint. You’ll need to like the strong lemony, minty smell to use it (hint: apply it outdoors)—or at least prefer it to the eau de stankfoot you might otherwise emit.

LEARN MORE:

• Before you spring for shoe spray, make sure you have the right climbing shoes!
• Find a climb to join this summer with an AMC chapter near you.
• Get an explainer on climbing terms and difficulty ratings.
• Read which climbing gear is essential for beginners.