New Shoes & Shoe Questions

[fadeaccompli]

I finally bought my very first pair of rock climbing shoes: Evolv Defy VTR shoes in black. The website claims that they're good for beginner and expert alike, which seems a touch overly optimistic, but they do seem like good solid shoes for a beginner like me.

Now, wearing them barefoot makes for a much better fit all around. But I'm rapidly being reminded of why people usually wear socks with shoes: sweat. Lots of it. And there's not really anywhere for it to go but into the shoe. So... is there some standard or approved practice for cleaning climbing shoes out periodically, so that they don't just build up an eternal funk? I saw the staff at the gym using a spray on the insides of the rental shoes, but I'm not sure what most people do to keep their shoes in good, reasonably non-smelly shape.

Comments

[wpadmirer]

I'm interested in what answers people have as well. I'm about to buy a new pair of shoes, and I'm being encouraged to wear them barefoot. So...I'm trying to decide what to do.

[fadeaccompli]

I find that wearing them barefoot gives me a better fit, and better control in general. (And also makes it more comfortable to wear a sufficiently small size, which I suppose goes with "better fit".) And it seems pretty standard in the gyms I've been to... But my other friends who climb aren't around, so I don't really know who to ask for shoe care advice.

[wpadmirer]

I am being told the same things, better fit, better feel.

But I also see the people in the gym nearly fall over from the fumes in their lockers! (grin) Don't know if there's any cure for that. Though the gym does use a spray for rental shoes. I suppose that would do the trick.