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

[rydra_wong]

Indefinitely, is my impression. I imagine they get progressively less useful as they absorb moisture (and the nice cedar smell diminishes over time), but they certainly last for a few years.