Very stinky s-works torch laces after wet ride

Equipment
1

Hey all,

I switched 6-7 months ago from my 5 year old giro empires to s-works torch laces and have been very happy with their fit and looks. However a couple of weeks ago I participated in an 8,5 hour very wet race. I used velotozes above the shoes but some water still crept in and with the velotozes I did sweat a lot as well (despite the rain the temperatures were relatively high). After the race I aired the shoes overnight before packing them up again, still somewhat wet, for a 10 hour drive back home.

Since that the shoes have an extremely strong smell that one can pick up from several dozen meters away even. Keeping the shoes indoors means that the whole house smells… I tried cleaning them in lukewarm water with detergent and a brush but this barely helped. Any ideas how to get rid or at least reduce the smell?

3

Check out the myriad remedies for dive gear or paddling gear stink. Or just replace the laces.

4

UV, something like Sidas. Same idea used for cleaning pond water. Don’t stare into it, wondering whether its on.

5

Thanks, I guess I will try keeping them overnight in water and vinegar, and if that dien not work then some UV device

6

I use rubbing alcohol for smelly (from bacteria) stuff like inside shoes, jerseys, HRM chest strap. I keep a small spray bottle for that use and for bike maintenance (clean off brake fluid, oil, grease, etc.)

7

Borax will take care of any funk. It sounds like the shoes should be cleaned as well. I’ve never done it but I’ve heard of people washing their shoes in the washing machine (in laundry bags). Maybe hand washing is still best.

8

Thanks, I may also try borax if vinegar with water overnight does not work tonight. By the way after me handwashing them they look sparkling clean, it is only the smell….

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9

I wouldn’t soak anything overnight. It’s kind of long. You don’t want to inadvertently soften any glues holding the shoes together.

Personally, I don’t like vinegar as it makes things smell like vinegar. Borax leaves fabrics neutral smelling - like nothing really.

10

I just found out that borax is banned in Germany, where I reside…

11

at first I thought you were talking about just the laces smelling and couldnt figure out why no one said to just wash them! haha

Id give em a good borax bath and then lysol spray. Had a similar issue with my recon boa’s. Now I just make it a point to pull the insoles and give a spray of lysol. A cheap shoe/glove dryer off Amazon is great to keep some airflow moving in them too