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MXRider217
Sep 15, 2011, 12:20 PM
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I was wondering if you guys prefer wearing socks or going barefoot in climbing shoes. I cant decide, as its comfortable either way, but in the long run your shoes will smell and could possibly breed fungus if they arent kept clean. Thanks for your opinions!
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Kartessa
Sep 15, 2011, 12:25 PM
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MXRider217 wrote: I was wondering if you guys prefer wearing socks or going barefoot in climbing shoes. I cant decide, as its comfortable either way, but in the long run your shoes will smell and could possibly breed fungus if they arent kept clean. Thanks for your opinions!
Most climbers tend to go barefood in their shoes, it gives you greater sensitivity and a slightly better "fit". If you're worried about stink or fungi, make sure your feet are relatively clean when you put your shoes on. When you're done for the day, let the shoes air out, hang them on your pack, don't stuff them into the bottom.
I don't hate on socks though, they have their place: rental shoes and when climbing in the winter.
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MXRider217
Sep 15, 2011, 12:27 PM
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Ok.. Thanks.. I figured barefoot, but I wanted to be sure before I christened my new Evolvs in the gym today.
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markc
Sep 15, 2011, 1:18 PM
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Kartessa wrote: When you're done for the day, let the shoes air out, hang them on your pack, don't stuff them into the bottom.
Sage advice. My first pair of shoes got really funky as a result of cramming them in my pack and leaving them there between trips. I've never had a problem once I started clipping them to the outside of my pack.
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Kartessa
Sep 15, 2011, 1:29 PM
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MXRider217 wrote: Ok.. Thanks.. I figured barefoot, but I wanted to be sure before I christened my new Evolvs in the gym today.
If you have Evolvs, stinky is just something you're going to have to learn to deal with. Socks, no socks, in the pack or out, those shoes just get ripe.
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MXRider217
Sep 15, 2011, 2:29 PM
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Ok... I guess it just comes with time.. My old Mad Rocks never really stunk, but I suppose its just the shoe sometimes then.
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djlachelt
Sep 15, 2011, 2:51 PM
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MXRider217 wrote: Ok... I guess it just comes with time.. My old Mad Rocks never really stunk, but I suppose its just the shoe sometimes then.
Shoes made with leather uppers tend to stink less than synthetics (like Evolv).
Also, if you climb at a gym, they probably have some anti-fungal behind their counter that you could spray in your shoes after a session.
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Kartessa
Sep 15, 2011, 3:14 PM
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djlachelt wrote: MXRider217 wrote: Ok... I guess it just comes with time.. My old Mad Rocks never really stunk, but I suppose its just the shoe sometimes then. Shoes made with leather uppers tend to stink less than synthetics (like Evolv). Also, if you climb at a gym, they probably have some anti-fungal behind their counter that you could spray in your shoes after a session.
Mad Rocks are often synthetic but they don't have that Evolv rankyness.
No, the issue with Evolv's is that they're "vegan" shoes made by hippies, and hippies just smell awful.
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TheNags
Sep 15, 2011, 8:46 PM
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Kartessa wrote: djlachelt wrote: MXRider217 wrote: Ok... I guess it just comes with time.. My old Mad Rocks never really stunk, but I suppose its just the shoe sometimes then. Shoes made with leather uppers tend to stink less than synthetics (like Evolv). Also, if you climb at a gym, they probably have some anti-fungal behind their counter that you could spray in your shoes after a session. Mad Rocks are often synthetic but they don't have that Evolv rankyness. No, the issue with Evolv's is that they're "vegan" shoes made by hippies, and hippies just smell awful.
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MXRider217
Sep 16, 2011, 1:30 AM
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Kartessa wrote: No, the issue with Evolv's is that they're "vegan" shoes made by hippies, and hippies just smell awful.
That seriously mad me laugh. Alot.. lol... but it is 100% true.. now I get the whole Ecosole ordeal.
(This post was edited by MXRider217 on Sep 16, 2011, 1:31 AM)
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Rmsyll2
Sep 16, 2011, 2:49 AM
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Your feet may help you decide. I know of numerous climbers who must wear special "wicking" socks for the same reason some must use hand chalk. If you go barefoot (as I do in the winter also, though that is above freezing), you can wipe the insides with alcohol or bleach to kill fungus. There are ultraviolet devices for purifying shoes, also.
If your shoes were fit wearing socks, they may not fit as effectively without; but if they have stretched with wear, perhaps special socks will improve the fit. If your shoes were a good buy, you will be using them for a long time, so expect some associated results inside as well as outside.
The point about sensitivity is a later development, that will not need outside advice.
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MXRider217
Sep 16, 2011, 12:34 PM
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I used them in the indoor gym last night barefoot and they worked great.. I just let them air out in the mesh sack they came with overnight and no noticeable stank or funk this morning!
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kimmyt
Sep 16, 2011, 2:18 PM
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Kartessa wrote: No, the issue with Evolv's is that they're "vegan" shoes made by hippies, and hippies just smell awful.
Sweet, I thought it was just me. Glad to know it can be blamed on teh hippiez
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njrox
Sep 16, 2011, 3:21 PM
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what's up jersey?
indoors, no socks.
outdoors, no socks...except for when it's cold.
can't say socks cause a problem. but not wearing socks definitely feels better.
I got some funky organic natural foot spray from The Walking Company that works miracles with regards to keeping out the stink.
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MXRider217
Sep 16, 2011, 3:38 PM
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Yeah you too lol..
Where did you get it from? I get most of my gear from Ramesy Outdoor.
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njrox
Sep 16, 2011, 3:46 PM
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got the shoe spray from http://www.thewalkingcompany.com/ store in Woodbridge Mall. didn't see it on their website.
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MXRider217
Sep 16, 2011, 3:49 PM
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Ok.. Ill have to check it out.
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jjones16
Sep 18, 2011, 8:36 PM
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The only reason I would wear socks (and I actually have to do this) is if my shoes stretched too much. I have a pair of Mythos that I bought in a size 44 (my street shoe is a 46.5) and they stretched to the point of being just a little too big. This is not uncommon when buying "flat toes" shoes that have unlined leather uppers. I now have to wear a pair of ankle socks to get that snug fit. Bummer. Winter is a good time for socks too. I don't do much outside during the winter months.
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ceebo
Sep 18, 2011, 10:21 PM
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Does nobody else hate the feeling of bare foot in any type of shoes?. Maybe i have some sychological thing going on  . I wear socks, and always will.
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jjones16
Sep 18, 2011, 11:08 PM
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If my shoes are tight or really snug, I like no socks. If there is any play in them whatsoever, I like socks. I never considered wearing socks until I had to in order to fill space in shoes that stretched too much. I do dig the socks though. There are those that will argue that 1/32 of an inch of cotton reduces sensitivity... I haven't noticed any difference. I dig the socks, but only wear them if I need a tighter fit. I can see how you would be a big fan of the socks. To each his own.
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climbingtrash
Sep 19, 2011, 1:18 AM
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Sport climbing/bouldering, no socks. I get shoes that fit tight for sport climbing and I couldn't get my feet in them with a sock on if I tried.
Splitter crack/trad climbing, no socks. I get shoes that fit a bit looser so my toes lay a bit flatter. I could wear a sock in these shoes but it would be a little too tight for my liking.
Multi-pitch grovel-fests or cold weather climbing, socks. I usually have a pair of shoes for this that accommodate a sock nicely and aren't too tight. Then I can tolerate being in the shoe the whole day.
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jae8908
Sep 19, 2011, 1:28 AM
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My first pair of shoes I wore without socks and they ended up stinking horribly after about 2 months. To clean them I just filled a bucket with cold water and mixed some baking soda in and soaked my shoes overnight, letting them airdry the next day. This worked beautifully. After the second time doing this I started putting a pinch of shoe powder in before each use and I have never washed them since. My 2nd and 3rd pair of shoes I ordered about a 1/2 size bigger and wear socks with them and have never had to wash them. I think its just a preference but you definitely get a better feel without socks on. Personally, I like socks and cant tell a difference in my climbing.
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damienclimber
Sep 21, 2011, 6:05 AM
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jae8908 wrote: My first pair of shoes I wore without socks and they ended up stinking horribly after about 2 months. To clean them I just filled a bucket with cold water and mixed some baking soda in and soaked my shoes overnight, letting them airdry the next day. This worked beautifully. After the second time doing this I started putting a pinch of shoe powder in before each use and I have never washed them since. My 2nd and 3rd pair of shoes I ordered about a 1/2 size bigger and wear socks with them and have never had to wash them. I think its just a preference but you definitely get a better feel without socks on. Personally, I like socks and cant tell a difference in my climbing.
that's some great insight
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