How to Clean Climbing Shoes and Help Them Last Longer

Start with the care instructions

Climbing shoes collect sweat, chalk and grit surprisingly quickly. A simple care routine can keep them more pleasant to wear and help you spot damage before it becomes an expensive repair. The aim is to remove dirt without changing the fit, damaging the upper or weakening the glue holding the shoe together.

Check the manufacturer’s instructions for your particular model first. Leather, synthetic and lined shoes can need different treatment, so avoid assuming that advice for one pair suits another. Unless the manufacturer explicitly allows it, keep them out of the washing machine and tumble dryer. Gather a soft brush, a couple of clean cloths and some lukewarm water instead.

Remove chalk and grit after each session

Once your shoes are off, gently tap out loose grit and brush dirt from the uppers, seams and fastening straps. Pick fluff from hook-and-loop closures carefully so they can grip properly again. Avoid stiff wire brushes or sharp tools, which can snag fabric and damage stitching.

Wipe the soles and rubber around the toes with a slightly damp cloth to lift dust and chalk, then let them dry before climbing. Pay attention to the edges, where accumulated grime can hide wear. Do not use solvents, abrasive cleaners or oils on the rubber, and avoid sanding it as a routine cleaning method.

At the crag, keeping a small mat or clean towel beneath your feet while putting shoes on helps stop grit reaching the inside. Keeping the soles off muddy ground also means less cleaning when you get home.

Tackle odour without soaking the shoes

The most useful habit is taking shoes out of your bag as soon as you get home. Open the fastenings, loosen the laces and ease the tongues forwards where the design allows. Leaving damp shoes bundled inside a closed kit bag gives moisture little chance to escape.

For the inside, begin with a clean cloth lightly dampened with water. Wipe accessible areas rather than saturating the lining. If the manufacturer permits a mild cleaning product, use only the recommended amount and remove any residue as directed. Avoid bleach, heavily fragranced household sprays and improvised chemical treatments.

Dry the shoes naturally somewhere shaded and well ventilated. Keep them away from radiators, hairdryers and hot car interiors: strong heat can affect adhesives and alter the fit. Loosely inserted plain absorbent paper can help take up moisture; replace it when damp and do not pack it tightly enough to stretch the shoes.

Check the toe before a small repair becomes a big one

While cleaning, inspect the sole beneath the toe and the protective rubber wrapping around the front, known as the rand. Compare both shoes for thinning edges, small holes, peeling rubber and separating seams. Uneven wear is worth noticing, especially if you regularly drag one toe against the wall.

If the sole edge is becoming very thin, ask a specialist climbing-shoe resoler for an assessment before you wear through the rand. Repairs involving more than the sole can be more involved, and not every shoe is a suitable candidate. Clear photographs of the toe, sole and sides can help a repairer give initial advice.

Avoid trying to rebuild worn climbing rubber with general-purpose glue. Meanwhile, practising precise foot placements rather than scraping your toes up the wall can reduce unnecessary wear.

Store well, and be honest when selling

Once completely dry, store your shoes somewhere cool and ventilated, away from direct sunlight. Avoid crushing them beneath heavy equipment. If they no longer fit or suit your climbing, clean them before taking listing photographs.

Show the soles, toe edges, interiors and any repairs clearly. Include the model, labelled size, your experience of the fit and whether they have been resoled. Selling on HobbyTrade is free, with no listing fees and no seller commission, and Buy now payments are covered by Buyer Protection.