I used the Caney Fork wading socks in my last few trips accually. I had to return a pair and had a dry pair for my latest trip. But my boots smell. Do people wash out their boots with anything special? Laundry soap?... Baking soda?... I have the Q Trekkers.

When I return home after a trip, I'll soak my Abyss boots for an hour in the sink with hot water and laundry detergent. Then I'll put them in the washer, gentle cycle and run them one time. Then let them dry outside in the shade. Seems to take care of the odors.

I like the boot washing idea. I just took mine outside and gave them a good high pressure hose down inside and out. Then into the sun to dry...

Wash with the water hose outside. Let them dry outside to being just damp and then I put them on a boot dryer. I highly recommend a boot dryer for all shoes and boots that are wet. I used to get the smelly boot/shoes from being wet, however, since I started using this dryer a couple years ago it has been a non-issue.

quote nctry: "I used the Caney Fork wading socks in my last few trips actually. I had to return a pair and had a dry pair for my latest trip. But my boots smell. Do people wash out their boots with anything special? Laundry soap?... Baking soda?... I have the Q Trekkers."

"As a first step, we recommend cleaning all non-sueded and Chamois leather surfaces occasionally with a bar of Fiebing’s glycerine saddle soap. A bar of this professional soap will last most people many years as it doesn't take much to get the job done. It is a good stand alone product to use on elephant and cape buffalo leathers. Once applied and allowed to dry, a light buffing will bring out a nice shine on the surface of the leather.
Cleaning your boots is easy. Use a soft bristle brush or a rag to scrub the dirt away with saddle soap and warm water. And don be afraid to clean the insides of your all leather boots too...use a damp cloth with saddle soap or a solution of baking soda and water to neutralize body acids and salt. After cleaning, allow your boots to dry slowly and naturally before reconditioning them with leather conditioner." from
Russell Moccasin

I use this method with all my leather footwear now. Do not rinse after soaping (inside also), just set them aside to dry, stuffing with newspaper helps the drying. I only use conditioner or polish after a few washings, wash about 2 times, then and wash polish the 3rd.
It's how I take care of my custom made boots. The pair I use wetfoot tripping is going on 11 years of camping and tripping.

butthead

PS; Also works well on leather/synthetic footwear like ALTAMA Jungle Boots. bh

nctry, you need to ask kanoes what he does with his pair of trekkers.... Under the heading "sandals or boots" also here in the Gear Forum, he states that he has had his "QT" boots for four years and loves them.


All I have done with my OTB Ohdins in two years, is rinse and air dry in the shade.

Butthead: I was wondering which pair of Russell Mocs you are using in the BWCA? Also, which sole? Thanks!

quote whitecedar: "Butthead: I was wondering which pair of Russell Mocs you are using in the BWCA? Also, which sole? Thanks!"

Mohican Stalkers, with Vibram Air Bob soles.
Like em so much I ordered a pair of Hiker boots (heavy optioned), triple vamped, fully lined with 200 gram Thinsulate. For long hikes/backpacking, winter use, .

butthead

Butthead: So when you are on the trail and wet footing day after day do the boots get thoroughly soaked? Is this your sole BWCA paddle/portage boot? I've been thinking about ordering a pair so your feedback is much appreciated.
Thank You!

quote whitecedar: "Butthead: So when you are on the trail and wet footing day after day do the boots get thoroughly soaked? Is this your sole BWCA paddle/portage boot? I've been thinking about ordering a pair so your feedback is much appreciated.
Thank You!"

I wear the Mohican Stalkers I pictured. I wear light wool hiker socks, so not much water seeps in if over the tops. They are waterproof if not over the top. I go into knee deep water regularly and the sock will get wet but not bad for me. They remain comfortable and supportive, and will dry quite fast in camp, not soggy at all the next morning.
I have a very wide foot and good draining jungle boots were not wide enough in the toe box, giving me blisters. They are the most comfortable boots I own and have performed better than anything I have worn. I do take care of them and they have been good for more than 10 years of use. The soles show some use now, mostly from wearing on asphalt, but are still grippy. They are expensive, but are very much worth the expense to me.
It is difficult to spend that much on a pair of boot you can't try on, and I had my reservations. They turned out to be my favorite pair of boots, and are still worn regularly. I WILL be wearing them on my next paddling trip (hopefully in Oct.), and for some years to come!
If you do decide to by a pair try to go to the factory in Berlin WI to be fitted, it's a neat experience, in an OLD footwear factory!

butthead

Never had an issue with my Trekkers stinking. Gator socks are a whole different story. Soaking in myrazime helps considerably. Don't know why that wouldn't work on the boots.

And here I thought FS hibernated in the winter. Who knew he was a winter camper??

Use FEBREZE.....works on sandals, wetsuits, neoprene booties etc. Quick spray before and after use keeps all from stinking..also great for wet dogs

With 3 stinky boys we have ALOT of stinky boots and shoes in our house. I have found that AtmosKlear helps immensely but it isn't cheap. I like it because it isn't "perfumed" and is more of a neutralizer.

quote Merganser: "Never had an issue with my Trekkers stinking.

I just got home from a trip and my trekkers STINK! But I know why too. The last day out I waded in a mucky beaver pond. Stinky stuff to be sure. Gonna clean 'em up this weekend. I like Pineknot's suggestion.

For "bad' foot odor smell spray Isopropyl Rubbing alcohol. Inside the foot area. This will dry out leather so listen to Buttheads advise for the outer leather care.

I sometimes soak my trekkers in "Sink the Stink." Google it. It is designed for neoprene but works on lots of stuff.