Taking off your ski boots at the end of the day is the best feeling in the world... until the stench overwhelms you! And it's no wonder they smell so bad - after all, you've been exercising and sweating in them for about 6 hours, and they're encased in hard plastic that's not at all breathable. Maybe you even had some snow fall in there and make things nice and moist. Bleagh! Following are some tips on how to reduce the stink of your ski boots.
As sweat and snow build up in your ski boots, they create a moist atmosphere that's hard to dry given the boots are encased in hard plastic. It helps to regularly change your ski socks and let your boots dry completely at the end of each day, on a boot rack or boot dryer if your hotel has one. We also advise occasionally removing the inner lining and filling it with newspapers to speed up the drying process. After your holiday, take out the inner lining and let it dry for at least 24 hours before cleaning your boots and storing them away for the summer. Shoe spray can also help remove some of the nasty odours.
We mentioned newspapers, but there's something even better: Boot Bananas! These mould to the shape of your boot and ensure they're completely dry in about 4 to 6 hours. When the banana gets wet, it turns brown. It will only turn yellow again once it dries. These nifty gadgets are available on Amazon for around £25.
SmellWell and other companies make inserts that you can slip into your boots, where they absorb moisture and restore the pH balance. Regular use of the inserts helps keep the boots odour-free. SmellWell inserts are available on Amazon for less than £10.
If you're not into spending money on gadgets, regular baking powder can also do the trick. Indeed, many skiers and snowboarders swear by a nightly dose of baking powder in their ski boots. Tea bags and chalk also work wonders. If you go this route, don't forget to air out your boots outside once in a while.
Born and raised in the ski paradise of Vancouver, Canada, I learned to ski before I can remember, balancing precariously on my parents’ skis as they sailed down the hill. I started snowboarding in my teens and am now delighted to be exploring everything Europe’s ski scene has to offer!
