Synthetic shoes that don't smell like death itself...also velcro vs laceups on crack climbs

I'm looking for new climbing shoes, but all of the ones that have the features I want in my price range appear to be synthetics. My previous experiences with synthetics were my friend's evolv Defies which stank like hell. I'm wondering whether I'll run into the same problem with other synthetics like the evolv Talon G2 or Pontas 2 (which feature synthetic Synthratek uppers and microfiber linings), the Tanaya Inti or Tatanka (which feature microfiber uppers with TXT treated cotton lining), or the Mugen Tech 2.0 (which uses Tex Flex synthetic uppers and hemp lining).

Also, since I am in the NE US, I won't be doing devoted crack climbing with long splitters, but there are a fair share of multipitch crack climbs with some face climbing mixed in. I have read bad things about velcro in cracks and was wondering whether anyone has had any experience with the above shoes in such situations. Thanks.

As far as synthetic shoes and the stink factor, let me know when you get that one figured out. Every pair of synthetic shoes I've ever owned have stunk really bad, especially my gym shoes.

The velcro in cracks issue has a lot of people on both sides of the fence. I have had great experiences with the Katana velcro for multi crack/face climbs. If you climb a lot of hand cracks you will eventually wear out the material that holds the metal buckle where the velcro passes through and doubles back on itself... A cobbler will fix this for less than $10, but this is no different from breaking laces on your lace-ups (which would also happen).

Do you ever get over to New Paltz? The Rock and Snow Gear Annex might be able to set you up with something good in a used shoe.

Also...kind of not what you asked, but given what an important piece of gear this is...maybe just save up for a few weeks and spend the extra $50 to get exactly what you want?

I'm sure there are plenty of threads on this, but you can reduce smell by keeping your shoes on the OUTSIDE of your pack, putting them in a plastic bag inside the freezer and not walking around barefoot. Keeping your feet clean especially when climbing outside is huge. And not packing away my shoes made a huge difference. Just hang them with a biner.

Wear socks while you climb. Stank solved. Looks funny but works great.

scienceguy288 wrote:I'm looking for new climbing shoes, but all of the ones that have the features I want in my price range appear to be synthetics. My previous experiences with synthetics were my friend's evolv Defies which stank like hell. I'm wondering whether I'll run into the same problem with other synthetics like the evolv Talon G2 or Pontas 2 (which feature synthetic Synthratek uppers and microfiber linings), the Tanaya Inti or Tatanka (which feature microfiber uppers with TXT treated cotton lining), or the Mugen Tech 2.0 (which uses Tex Flex synthetic uppers and hemp lining). Also, since I am in the NE US, I won't be doing devoted crack climbing with long splitters, but there are a fair share of multipitch crack climbs with some face climbing mixed in. I have read bad things about velcro in cracks and was wondering whether anyone has had any experience with the above shoes in such situations. Thanks.

As far as I know, the Mugen Tech 2.0 has been replaced by the new M5, if you were looking to buy them new. The M5's have been very comfortable while remaining incredibly accurate for thin face climbing, and I would imagine that they work well in cracks as long as you don't jam them in too deeply to where the velcro straps are located. I haven't had any issues with shoe stink in them, either. You might look at the Conflict 2.0 (velcro) or Concept 2.0 (lace) for a crack climbing shoe as well.

Tenayas are cotten lined, synthetic, and dont smell. Super comfortable too

Scrub your feet really well in the shower also. foot stank is caused by dermatophytic fungi which feed on dead skin cells. less dead skin = less food for stinky foot rot. Also there are several oils that can help: correander (sp?), oregano, clove, cinnamin, and lavendar to name a few. if you know someone into oils they should be able to help suggest a few.

Here are some resources to address the root issue. If you take better care of your feet and start with new shoes you will have less stank-onya.

smellyfeetsmelly.com/Herbal…

I've had a 5 pairs of Evolvs and climb a lot in the gym with them. I'm currently climbing mostly in Shamans but have lots of experience with the Predators and some with the Defies too. One of my favorite things about the Predators was that they were fully synthetic. I'd toss them in the wash every week or so with cold water and then let them air dry. They would come out clean and smell free and the rubber felt fresh and sticky.

I haven't tried that with the Shaman since it has pig skin in the toe and I'm not sure how it would do in the wash but my first pair is getting bad enough and the rubber is getting so worn that it won't be a huge loss if the toes shrink.

Go with a fully synthetic shoe and don't be shy about washing them regularly.

My first shoes were Evolv K-lace, and while not as bad as the Defys, stunk.
My current shoes are the Evolv Geshido lace, and don't stink at all.
I had Miuras, and loved them -- no stink either, but I lost them somewhere :-<

In summary, some synthetic shoes stink, others don't. At least for me!