How to Combat Stinky Snowboard Boots

After an epic day of snowboarding, that once glorious and much sought-after snow has melted and seeped into your snowboarding boots -- even the liner and footbed. The combination of moisture and sweat in a warmer environment will eventually lead to a foul odor. While fresh-smelling boots are not crucial to excellent snowboarding form, stinky ones are not exactly desirable. Proper drying and storage of snowboard boots will help avoid the funky smell, without compromising the boot's functionality. As snowboard boots have an internal liner and external shell, both parts should be addressed.

Things You'll Need

  • Wet cloth
  • Boot disinfectant spray
  • Dryer sheet
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove the boots as soon as possible after leaving the ski area. If you are staying at a resort, remove them in your room. On day trips to the mountain, remove the boots in the car, but wait until you are home to begin the drying process.

    • 2

      Unlace the boot completely. If the boots have unconventional laces, like a pull-up or BOA lacing system, loosen them as much as possible.

    • 3

      Pull the front panels forward to open the boot wide. If the boots have removable liners -- most do -- gently remove them. If the boots do not have liners, open the boots wide enough to expose the internal liner system.

    • 4

      Remove the footbeds.

    • 5

      Wipe down the boots with the wet cloth, removing any mud or debris.

    • 6

      Spray the disassembled parts with a light mist of boot disinfectant.

    • 7

      Place the open boots and footbeds and liners, if removed, near, but not on top of, an airflow source. Vented heat is best for quick drying, but any consistent airflow, such as a fan, is beneficial. If neither option is available, allow the parts to dry in an open-air space. Do not place wet boots in a bag, closet or other closed, dark place.

    • 8

      Allow the boots to dry as much as possible before reassembling them.

    • 9

      Insert the liner, if necessary, and the footbed. Insert a dryer sheet during storage. Remove the dryer sheet before wearing the boots.