OT: Sandals

Wandering Sagebrush

Free Range Human
One of the things that has plagued me on Lake Powell trips is having a pair of sandals that smelled like I was wearing a dead skunk on each foot. I've got a couple of pair of Tevas, and both have that issue.

In another forum (Expedition Portal), I posted a RFI to find out if there is anything out there that cures DSS (Dead Skunk Syndrome), and got consistent answers that Chaco sandals were the best for many reasons. First, they seem to be microbe resistant. They also have superb arch support, and bullet proof soles (i.e. no stone bruises).

I ordered a pair of the Chaco Unaweep Z/1s, and as advertised they seem to be pretty bullet proof. Good arch support, a bit heavier than Tevas, but with great foot protection through the soles. There is a bit of a fit issue. I have extremely wide feet (Oregonian = duck foot), and where the outside heel strap goes into the sandal deck, there is a bit of a bump that is giving me a slight pressure point. If it continues to be a (minor) bother, I am going to grind things down with the Dremmel tool.

A quick trip into the northern Nevada desert (Sheldon Antelope Refuge) seemed to validate the anti dead skunk claim, but the proof in the pudding will be Lake Powell. I am also going to douse the Tevas in a product called Mirazyme, that is purported to have dead skunk removal properties. I think the Mirazyme is going to go in the boat for the trip, too.
 
Try ODOBAN it seems to work for Cat poop it will work with anything . MY wife's cat crapped on my favorite slippers .buy it at home depot .I use it on the boat to get musty smell out.
 
JamesTXSD":6yu4vxuc said:
nimrod":6yu4vxuc said:
Alas, your chaco's won't be immune. Trust me.

Now I'm trying Keens.

jd

Same with the Keens... skanky smelling in a short time.

potter water":6yu4vxuc said:
+1 for the socks and powder.


Socks and Lake Powell don't seem to be a good combination, considering the amount of time spent in the water. It sounds like the anti microbial solution may be my best bet...

http://www.rei.com/product/694530/mcnet ... eliminator
 
Sink the stink works on smelly wet suits and dive boots. Should work on sandals also. Soak the sandals in the stuff for a bit, remove, and air dry. Ideal for Lake Powell, treat just before bedtime and hang em on the rail overnight. Been using it for years.

http://www.sinkthestink.com
 
Socks and sandals, must be a Northwest coast thing. Down here on the Gulf coast, if you wear socks with your sandals, they'll take away your car keys, and confine you to an retirement home. :lol:
 
Having a couple of pairs of sandals and rotate use is another option.

Soaking for 30 min to one hour (guess ) in soapy water and add a little (repeat little ) bleach . rinse well, might be as effective as other items mentioned and less expensive and thorough drying in the sun for several hours.

As anyone contacted the vendor for assistance?

Textiles can trap microbes like water filters and they become embedded and difficult to eradicate and impossible to remove. Dead ones are food for the next group of visitors.

Feet like hands needs thorough cleaning with soap and water

so as you spend on the fancy footwear dont forget your feet



m2cw




m2cw
 
katkt":3opjb6uz said:
Socks and sandals, must be a Northwest coast thing. Down here on the Gulf coast, if you wear socks with your sandals, they'll take away your car keys, and confine you to an retirement home. :lol:

Yep. ^ While in the PNW, we also see people (guys included) wear shorts and long johns. Never tried it, so I can't speak to the smell. :wink:
 
katkt":2pz0o5no said:
Socks and sandals, must be a Northwest coast thing. Down here on the Gulf coast, if you wear socks with your sandals, they'll take away your car keys, and confine you to an retirement home. :lol:

The only way to tell it's winter here in the PNW is when you see wool socks with the Birkinstocks... The goretex is not a giveaway, that's all year garb.
 
socks with sandals?? you got to be kidding.

I have seen it and it makes me 1. laugh 2. wonder about their sanity. the whole point of sandals is to get your feet in the open air. Its like wearing a baseball cap backwards, serves no use. I wear sandals when I expect to get wet, other wise I wear shoes.
 
If I wear sandals with socks, then I'm going all the way. I want loud check shorts that come down to my knees, and the shorts held up midway between my belly button and my nipples with a white belt.

Seriously, I dumped sandals a couple of years ago, always getting smelly after being in contact with salt water. I wear plastic crocs, cost $4, last for 3 or 4 months. Easy to get on and off and no smell. I wear mine every day if I'm not wearing runners or shoes.

Martin.
 
This thread reminds of a similar question about a different anatomical part.

"Honey, does this dress make my butt look big?"

Honest Abe (Lincoln) answered, "Well......".
The real answer being "No, your butt makes your butt look big."

Well, wondering if your sandals make your feet stink: different anatomy, same
answer.

Aye.
 
The smell comes from bacteria working away breaking down proteins ... which are really remnants of dead skin embedded in the surface of the sandals. Get rid of the food source, the problem goes away. That's why the most effective treatment is a prophylactic dose of bacteria and or enzymes which assist breakdown of the dead skin, every week or so. Hence, the value of Sink the Stink or Mirazyme. Those commercial products are far more effective than bleach, which only kills the existing bacteria, which are quickly replaced by new ones off your dead skin clothed bare feet.

Ger rid of the food source, smell goes away.

http://www.rei.com/product/694530/mcnet ... eliminator

http://www.sinkthestink.com/
 
AstoriaDave":2y5iwblr said:
The smell comes from bacteria working away breaking down proteins ... which are really remnants of dead skin embedded in the surface of the sandals. Get rid of the food source, the problem goes away. That's why the most effective treatment is a prophylactic dose of bacteria and or enzymes which assist breakdown of the dead skin, every week or so. Hence, the value of Sink the Stink or Mirazyme. Those commercial products are far more effective than bleach, which only kills the existing bacteria, which are quickly replaced by new ones off your dead skin clothed bare feet.

Ger rid of the food source, smell goes away.

http://www.rei.com/product/694530/mcnet ... eliminator

http://www.sinkthestink.com/

Oh great a literal septic tank on our feet. It would seem, that there is a race between who will destroy who first. Will man destroy the planet, or will he be eaten from the bottom of his feet up. :lol:
 
Interesting that on my computer an advert for Keens came up right below this topic today :-)

Also interesting that like all good propulsion sources, feet come in pairs (twins).

Isn't it boating season yet?

:lol:

Merv
 
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