Mold in cycling shoes??

[OakLeaf]

Yeah - some parts of the country that's true of anything you don't wear for three days running - and a whole lot of the country has fallen into that camp this year. I just found some mold on the strap of my computer bag. You'll have that when it's humid enough that the carpet squishes when you walk on it.

I guess it depends on what the shoes cost, but I would think that if you think they're worth saving, a cobbler could remove and replace the insole.

[Bike Chick]

Ewwww! How awful. You've got a problem. That is a problem where I live too---definitely.

Bleach and vinegar both work to remove mold but be careful not to use them together. I've always heard that if you mix them together, they form a toxic gas. Same goes for bleach and ammonia.

Have you tried a bathroom or kitchen cleaner with bleach?

[Chile Pepper]

Miconazole is an antifungal agent used in foot powders (like Desenex--but look for the one with the highest concentration). Before I tossed the shoes, I would smother them with powder and leave them for a few days. If it works, maybe leave some powder between the insert and the sole, and change the powder after each ride.

[OakLeaf]

That's a great idea!

As advanced as she describes the mold being, I might see if I could get rid of the insoles anyway, but use the powder for prevention and killing mold on the uppers.

[ridebikeme]

I too, have never heard of this. It seems that you have lots of good suggestions though!

As a suggestion for those of you that do live in humid areas(which seems to be a big part of the US this summer)try putting newspaper in your shoes AFTER your ride. If you are able to change the newspaper a couple of times, it will help eliminate your shoes holding on to water/moisture.

[malkin]

You could move to Utah.
It's a dry heat.