Dear Betty,
My surf booties stink! I face an embarrassing situation every time I take my booties on or off, as the horrendous smell drifts up and down the parking lot. Plus, they never seem to dry out. What can I do? Help!
—Stinky Feet, San Francisco, California
Dear Stinky,
Even the most immaculate girl on the beach can encounter the problem of stinky booties, but there are ways to prevent and fix the problem. That terrible smell comes when booties aren't able to dry out—it's the mildew that grows and causes the stink. So first you need to make sure to dry out your booties between surf sessions. Pull them out of your damp gear bag as soon as possible, rise with fresh water, and place them in an area where they have room to air out. You can keep them outdoors, but store them away from direct sunlight during the day or you can leave them in a garage. If you choose to let them dry outside, it is a good idea to take them in at night so they don't get damp from dew. If your booties begin to smell, you can rinse them out with a white vinegar and water solution (half vinegar, half water), which will kill off bacteria. Or try the Gear Revival Spray from Salty Girls, which has a refreshing citrus scent. Finally, if you have tall booties, stick empty toilet paper rolls into the ankle to keep them open and allow air to get inside to circulate. If all of the above fails, your booties may be too far gone and your best bet will be to get a new pair and start over.
Enjoy the ride,
Betty
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