The 2Toms Stink Free Shoe and Gear Spray is designed to neutralise rather than simply mask those nasty niffs that can render kit socially unacceptable. Given that most decent riding attire is either impregnated with anti-bacterials or can be machine washed, Stink Free’s appeal is limited, but I have found it surprisingly useful for purging the pong from shoes and sandals, especially synthetics…

2Toms promises us its Stink Free Shoe and Gear Spray is genuinely safe on all surfaces, including Gore-Tex and similar technical fabrics. It’s also refreshingly candid about the ingredients. Thus far, I’ve had no problems on either front.

There’s nothing particularly cutting edge ingredients-wise – benzalkonium chloride and cetrimonium bromide actively gobble up the bacteria that feeds on our feted, sweaty kit and, if left unchecked, leads to athletes’ foot and nastier fungal infections.

Most riding kit these days can be bunged in the machine at 30 degrees but there are always exceptions, and my collection of budget and mid-range synthetic shoes seemed perfect candidates. My world weary Shimano touring sandals were rancid to the point they could strip wallpaper! And after four years and several mucky winters, my Specialized and Shimano RT82 examples weren’t far behind.

Smelly shoes roadcc.jpg
Smelly shoes roadcc (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)

Being a pump-spray bottle, it’s easy and economical to apply. Round up your scuzzy stuff and give it a liberal coating from 10-15cm and leave to dry – ideally overnight.

My sandals needed to be saturated – three applications and left curing for a total of 16 hours – but to my surprise, they were returned to a socially acceptable state, with no sign of residue. It’s tamed a few canvas tennis shoes and leather motorcycle gloves with similar ease.

The 8oz pump spray bottle also slips quite unobtrusively into most panniers, so could prove a boon for touring, where washing machines and other mod cons could be trickier to come by. Several weeks in and my shoes still smell sweet – and I’ve used surprisingly little product, suggesting a little goes a decent distance.

> Find more road.cc reviews of cleaners for you, your bike, your kit…

I have some minor reservations about benzalkonium chloride. Like many other biocides, long-term exposure has been linked to organ toxicity, though more commonly results in rashes and blistering. In the right quantities, though, most chemicals can be considered safe. Personally, I prefer a more natural solution, where possible.

Verdict

Effective odour taming spray that lasts

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road.cc test report

Make and model: 2Toms Stink Free Shoe and Gear Spray

Size tested: 8oz/237ml

Tell us what the product is for, and who it’s aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

2Toms says: “Stink Free® Spray is guaranteed to remove, not mask, all odors caused by sweat left in your shoes, boots, gear, gym bags, pads/guards, gloves, lockers, etc. Stink Free Spray has no perfume in it’s formula, therefore it leaves behind no smell once dry.

Why Is Stink Free Spray Different?

Our technically advanced formula cleans the pores that trap the odor in shoes and gear. Stink Free Spray has no perfume in it’s formula, therefore it leaves behind no smell once dry. Stink Free Spray is safe to use on canvas, leather, satin, and denim shoes. * Contains no perfume or phosphates * Safe on all high performance fabrics * Residue free * Removes sweat stains * Environmentally friendly.”

Does a good job of purging nasty odours from shoes and other kit.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

Water, Benzalkonium Chloride, Cetrimonium Bromide, Propylene Glycol

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
7/10
Rate the product for performance:
 
7/10
Rate the product for durability:
 
7/10

Judging by my long-suffering, high-mileage shoes, a little goes a long way and lasts a decent while.

 
Rate the product for comfort (if applicable)
 
7/10

Straightforward to apply and no irritation or similar side-effects to date.

Rate the product for value:
 
7/10

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

Overall, the Stink Free Spray has been a pleasant surprise, neutralising nasty niffs and keeping them firmly at bay. I’ve not needed to reapply, although obviously, the height of summer or more tropical contexts may say different.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Straightforward to apply and long lasting so far.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

While I wouldn’t get overly neurotic about these things, I prefer essential oils to biocides such as benzalkonium chloride.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Possibly

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Worth a look for shoes and kit that cannot be machine washed.

Use this box to explain your score

Does what it says in the blurb and very capably, though may not be the best choice for people with sensitive skin.

Overall rating: 7/10

About the tester

Age: 43  Height: 1m 81cm  Weight: 70kg

I usually ride: Rough stuff tourer based around 4130 Univega mountain bike frameset  My best bike is: 1955 Holdsworth Road Path and several others including cross & traditional road

I’ve been riding for: Over 20 years  I ride: Most days  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: cyclo-cross, commuting, touring, fixed/singlespeed, mountain biking