Nothing stinks quite like boots with an offending odor. And if you’re using hiking boots for actual hiking, that odor should appear sooner rather than later.

Once that nose-pinching stench arises, do you just toss those boots in the nearest Dumpster?

Not a chance.

The first step on the road back to beautiful-smelling boots is experimenting with the insoles. Typically hiking boots contain a removable insole. That’s what you can throw out. Replacement insoles can be found at any shoe store or repair shop from $5 to $50. If you’re looking to save some cash, try washing the insoles first. Let them bake in the sunlight to dry completely.

And if you wash ‘em, replace ‘em and that foul aroma is still permeating about like steaming garbage, then turn to Febreze or other odor cover-ups. Keep in mind that perfume and sprays don’t “eliminate” odor. Actually, if the smell is so disgusting, the smell-good sprays might skyrocket the odor into migraine-inducing territory.

Looking for other options? When it comes to stinky shoes, there are plenty of solutions.

Some suggest lightly dampening a paper towel with a water/baking soda/lime concoction and leaving the towel in the shoe over night. You can also try the same thing with coffee beans.

We recently tried just sprinkling baking soda on a pair and letting it set over night. The next day? Still stinky.

Did we forget more tips or tricks? Let us know how you keep your boots smelling brilliant.