I wash the heck out of them outside and rinse throughly. Then I spray them down with some scent killer every few days. I air them out well out doors for a while, rain or shine, and then spray them some more and bag with some leaves, dirt etc, but leave the top open slightly to keep them from mildewing. Good deal to change the leaves and dirt a couple times....OR.. you can buy them far enough in advance that the stink will go away by season start. Spray with scent killer and go hunting. Depends on the boots. Cheap boots from Wong Wangs garage in Taiwan just seem to stink forever. Better quality like those from Lacrosse(like the Alpha Burly) don't stink as bad.