It's the smell of my dead chrome shoes. The insides ended just a strange soggy mess and smelt horrid.
I only used them for town rides or short commuting to didn't find them to bad and found them stuff enough. For serious or longer rides I'd deffo go with a stiffer sole
It's the smell you should be apologising for.
I've got a pair for the chrome shoes, they look good, but they really could do with a stiffer plate.