Smelly Sneaker Contest in New York (17 images)

Contest judge Rachel Herz examines a sneaker in the competition at the 39th annual National Odor-Eaters Rotten Sneaker Contest at Ripley's Believe It or Not in New York City on March 25, 2014. The Rotten Sneaker Contest began in 1974 as a promotion created by a Montpelier Vermont sporting goods owner who wanted to advertise a new line of athletic shoes. UPI/John Angelillo

Jordan Armstrong holds up her sneakers after winning first place at the 39th annual National Odor-Eaters Rotten Sneaker Contest at Ripley's Believe It or Not in New York City on March 25, 2014. The Rotten Sneaker Contest began in 1974 as a promotion created by a Montpelier Vermont sporting goods owner who wanted to advertise a new line of athletic shoes. UPI/John Angelillo

Judge Buck Wolf examines a sneaker in the competition at the 39th annual National Odor-Eaters Rotten Sneaker Contest at Ripley's Believe It or Not in New York City on March 25, 2014. The Rotten Sneaker Contest began in 1974 as a promotion created by a Montpelier Vermont sporting goods owner who wanted to advertise a new line of athletic shoes. UPI/John Angelillo

The finalists hold up their competing sneakers at the 39th annual National Odor-Eaters Rotten Sneaker Contest at Ripley's Believe It or Not in New York City on March 25, 2014. The Rotten Sneaker Contest began in 1974 as a promotion created by a Montpelier Vermont sporting goods owner who wanted to advertise a new line of athletic shoes. UPI/John Angelillo