Smelly feet are not something to be embarrassed about – it is only natural! However, it is definitely something most people would like to avoid.
Our sweat glands work overtime when we overheat to help keep our skin cool and hydrated, and all this extra moisture can lead to pungent aromas and can even leave a lasting whiff in our favourite shoes.
But what can we do about it? Keep reading to find out how to stop your shoes from smelling and how to avoid smelly feet in the first place!
What causes smelly feet and shoes?
Shoe odour comes from the bacteria and fungi that enjoys growing in the warm and damp spaces of our sweaty shoes. When we sweat, microbes on the skin start to metabolise compounds in our sweat, and this causes the stinky odours.
We have more glands on our feet than anywhere else, and they release moisture throughout the day, regardless of what we are up to or whether our temperatures need regulating.
If you do not address the issue, the bacteria could lead to an infection over time – so knowing how to stop your trainers from smelling is key for both your health and hygiene.
How to stop shoes from smelling in the first place
If you want to avoid the stinky shoe conundrum altogether, then follow these quick tips to keep your feet smelling fresh:
Wear clean socks every day
Not only does wearing dirty, sweaty socks make your feet smell bad, but poor foot hygiene can also lead to health issues such as athlete’s foot. To avoid this, opt for natural, breathable materials – such as cotton – rather than synthetic fabrics like polyester, and make sure to put on a fresh pair each day.
Wash your feet every day
It may sound obvious, but washing your feet every day is one of the best ways to prevent odour from developing. Removing the grime, debris and old sweat that will naturally collect throughout the day should be a part of your daily routine. Also, make sure to dry them well, paying particular attention to the gaps between your toes.
Do not wear the same footwear two or more days in a row.
If your shoes take in sweat and you wear them again and again, without giving them a chance to dry, you will find that your feet become sweatier than usual which can cause bad odours. For those more absorbent footwear styles, try and give them chance to fully air in between wears, storing them in a clean, dry place overnight to ensure they’re completely dry before wearing again.
Pick up a combination deodorant/antiperspirant for your feet.
Just like your underarm products, foot deodorants and antiperspirants work to block your pores, discourage sweat and fight bacteria, all of which should minimise any nasty smells.
Odour minimising insoles
For those prone to smelly feet, special odour destroying insoles are a great option. Whilst there are lots of different versions available, they all work on the same principles. They have a purposeful, breathable design to improve air circulation and feature odour absorbing technology to reduce moisture and prevent smells from building up.
But what should you do with your favourite shoes if you waited a little too long to start researching? Do you have to throw them away? Potentially, no.
How to remove odours from smelly shoes:
If your shoes have gotten rather stinky, you don’t have to instantly jump to the conclusion of throwing them away! To help you out, we’ve gathered some easy tips that you can try.
Try washing as your first step
A failsafe option is washing and drying your shoes and insoles to keep them smelling clean and fresh. Use cold water and add a little washing liquid for the best results. You can hand wash them to be safe or use the washing machine – but remember to remove any shoelaces and use a gentle setting. Airdry the shoes and soles for at least 24 hours and then you are good to go.
Use the power of sunshine
Sweaty, damp shoes are a breeding ground for odour-producing bacteria. By placing your smelly shoes in a warm, sunny spot (or by a heater in the colder months) this will prevent any further bacterial growth as well as killing off any existing germs that might be causing the odour.
Use tea bags for moisture absorption
When you have finished brewing a cup of tea, you will notice that the bag tends to absorb moisture – making the classic ‘cup-side squeeze’ necessary. It’s this quality that makes tea bags great for removing sweat and odour from your footwear.
So, choose your favourite flavour – herbal teas will often have a fruitier fragrance – and put the tea bag in boiling water for two or three minutes. Remove the tea bag and let it cool. Then place it in the shoe and leave for a few hours. Remove any excess liquid left on the shoe, and you’re done!
Use baking soda for a natural remedy
When it comes to the question of how to remove the smell in your shoes, it will depend on the level of odour in your shoes and the odour-causing bacteria too.
Baking soda is a great natural option that is used in lots of products, such as cat litter, to absorb odours and moisture – which is why it is handy for freshening up smelly shoes.
We would recommend combining two tablespoons of baking soda with four or five drops of a bacteria-fighting essential oil such as tea tree. Mix the ingredients together, then apply liberally to the inside of your soles.
Shake your shoes to ensure the mixture reaches the toe area and leave for about 24 hours. Afterwards, you can tip the baking soda into the bin and vacuum the inside of your shoes to remove any residue.
Use salt for its antibacterial properties
Typically, when you are thinking of how to stop your shoes smelling, using salt may not come to mind. However, it could very well be the answer to removing unpleasant odours from your footwear.
Not only is this kitchen staple naturally antibacterial, but it should also absorb excess moisture and consequent stinky odours.
Simply pour a healthy amount of salt into each shoe and shake it around to ensure the salt covers the inside sole, then leave for around 24 hours before you vacuum the salt away.
Get straight to the source with rubbing alcohol
Rubbing alcohol works as a shoe deodorizer and disinfectant. Gently rub on the worn, dirty part of your shoes to help reduce the smell and remove any bacteria and fungus that might have made itself at home there.
Put them in the freezer to kill bacteria
The thought of putting your smelly shoes next to your Monday night dinner may not sound appealing – but don’t worry, done right this method will keep bacteria away from your shoes (and your chicken nuggets).
Start by popping the offending pair into a resealable bag – this will stop them coming into contact with any food items already in there. Then, simply make a space and pop the bag straight into the freezer. Leave in there for around 24 hours and then remove. This method kills off any horrible odour-causing bacteria that may have been living in your shoes.
Add citrus peel for a fruity fresh scent
Whilst this won’t kill off any existing bacteria (we recommend reviewing the other steps for tips on this), adding citrus peel to your shoe works as a great natural perfume. Simply select your citrus fruit of choice, orange, lemon and lime all work brilliantly, peel off some segments and then pop the pieces of peel directly onto the footbed and leave overnight.
Buy specialised products
It is always worth giving home remedies a whirl, but there is a reason designated products for these kinds of issues have been invented – deodorizers are simple, effective you avoid risks such as spilling essential oils on your suede shoes!
Go to a medical professional
If you have tried out all these remedies and you are still struggling with foot odours, head to your GP.
Other causes of smelly feet can include fungal infections like athlete’s foot, or specific medical conditions that cause excessive sweating, and your doctor will be able to provide you with more advice.
And that is how to stop your shoes smelling! We hope our tips and tricks can help you out of a stinky situation. If you have given everything a go and the aroma in your shoes just will not budge, it might be time to treat yourself to a new pair. That way you can take preventative measures from your first wear – after all, the best offence is a good defence! Check out more of our footwear inspiration and shoe care advice here.
