Do you have smelly walking shoes and sandals? Shoe odor comes from bacteria and fungi that grow happily in warm and damp conditions. Sweaty shoes are a breeding ground that can become smelly in a very short time. Are you looking for tips on how to stop feet and shoes from smelling? Read on for everything you need to know to keep those sandals odor-free.
What Causes Smelly Shoes?
Body odors on the feet come from microbes on the skin metabolizing compounds in your sweat, producing unfavorable odors. When your sweat is left behind in your shoes, it can also leave an unpleasant smell.
Feet, in particular, can smell due to a bacteria called Staphylococcus epidermis, which breaks down an amino acid in sweat called leucine. The result is an undesirable cheese-like smell that permeates shoes and can be difficult to get rid of.
How to Stop Feet From Smelling in Shoes
There are ways to reduce and eliminate the smell your shoes have taken on. Use some of these tips and tricks to see which work for you.
Wash Shoes and Insoles
Washing and drying your shoes and insoles can keep them fresh, especially if you wear insoles for running or other activities where your feet sweat. However, detergent and heat can degrade the materials. Glue and adhesives may give way and you may have to replace your shoes sooner.
Handwashing with cool water is best for shoes. You may add a little disinfectant to the washing liquid, such as Lysol or Pine-Sol.
If you use a washing machine, remove your shoelaces and use the gentle setting. Then air-dry.
Sprinkle Shoes With Odor-Absorbing Powders
Medicated foot powders have talc to absorb moisture and often have scent and deodorant properties to mask smelly shoes. A sprinkle of medicated foot powder before and after wearing can help keep shoes dry and inhibit fungal growth. Dedicated sneaker cleaners can help prevent odor in athletic and active footwear.
Another option is baking soda. Fill your shoes with enough baking soda to cover the soles, then stuff them with newspaper, which will also help absorb wetness and odors. Leave them for several hours or overnight, shake out the excess powder, and vacuum your shoes. Baking soda helps absorb and remove odors from smelly shoes.
Use Shoe and Sandal Disinfectant
It's a real problem when you have foot odor problems with sandals. You won't be wearing socks, and a medicated powder will be visible. One solution is a disinfecting spray, such as 2Toms StinkFree Shoe Spray. It uses benzalkonium chloride, a disinfectant found in many household products.
You may also be able to use a light bleach and water spray or vinegar to spray and wipe down your sandals to stop odors from smelly shoes. Just be sure the material can withstand it.
Store Shoes in a Cool, Dry Place
Cold will inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi. If you store your shoes in a cool, dry room that has good air flow, that will help keep growth at bay.
Or you may want to take the drastic tactic of freezing your shoes. However, that may degrade glues and adhesives and shorten the life of your shoes.
Keeping Your Shoes From Smelling
The best course of action is to keep shoes from smelling in the first place. Try these strategies to keep bacteria from accumulating and smelling up your shoes.
Wear Sweat-Wicking Socks
Wearing socks made of technical sweat-wicking material such as Cool-Max instead of cotton can keep your feet and shoes drier and stop odors in shoes. These fibers move sweat away from the foot so it can evaporate. Cotton retains more sweat, setting up a swampy incubator in your shoes for bacteria.
Dry Shoes Between Wearings
Don't keep your shoes in your gym bag where they will stay damp longer and provide a happy home for smelly microbes. Whether you're wearing slip-on sneakers or pricey leather loafers, give them lots of air between wearing to stop feet and shoes from smelling. Even waterproof sneakers need time to dry out between wearings.
Remove the insoles and stuff the shoes with dry paper towels to help speed drying. Another option is Stuffitts Shoe Savers, a foot-shaped insert with cedar shavings. Place them in your shoes to dry them out quickly after wearing them. These work for dress shoes as well as athletic shoes.
Use Copper Sole Socks
Wicking away sweat may not be enough to stop your feet and shoes from smelling—especially if you wear less-breathable shoes. Inhibit bacteria and fungi using socks woven with metal fibers, such as silver or copper. They are available from athletic sock companies such as Aetrex.
Wear Sole Socks or Washable Insoles
If you find you get foot odor when wearing shoes without socks, try washable insoles such as Sole Socks. They have a cotton terry cloth top and a latex rubber sole. Replace your shoe's insole, or place it over the insole. These grip well enough to stay in place and provide moisture absorption and cushioning. Wash them every three to six uses to keep them fresh. Some insoles, like the best insoles for hiking, feature anti-microbial coatings to help control odors.
Apply Antiperspirant or Deodorant on Your Feet
This is a tactic used by marathon walkers to help prevent blisters. Most moisture in your shoes comes from your feet sweating. If you prevent foot sweat, keep your shoes dry, and don't provide a damp place for the bacteria and fungus to grow, you can stop your feet from smelling inside your shoes.
Use caution to ensure you don't have a bad reaction to the spray. Test it on one toe or a small patch on one foot to see if there is any redness or rash after a day.
Using deodorant on your feet won't keep them dry, but it will inhibit odor-producing bacteria and fungi. As with antiperspirant, do this with caution to see whether it produces any bad reaction.
A Word From Verywell
Smelly shoes are a common problem which can be embarrassing. Preventing odors is best, but there are also ways to get rid of smells once they occur. Experiment with the strategies above to see which works best to stop your feet and shoes from smelling. If all else fails, it may be time to treat yourself to a new pair of shoes.