How To Make Shoes Not Smell: Prevent & Eliminate Odors

Why do my shoes smell? Shoe odor happens because of sweat and bacteria. Your feet sweat, creating a damp place where bacteria grow. This bacteria makes the bad smell. Keep reading to learn how to get rid of it and prevent it from coming back.

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The Science Behind Shoe Odor

Before diving into solutions, it’s helpful to know why shoes smell. Foot sweat is the main culprit. The average foot has around 250,000 sweat glands, producing a surprising amount of moisture daily. This moisture, trapped inside shoes, creates the perfect environment for bacteria and fungi to thrive. These microorganisms break down sweat, releasing unpleasant odors like butyric acid (which smells like vomit) and isovaleric acid (which smells cheesy).

Factors Contributing to Smelly Shoes

Several factors contribute to the severity of shoe odor:

• Foot Hygiene: Poor foot hygiene, such as not washing feet regularly or not drying them thoroughly, increases the amount of bacteria and sweat available for odor production.
• Type of Shoes and Socks: Shoes made from synthetic materials like nylon or vinyl don’t breathe well, trapping moisture. Similarly, wearing socks made from synthetic fibers can worsen the problem.
• Activity Level: Higher activity levels lead to more sweat production, increasing the likelihood of shoe odor.
• Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, like hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) or bromodosis (body odor), can exacerbate foot odor.
• Age: Children’s feet sweat more than adults, making them more prone to smelly shoes.

Preventing Shoe Odor: A Proactive Approach

The best way to deal with shoe odor is to prevent it in the first place. Here are some effective strategies:

Proper Foot Hygiene: The Foundation of Fresh Feet

• Wash Your Feet Daily: Wash your feet with soap and water every day, paying close attention to the spaces between your toes.
• Dry Thoroughly: Dry your feet completely after washing, especially between your toes. Bacteria thrive in moist environments.
• Change Socks Regularly: Change your socks at least once a day, or more often if you sweat heavily.
• Antiperspirant for Feet: Use an antiperspirant on your feet to reduce sweating. Apply it at night before bed for best results.
• Trim Toenails: Keep your toenails trimmed to prevent bacteria from accumulating underneath them.

Choosing the Right Shoes and Socks

• Breathable Materials: Opt for shoes made from breathable materials like leather, canvas, or mesh.
• Sock Selection: Wear socks made from moisture-wicking materials like cotton, wool, or synthetic blends. Avoid nylon socks.
• Rotate Your Shoes: Don’t wear the same pair of shoes every day. Rotate between several pairs to allow them to dry completely between uses.
• Go Barefoot (Sometimes): When possible, go barefoot or wear sandals to allow your feet to air out.

Using Foot Powder for Odor Control

Foot powder absorbs moisture and helps control odor. Here’s how to use it effectively:

• Apply After Washing: Apply foot powder after washing and drying your feet.
• Sprinkle in Shoes: Sprinkle foot powder inside your shoes before wearing them.
• Types of Foot Powder: Choose a foot powder that contains antifungal ingredients, such as miconazole or tolnaftate, for added protection.

Best Shoe Inserts for Odor Prevention

Shoe inserts can help absorb moisture and control odor.

• Activated Charcoal Insoles: Activated charcoal insoles are excellent at absorbing moisture and neutralizing odors.
• Cedar Insoles: Cedarwood has natural antimicrobial properties and a pleasant scent.
• Replace Regularly: Replace your shoe inserts every few months, or more often if they become soiled or worn.

Type of Insole	Benefits	Drawbacks
Activated Charcoal	Excellent odor absorption, moisture-wicking.	Can be bulky, may not be suitable for all shoe types.
Cedarwood	Natural antimicrobial properties, pleasant scent.	May not be as effective at absorbing moisture as other options.
Moisture-Wicking	Designed to draw moisture away from the feet.	May not eliminate odors completely, requires regular cleaning.

Shoe Odor Removal: Effective Solutions

If your shoes already smell, don’t worry. There are many ways to get rid of the odor.

Cleaning Smelly Shoes: A Step-by-Step Guide

• Remove Insoles: Remove the insoles from your shoes and wash them separately.
• Hand Wash or Machine Wash: Hand wash your shoes with mild soap and water, or machine wash them on a gentle cycle if the care label allows.
• Air Dry: Air dry your shoes completely in a well-ventilated area. Avoid using a dryer, as heat can damage them.
• Disinfect: Spray the inside of your shoes with a disinfectant spray to kill bacteria and fungi.

Natural Shoe Deodorizers: Chemical-Free Options

• Baking Soda: Baking soda is a natural odor absorber. Sprinkle baking soda inside your shoes and let it sit overnight. Shake out the excess in the morning.
• White Vinegar: White vinegar is a natural disinfectant. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spray the inside of your shoes. Let them air dry.
• Essential Oils: Essential oils like tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil, and lavender oil have antimicrobial properties and can help freshen up smelly shoes. Add a few drops of essential oil to a cotton ball and place it inside your shoes overnight.
• Sunlight: Sunlight is a natural disinfectant. Place your shoes in direct sunlight for several hours to kill bacteria and fungi.

Shoe Deodorizer Spray: Quick and Easy Solution

• Commercial Sprays: Commercial shoe deodorizer sprays are available at most drugstores and supermarkets. Follow the instructions on the label.
• DIY Spray: Make your own shoe deodorizer spray by mixing equal parts water and rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle. Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil for fragrance.

Freezing Shoes: A Cold Shock for Odor-Causing Bacteria

• Place in Freezer Bag: Place your shoes in a sealed freezer bag.
• Freeze Overnight: Place the bag in the freezer and freeze overnight. The cold temperature will kill the bacteria and fungi that cause odor.
• Thaw and Air Dry: Remove the shoes from the freezer bag and allow them to thaw and air dry completely.

Specific Athletic Shoe Odor Solutions

Athletic shoes are particularly prone to odor due to the high amount of sweat produced during exercise. Here are some specific solutions for athletic shoes:

• Wash After Every Workout: Wash your athletic shoes after every workout, or at least once a week.
• Remove Insoles and Laces: Remove the insoles and laces before washing to ensure thorough cleaning.
• Use a Shoe Dryer: Use a shoe dryer to dry your athletic shoes quickly and completely.
• Dedicated Sports Socks: Wear socks specifically designed for sports, as they are often made from moisture-wicking materials and have antimicrobial properties.

Dealing with Smelly Feet Remedies

Addressing smelly feet is just as important as cleaning your shoes. Here are some remedies for smelly feet:

• Foot Soaks: Soak your feet in a solution of warm water and Epsom salts for 15-20 minutes each day. Epsom salts help draw out moisture and reduce odor.
• Black Tea Soak: Soak your feet in a solution of warm water and black tea. The tannic acid in black tea helps kill bacteria and reduce sweating.
• Apple Cider Vinegar Soak: Soak your feet in a solution of warm water and apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar has antimicrobial properties and can help neutralize odor.
• See a Doctor: If you have persistent foot odor despite trying these remedies, see a doctor. You may have a medical condition that requires treatment.

Grasping the Role of Humidity and Temperature

Humidity and temperature play a significant role in shoe odor. High humidity levels create a favorable environment for bacterial growth. High temperatures exacerbate sweating, further contributing to the problem. Therefore, storing shoes in a cool, dry place is crucial for preventing odor. Consider using a dehumidifier in your closet or shoe storage area, especially during humid months.

Shoe Odor Removal Based on Shoe Type

The best approach for eliminating shoe odor can vary depending on the type of shoe:

• Leather Shoes: Use leather cleaners and conditioners to maintain the material and prevent odor buildup. Avoid soaking leather shoes in water.
• Canvas Shoes: Canvas shoes can usually be machine-washed, but always check the care label first.
• Synthetic Shoes: Synthetic shoes are often the easiest to clean, but make sure to air them out thoroughly to prevent moisture buildup.
• Delicate Shoes: For delicate shoes, like those with embellishments or made from sensitive materials, spot cleaning with a mild detergent is best.

Shoe Type	Cleaning Method	Special Considerations
Leather	Leather cleaner and conditioner	Avoid soaking in water, air dry away from direct heat.
Canvas	Machine wash on gentle cycle or hand wash	Remove insoles and laces, air dry completely.
Synthetic	Machine wash on gentle cycle or wipe down with cleaner	Air dry thoroughly to prevent moisture buildup.
Delicate	Spot clean with mild detergent	Test cleaner on a small, inconspicuous area first.

Athletic Shoe Odor Solutions: An In-Depth Look

Since athletic shoes face unique challenges, let’s explore athletic shoe odor solutions further:

• Ozone Sanitizers: Ozone sanitizers are devices that use ozone gas to kill bacteria and fungi in shoes. They are effective but should be used with caution and according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• UV Sanitizers: UV sanitizers use ultraviolet light to kill bacteria and fungi. They are a safe and effective way to deodorize shoes.
• Activated Oxygen Sprays: Sprays containing activated oxygen can neutralize odor-causing molecules.
• Shoe Deodorizing Balls: These balls are designed to be placed inside shoes to absorb moisture and odors.

FAQ About Making Shoes Not Smell

• Can I put my shoes in the washing machine?
  Yes, you can put some shoes in the washing machine. Canvas and some synthetic shoes usually do well. Always check the care label first. Remove the insoles and laces before washing, and use a gentle cycle with cold water. Air dry them completely afterward. Avoid putting leather shoes in the washing machine.
  

• What is the best shoe deodorizer spray?
  The best shoe deodorizer spray depends on your preferences. Look for sprays that contain antimicrobial ingredients to kill bacteria and fungi. Natural options with essential oils can also be effective. Commercial sprays like those from Odor-Eaters or Dr. Scholl’s are popular choices.
  

• How to get rid of shoe smell fast?
  To get rid of shoe smell fast, sprinkle baking soda inside your shoes and let it sit overnight. In the morning, shake out the excess. You can also use a commercial shoe deodorizer spray or place dryer sheets inside your shoes overnight.

• What are some smelly feet remedies?
  Some effective smelly feet remedies include washing your feet daily with soap and water, drying them thoroughly, using foot powder, and soaking your feet in a solution of warm water and Epsom salts, black tea, or apple cider vinegar.

• Are there best shoe inserts for odor?
  Yes, the best shoe inserts for odor are often made from activated charcoal or cedarwood. Activated charcoal inserts absorb moisture and neutralize odors, while cedarwood inserts have natural antimicrobial properties.

• How to prevent shoe odor effectively?
  To prevent shoe odor effectively, practice good foot hygiene, wear breathable shoes and socks, rotate your shoes, use foot powder, and consider using odor-absorbing shoe inserts.

• What are natural shoe deodorizers I can use?
  Natural shoe deodorizers include baking soda, white vinegar, essential oils, and sunlight. These options are safe, effective, and environmentally friendly.

• Is foot powder for odor control effective?
  Yes, foot powder for odor control is effective. It absorbs moisture and helps prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi. Choose a foot powder that contains antifungal ingredients for added protection.

• What are athletic shoe odor solutions that work?
  Effective athletic shoe odor solutions include washing your shoes regularly, using a shoe dryer, wearing dedicated sports socks, and using ozone or UV sanitizers.

Conclusion

Dealing with smelly shoes can be frustrating, but with the right strategies, you can prevent and eliminate shoe odor. By practicing good foot hygiene, choosing the right shoes and socks, and using effective cleaning and deodorizing methods, you can keep your shoes fresh and odor-free. Remember to address both the shoes and the feet for long-lasting results. With consistent care and attention, you can say goodbye to smelly shoes for good.