How To Remove Odor From Smelly Shoes And Feet

If you suffer from smelly shoes or feet, you are not alone. Here’s a complete guide to help you get out of this embarrassing situation.

Sweaty, smelly feet and shoes are a common problem that can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor hygiene, wearing the same shoes every day, and wearing shoes made of materials that do not allow your feet to breathe.

While smelly shoes and feet can be embarrassing, there are steps you can take to help eliminate the odor and keep your feet and shoes fresh and clean.

In this article, we will provide tips and techniques for removing odor from smelly shoes and feet, including how to choose the right socks, how to clean and deodorize your shoes, and how to prevent smelly feet and shoes in the future.

So, read on to learn more about how to say goodbye to stinky shoes and feet for good!

Why Do Some Shoes Smell And Others Don’t?

There are a few reasons why some shoes may have an unpleasant smell while others do not:

• One reason is that some materials used to make shoes, such as synthetic leather or rubber, are more prone to retaining moisture and bacteria, which can cause a bad smell.
• Shoes that are worn frequently without being allowed to dry out properly can also develop a smell over time.
• Wearing socks or hosiery that do not wick away moisture can also contribute to smelly shoes.
• Additionally, if the shoes are not cleaned and properly cared for, they may develop an odor.

On the other hand, shoes made of materials that are more breathable, such as leather or canvas, and that are kept dry and clean are less likely to develop a bad smell.

Why Do Feet Stink?

Your feet have more than a quarter-million sweat glands, so this is why your shoes stink.

When those glands are encased in a shoe, perspiration and warmth provide an ideal environment for germs to thrive.

To get rid of the odor in your shoes, you must eliminate the bacteria creating it. This may be accomplished by thoroughly cleaning them.

It also helps to use homemade shoe deodorizing sprays or powders. Then, to protect your feet from smelling, practice appropriate shoe and foot care.

Prevention

Here are some preventive tips to help you remove odor from smelly shoes and feet:

1. Feet Hygiene

Feet hygiene is an important aspect of overall personal hygiene. Here are a few tips for maintaining good feet hygiene:

• Wash your feet daily with soap and water, paying special attention to the areas between your toes.
• Dry your feet thoroughly after washing, including between your toes.
• Wear clean socks every day, and change them if they become damp or sweaty.
• Wear shoes that fit properly and allow your feet to breathe. Avoid wearing the same pair of shoes every day, as this can lead to the buildup of bacteria and moisture.
• Trim your toenails regularly, and cut them straight across to avoid ingrown toenails.
• Avoid going barefoot in public areas, as this can expose your feet to fungal infections.

By following these simple steps, you can help keep your feet clean, healthy, and free from odor.

2. Take Care Of Your Shoes

To help prevent your shoes from developing a bad smell, try the following tips:

• Allow your shoes to air out between wearings. This will help prevent the buildup of bacteria and moisture inside the shoes.
• Use insoles or foot powders to help absorb moisture and reduce the risk of bad odors.
• Clean your shoes regularly to remove dirt, sweat, and other sources of odor. This can be done by using a shoe-cleaning product or by wiping them down with a mixture of water and white vinegar.
• Deodorize your shoes by using a shoe deodorizing spray or by stuffing them with newspaper or dryer sheets overnight.
• Avoid wearing the same pair of shoes every day, as this can lead to the buildup of bacteria and moisture.
• You can also freeze them overnight to kill bacteria.

By following these tips, you can help keep your shoes fresh and odor-free.

3. Wear The Right Socks

To help prevent smelly feet, it is important to choose socks that are made of materials that can wick away moisture and help keep your feet dry.

Some good options include socks made of synthetic materials such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic, as well as natural materials such as wool and bamboo.

Cotton socks can retain sweat and moisture, so they might not be a great option.

It is also important to wear your socks properly to help prevent smelly feet. Here are a few tips for wearing socks:

• Choose the right size of socks. Socks that are too small can restrict circulation and lead to sweaty feet, while socks that are too large can bunch up and create areas where moisture can collect.
• Wear socks that go up to at least your ankles. This will help prevent your socks from sliding down and exposing your skin to the inside of your shoes, where bacteria and moisture can collect.
• Change your socks if they become damp or sweaty. This will help keep your feet dry and reduce the risk of smelly feet.
• Use moisture-wicking socks such as Coolmax.
• Opt for copper sole socks that inhibit smelly microbes.

By following these tips and choosing the right socks, you can help prevent smelly feet and keep your feet comfortable and healthy.

Remove Shoe Odor

To remove shoe odor, it’s not enough to deodorize your shoes and neutralize the bad smell. You also need to prevent your feet to sweat excessively.

Deodorize Your Shoes

There are a few simple methods you can use to deodorize your shoes and help eliminate bad odors:

1. Use a shoe deodorizing spray. These sprays contain ingredients that help neutralize odors and can be sprayed directly onto the inside of your shoes. If you don’t have shoe odor eliminators, then you can also place a soap inside your shoes and let it overnight.
2. Stuff your shoes with newspaper or dryer sheets. The newspaper or dryer sheets will absorb the odors inside your shoes overnight.
3. Place your shoes in a plastic bag with a few tablespoons of baking soda. The baking soda will absorb odors and help deodorize your shoes.
4. Place your shoes in a sunny spot for a few hours. The sunlight and heat can help kill bacteria and deodorize your shoes.
5. Use a mixture of water and white vinegar to wipe down the inside of your shoes. The vinegar will help neutralize odors and kill bacteria.
6. Another unusual way to remove shoe odor is to fill your shoes with kitty litter that will absorb moisture and bad smell.
7. Use silica gel sachets; after all, this is what they’re made for – to remove moisture.

By using one of these methods regularly, you can help keep your shoes fresh and odor-free.

Prevent Foot Sweat

Sweaty feet can be a problem for many people, but there are a few steps you can take to help prevent them:

1. Wear socks made of materials that can wick away moisture, such as synthetic fibers or natural materials like wool and bamboo.
2. Avoid wearing tight, synthetic socks or shoes that do not allow your feet to breathe.
3. Change your socks if they become damp or sweaty.
4. Wear shoes that fit properly and allow your feet to breathe. Avoid wearing the same pair of shoes every day, as this can lead to the buildup of bacteria and moisture.
5. Use insoles or foot powders to help absorb moisture and keep your feet dry.
6. Wash your feet daily and dry them thoroughly, including between your toes.
7. Use antiperspirant and deodorant on your feet.

By following these steps, you can help prevent sweaty feet and keep your feet dry and comfortable.

The Takeaway

Smelly shoes and feet can be a frustrating problem, but it is a problem that can be solved with the right approach.

By following the tips and techniques outlined in this article, you can learn how to eliminate bad odor and keep your feet and shoes fresh and clean.

Remember to choose the right socks, clean and deodorize your shoes regularly, and practice good foot hygiene to help prevent smelly feet and shoes in the future.

With a little effort and some simple changes, you can enjoy the confidence and comfort of fresh, clean, and odor-free feet and shoes.