Smelly shoes can be embarrassing and frustrating. Even after washing your feet or changing your socks, the odour can come back quickly! In many cases, the smell is caused by sweat, bacteria, and moisture building up inside your shoes.
Feet have many sweat glands, and when sweat gets trapped in shoes, especially those that do not allow air flow, bacteria can and will grow. As the bacteria break down sweat, an unpleasant smell develops.
Shoe odour is common, but it can sometimes point to a larger issue, such as excessive sweating, fungal infections, or footwear that is not providing enough ventilation.
Ways to Deodorize Shoes and Reduce Odour
If your shoes smell bad, there are many ways to reduce the odour and make your footwear feel fresher. These include:
- Let shoes air out after wearing them
- Rotate between different pairs of shoes
- Remove insoles to allow them to dry fully
- Clean removable insoles when possible
- Sprinkle baking soda inside shoes overnight
- Use foot powders or sprays to reduce moisture
- Wear moisture-wicking socks instead of pure cotton socks
- Choose shoes made with breathable materials
It is also important to make sure your feet stay as dry as possible throughout the day.
Some signs that moisture may be causing the problem include:
- Damp socks at the end of the day
- Sweaty feet during exercise or work
- Shoes that stay wet for long periods
- White, peeling, or itchy skin between the toes
- Persistent odour even after cleaning shoes
If the smell continues despite cleaning your shoes, there may be an underlying foot condition contributing to the problem.
How to Remove Smell from Shoes and Feet
Sometimes treating the shoes alone is not enough. It is also important to address what is happening with the feet. Some common causes of foot odour include:
- Excessive sweating
- Athlete’s foot
- Bacteria on the skin
- Thickened skin or calluses that trap moisture
- Wearing the same shoes every day
- Poor foot hygiene
There are several treatment options that may help:
- Wash feet daily with soap and water
- Dry carefully between the toes
- Change socks during the day if needed
- Use antifungal creams or sprays if recommended
- Wear properly fitted shoes with good ventilation
- Replace old shoes that continue to hold odours
A professional assessment can help identify the cause of the smell and recommend the right treatment plan.
How the BioPed Clinical Team Can Help
Different foot care professionals can help depending on the cause of the odour. A Certified Pedorthist can:
- Assess your footwear and fit
- Recommend more breathable shoes
- Suggest moisture-wicking socks or insoles
- Identify footwear issues that may trap heat and sweat
A Registered Chiropodist can:
- Identify & treat infections, such as Athlete’s foot
- Treat skin and nail concerns
- Recommend medical treatments for excessive sweating
- Address calluses or other skin conditions
A Medical Foot Care Nurse can:
- Provide skin/nail foot care and hygiene
- Monitor skin health
- Offer support for people with mobility concerns
- Identify early signs of skin breakdown or infection
Tips to Help Prevent Shoe Odour
Once the smell improves, a few simple habits can help keep it from coming back.
Helpful prevention tips include:
- Alternate between shoes each day
- Replace socks daily
- Avoid wearing damp shoes
- Choose breathable footwear when possible
- Use foot powder if your feet sweat heavily
- Clean insoles and socks regularly
- Treat fungal infections early
- Replace shoes that no longer dry properly
Shoe odour is common, but it does not have to become an ongoing problem. Addressing moisture, improving footwear, and treating any underlying foot conditions can make a big difference. With the right care, it is possible to keep both your feet and your shoes feeling fresher.
