Have you ever taken your shoes off and been accosted by an offensive odour coming from inside? Have you wanted to attempt to staunch the smell by immediately putting them back on? Has that smell lingered in the hall closet long after taking your shoes off?
What is causing that smell?
Simply put, there could be many reasons for lingering smells in your shoes. Let’s take a look at some of the common causes!
Athlete’s foot or other types of foot or nail fungus
Your feet can pick up fungus and bacteria from anywhere. When not wearing shoes or socks in public places, such as public pools, showers, or gym spaces, our feet are susceptible to picking up fungus and bacteria. Our homes can also be a place where this happens! If our family members walk around barefooted, they can pass whatever bacteria is on their feet to ours. Due to the nature of fungus or bacteria, smells can linger on the foot and in the shoe long after it is removed.
Sweating or skin shedding
When we wear our shoes, especially without socks, the build up of moisture and sweat absorbs into the shoe. Like body odour, foot odour soaks into the shoe and is released back into the air when we remove them. Dead skin cell build up also creates an odour when particles are left in the shoe. Of course, this is still possible with socks on. However, socks can act as a barrier for the moisture. Some fabrics are moisture wicking, removing the sweat from our feet and absorbing them into the fabric of the sock instead of letting it pool on the skin and in the shoe.
Lack of aeration
Whether we step in a puddle or remain completely dry throughout the day, stuffing our shoes into a closet, enclosed area, or gym bag can contain the odours in the shoe. So, when we put our shoes back on that lingering smell is still there.
How do I know the source of the smell?
So we know common causes of smelly shoes, but how can we identify which one applies? Here is how you can identify the source!
Athlete’s foot (other foot or nail fungus)
Look for a patch of white or red irritated skin on the bottom of the foot. This patch is usually intensely itchy. For nail fungus, the nail can become discoloured and thick. An odour often accompanies fungus or bacteria living on the feet in and out of the shoe. These can also be diagnosed by a Doctor, Chiropodist or Podiatrist or further treatment recommended by a BioPed clinician to one of the above.
Sweating or skin shedding
You may be sweating if you have hot feet or notice slipping and sliding in the shoe with or without a sock. Your foot will feel moist for extended periods during the day and feel damp when taken out of the shoe. You may see the residue in the shoe itself if you don’t wear socks with them, signalling dead skin cells collecting in the shoe.
Lack of aeration
Look where you store your footwear – is it out in the open, under the bed or in a duffle bag?
How can BioPed help you?
Athlete’s foot (other foot or nail fungus)
A BioPed Pedorthist can help recognize the signs of a foot or nail fungus and refer you to a specialized footcare professional or back to a Doctor for further treatment if medical grade interventions are required. We also have a range of footcare products, such as Footlogix Nail Tincture solution for nail fungus available in clinic. We also have Advanced Footcare nurses and Chiropodists at select locations. Check out the BioPed website to find a clinic near you that can serve your needs!
Sweating or skin shedding
Wearing moisture-wicking or thermoregulating socks can help control sweating and moisture accumulation in your shoes. At BioPed we carry an array of compression and diabetic socks in our clinics. Call to see if a fitting is required and talk to your physician about the benefits of compression socks.
Lack of aeration
Try storing your footwear in an open area with proper air flow, either from a fan moving air or an open window. Utilizing scented freshener products may also help reduce unwelcome odours in enclosed spaces. BioPed Footcare carries Footlogix Shoe and Foot Spray deodorants for your feet or shoes that kill odour-creating bacteria. Talk to a BioPed clinician about the best option for you!
