Smelly shoes? Here’s how to get rid of bad odors
Smelly shoes can be truly unpleasant. You take off your shoes and suddenly the room fills with a terrible stench. If others are around, it can quickly become embarrassing. Fortunately, there are several effective ways to avoid bad odors—or remove them if they’ve already taken hold. Here, we’ve gathered our best tips for keeping the inside of your shoes fresh.
Why shoes start to smell
Ever noticed that some shoes start to smell worse than others? The culprit is a mix of sweat and bacteria. We all naturally carry certain bacteria on our skin—they’re actually there to help keep harmful germs at bay.
Throughout the day, your feet sweat—whether you notice it or not. In fact, your feet have around 250,000 sweat glands. If your shoes are tightly enclosed, that moisture gets trapped until you take them off. That’s why some shoes develop odors more quickly than others.
When sweat and bacteria come into contact, the bacteria start to break the sweat down. This process creates different types of foul-smelling acids inside your shoes. Unpleasant, to say the least.
Some of the common acids that form when sweat and bacteria interact include:
Methanethiol – A mild acid that smells like cheese
Acetic acid – Also known as vinegar; smells just like it
Butyric acid – A thick, oily substance with a rotten cabbage scent
Propionic acid – Another sharp smell, often described as sour or rancid
How to prevent smelly shoes
The best scenario is, of course, to prevent odors from forming at all. Here’s how you can reduce the risk.
Rotate your shoes
Wearing the same pair every day doesn't give them time to dry out. Moisture builds up, and so does odor. Rotate between at least two pairs, and choose breathable materials whenever possible. Store your shoes in a dry, well-ventilated space and avoid putting them straight into a closed cabinet after use.
Replace the insoles
An easy way to keep your shoes dry and odor-free is to use removable insoles. You can find options made from leather, fabric, or with activated charcoal to neutralize smell. Take them out after use and let them air dry—on a radiator, for example. They’re inexpensive and easy to replace when needed.
Dry them with newspaper
If your shoes get soaked—from rain or a trail run—drying them properly is key. Stuff crumpled newspaper inside right after taking them off to absorb the worst of the moisture. After a while, remove the paper and let the shoes finish drying in fresh air.
Keep your feet clean
While skin bacteria are natural, maintaining foot hygiene is important. Wash your feet with soap during showers to remove built-up odor-causing acids. Dry them thoroughly before putting your shoes back on—and give them a moment to air out if possible.
Don’t forget your socks
Wearing shoes without socks makes it easier for sweat to accumulate. Socks help absorb moisture and can be changed throughout the day to reduce odor. Choose quality socks made from natural materials like cotton, wool, or even bamboo, which has sweat-resistant properties.
If odor is a recurring issue, try washing your socks at 60°C instead of 40°C to eliminate bacteria more effectively.
How to get rid of bad odor
Even with good habits, most of us will deal with smelly shoes at some point. Here are a few proven ways to freshen them up:
Machine wash your shoes
Some shoes—like many canvas sneakers or running shoes—can handle a gentle wash. Use a low-temperature program and follow the manufacturer’s care instructions. While low temps don’t kill all bacteria, they still remove dirt, buildup, and many microbes.
Use baking soda
To neutralize odors, sprinkle a tablespoon of baking soda into each shoe and let it sit overnight. (Baking soda is more effective than baking powder, which contains additives.)
Try talc or baby powder
Both absorb moisture well. Dust a small amount into your shoes before wearing them. If you tend to sweat heavily, you can also apply powder directly to your feet.
Soak shoes in vinegar
If nothing else works, try a vinegar bath. Mix two deciliters of vinegar with water in a basin and submerge the shoes—make sure the fabric is soaked through. Rinse thoroughly with clean water or machine wash afterwards.
Only use this method on shoes that can handle water!