How to Keep Your Shoes from Stinking

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posted on 18 years ago — updated on 1 second ago

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Are you bothered by the subtle but growing smell coming from your shoes and feet? Foot smell could be caused by any number of things: overuse of one pair of shoes, bacterial or fungal infection, or lack of aeration, among others. If you want to be rid of that tangy, musky, foul smell coming from your nice kicks, look no further. Read on for a discussion of how to keep your shoes from stinking.

Steps

Choosing the Right Shoes

Wear shoes that fit you. When your shoes don't fit you, your feet could sweat more than usual (aside from being incredibly uncomfortable). Get fitted before buying shoes and don't be afraid to see a podiatrist if your feet begin to hurt you.

Wear shoes that have breathable fabrics. It's not a horribly revolutionary idea, but wearing shoes with more breathable fabrics will cut down on foot-sweat and odor. Synthetic fabrics usually do not breathe well. The most breathable fabrics include: Cotton Linen Leather Hemp.

Giving Shoes a Break

Alternate shoes. Avoid wearing the same pair of shoes two days in a row. This gives them a chance to air out before you wear again.

Give your shoes a nice airing out. Your feet need airing up, but so do your shoes. When it's nice and sunny outside, don't hesitate to let your shoes play outside—without you. That's it––give them a nice break!

Give shoes the boot. Banish smelly shoes to the car in winter. Leave them out there over a couple of freezing days and nights. Allow them to warm slowly to room temperature before wearing.

Personal Hygiene

Wash your feet every day or every other day with soap. If fungus or bacteria is what's causing your feet and shoes to smell, it's a good idea to attack the smell at the source. Every day when taking a shower, give both of your feet a good, sudsy wipe-down with soap. Washing your feet every day with soap may dry them out and leave them cracked. If they get dry, moisturize them with after washing and consider washing every other day.

Put deodorant on your feet. This might sound weird, but keep in mind that your feet sweat too. Buy a stick of deodorant that is meant only for your feet (that is, don't use it anywhere else) and apply it every morning.

Baby Powder

Put baby powder or Gold Bond on your feet. Then cover up with socks.

Put another layer of baby powder in the shoes. Then wear the shoes.

Insoles or Linings

Use cedar insoles or chips. Cedar has anti-fungal properties and is often used to deodorize clothes. The insoles would stay in your shoes, while the chips would need to be inserted at night and removed in the morning.

Put in odor-control insoles. Odor-controlling insoles can be cut to fit the shape of your sole, and come in several different colors. These work well for sandals, high heels or open-toed shoes. Secure the insole with small strips of double-sided tape or dabs of rubber cement. These will help the insole stay in place while keeping it easily removable.