Fresh Feet Forward: Eliminate Shoe Odor with These Tips

Slipping into your favorite sneakers only to be greeted by an unpleasant smell can be frustrating. Shoe odor is a common problem that can affect anyone. The problem usually occurs because of sweat, bacteria, and a lack of ventilation. However, the good news is, with a few tips and tricks, you can easily remove odor from your favorite shoes. In this blog, we will discuss the causes and remedies of shoe odor. We will also list down some tips that can help you prevent smelly shoes and keep them fresh for many wears.

Causes of Shoe Odor

Before we discuss the tricks that can help you remove shoe odor, it’s essential to determine the cause. This will help you tackle the issue rather than just masking it temporarily. Here we have listed some of the top causes:

• Excessive sweat: The perspiration from your feet gets trapped in the closed environment of your shoes.
• Bacteria and fungi: These microorganisms feed on your foot sweat and dead skin cells, and release foul smells.
• Not wearing socks: This causes your feet to sweat, and it comes in direct contact with the shoes.
• Poor ventilation: Synthetic shoes that don't breathe well trap moisture, creating an environment perfect for odor-causing microorganisms.
• Unclean shoes: Lack of cleaning or drying can accumulate dirt and skin shedding, which intensifies the smell.

Quick Home Remedies to Remove Shoe Odor

If you’re dealing with mild to moderate shoe odor, you don’t always need to run to the store. There are plenty of natural, inexpensive remedies you can use to get rid of shoe odor at home.

• Baking Soda: This is one of the most effective natural deodorizers. It absorbs moisture and neutralizes odor-causing bacteria. Simply sprinkle a small amount of baking soda inside your shoes. Let it sit overnight, and shake off the excess the next day.
• Vinegar Spray: Vinegar has antimicrobial properties that kill bacteria and neutralize bad odors. Take a spray bottle and mix equal parts of white vinegar and water. Then shake the solution well and lightly mist the inside of your stinky shoes. Allow them to air dry.
• Rubbing Alcohol: Clean the inside of your sneakers with rubbing alcohol to eliminate the smell.
• Tea Bags: Tannins in unused tea bags can help kill bacteria. Place one tea bag in each shoe for a few hours; an easy emergency fix for mild odor.
• Essential Oils: A few drops of tea tree oil, lavender, or peppermint essential oil can leave your shoes smelling fresh while offering antibacterial benefits. Apply the oil to a cotton ball or tissue and place it inside your shoes overnight.
• Replace Insoles: Replacing your old insoles with new ones can be an effective shoe smell remover. Alternatively, you can use odor-free or activated charcoal-based insoles to keep bad smells away.
• Washing: Cleaning and drying your sneakers is crucial to keep them smelling fresh. Click here to get a detailed guide on how to clean stinky shoes.
• Freezing: Pack your shoes in a plastic bag and leave them in the freezer overnight. The cold temperature will help kill bacteria and eliminate the odor. Make sure you allow enough time for the sneakers to thaw naturally before wearing them.
• Silicon Drying Pouch: It contains silica gel that helps absorb moisture from its surroundings. You can place this shoe odor eliminator inside the sneakers to maintain dryness and prevent the growth of bacteria and molds.
• Dryer Sheets: You can lay dryer sheets inside your sneakers and leave them overnight. They will absorb moisture and remove odor.
• Sun Drying: Sometimes the simplest solution is the most effective. Leave your shoes in the sun to dry naturally. However, take proper precautions with suede and leather shoes, as they can fade.

Products to Eliminate Shoe Odor

Sometimes, the problem is more severe, and home remedies aren’t enough. In such cases, you should look out for the following professional and long-term solutions that will answer "how to remove the stench from shoes":

• Shoe Deodorizer Sprays: A quick spray of shoe deodorizer neutralizes odors instantly by killing bacteria. Look for shoe sprays that are safe for the given material and will work without causing damage.
• Moisture-Wicking Shoe Trees: Cedar shoe trees preserve your shoe shape and absorb excess moisture from inside the shoes. Using shoe trees after each wear can significantly reduce the chance of odor build-up.

How to Prevent Shoe Odor

The best way to get rid of smelly shoes is to prevent them:

• Rotate your shoes: Avoid wearing the same pair of shoes every day and let them dry completely between uses.
• Powder: Sprinkle talcum powder inside your shoes before wearing them to keep them dry and odor-free.
• Moisture-Wicking Socks: Use technical fabric socks that wick away moisture.
• Keep Shoes Dry: If your shoes get wet, dry them completely by using a shoe tree or stuffing them with newspaper.
• Proper Storage: Keep your shoes in a dry, well-ventilated area, and choose breathable storage options like fabric dust bags.
• Foot Hygiene: Ensure your feet are clean and dry before wearing shoes to avoid bacteria buildup, fungal infections, and foot odor.

Conclusion

Shoe odor is a common problem, but you can easily solve it using the right approach. Apart from using the tips to reduce the odor, you should also focus on the preventive measures. Always ensure that your shoes are clean and dry before wearing them. Use natural remedies to remove shoe smell as they are sustainable, effective, and come with no side effects. However, when the problem becomes persistent, go for specialized products.