Closed shoe season has arrived, and so with it, smelly shoes and feet. Whether it’s from sweat, bacteria, or just everyday wear and tear, shoe odours can be a real hassle to deal with.
With a few simple tips and tricks though, you can sport your favourite pair of sneakers without putting up with overwhelming odour. Let’s look at why shoes start to stink, and how to stop shoes from smelling.
Why do shoes stink?
Before dipping into the solutions for stinky shoes, it may be useful to understand why your favourite pair of sneakers are smelly in the first place.
Shoe odours are primarily caused by bacteria and fungus that thrive in warm, moist environments – like the inside of your shoes. These microorganisms feed on sweat and dead skin cells, producing organic acids that result in that distinctive odour. Even with good foot hygiene, bacteria can linger in your shoes, leaving them smelling…less than fresh.
Winter is generally considered smelly shoe season, as closed toe shoes worn over warm socks give rise to perfect conditions for bacteria and fungus to thrive.
How to stop shoes from smelling
Now that we know what causes stinky shoes, we’ll explore 7 effective ways of how to stop shoes from smelling:
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1. Bicarbonate of soda
Bicarbonate of soda is a natural deodoriser that absorbs odours and bacteria. Simply sprinkle it inside your shoes and leave overnight (or longer) to neutralise unpleasant smells.
2. Vinegar spray
Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spritz the inside of your shoes after wearing. Vinegar neutralises odours and kills bacteria, leaving your shoes smelling fresh.
3. Wash your shoes
Most fabric shoes can be washed by hand or in the washing machine. Use an enzyme-based detergent and cool water to remove dirt and bacteria, then air dry thoroughly before wearing again.
4. Essential oils
Tea tree, clove, and cedarwood essential oils have natural antibacterial properties that can help eliminate odours. Mix a few drops with water in a spray bottle and apply to the inside of your shoes.
5. Sun blast
Direct sunlight can help kill bacteria and fungus lurking inside your shoes. Place them in direct sunlight for a few hours to dry out and freshen up.
6. Use a disinfecting spray
Look for sprays specifically designed to disinfect and deodorise shoes. These sprays contain bacteria-killing ingredients that can help eliminate stubborn odours.
7. Rubbing alcohol
Wipe down the inside of your shoes with rubbing alcohol to kill bacteria and neutralise odours. Allow them to dry thoroughly before wearing again.
How to prevent shoes from smelling
Prevention is key when it comes to keeping shoe odours at bay. Here are some tips to help prevent odours from returning:
- Practice good foot hygiene, washing and drying your feet thoroughly.
- Treat athlete’s foot promptly with anti-fungal products.
- Wear socks made of sweat-wicking materials to keep feet dry.
- Allow shoes to dry completely between wearings and wash insoles frequently.
- Choose breathable shoe materials like leather and natural fibres.
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Feature Image: Unsplash / Barbora Apolednova
