Foot odor can ruin a perfectly good pair of shoes. While regularly cleaning your shoes and maintaining foot hygiene can help reduce the bacteria responsible for unpleasant smells, it might not always be enough to eliminate the odor entirely.
If you’re searching for a way to stop shoe odor (even when going sockless), try these five methods to freshen your shoes, including using anti-odor shoe inserts like FOOT WEAR.
Is It Normal for Shoes to Smell Bad?
If you’re feeling embarrassed by stinky shoes, don’t worry—it’s a common issue. When your feet sweat, the moisture creates an ideal environment for bacteria and fungi to thrive. While these microorganisms are harmless, they do produce a foul odor that can make your shoes smell bad.
A woman looking in disgust at a smelly ballet flat she is holding
The more your feet sweat, the more bacteria accumulate, making your shoes smell worse over time. Shoes made from synthetic materials or those that lack breathability can intensify the odor. Wearing socks typically helps absorb sweat and prevent smells, but going sockless doesn’t have to mean putting up with stinky shoes.
Fix Smelly Shoes with Anti-Odor Shoe Inserts
If you prefer not to wear socks, FOOT WEAR HAVEN offer a discreet yet effective way to fight shoe odor. These shoe inserts for smelly feet eliminate the need for socks—unless you want to wear socks with them. We won’t judge!
Also Read : Guide for not wearing for socks
FOOT WEAR HAVEN Paint Splatter, Leopard, and Peachy Rose sitting on yellow sofa
So, why are FOOT WEAR HAVEN the perfect remedy for stinky shoes? Here are a few reasons these barefoot insoles stand out:
- Moisture-wicking fabric layered over plush cushioning draws sweat away from your feet, keeping them dry and comfortable.
- Built-in odor control technology absorbs unpleasant smells caused by bacteria and sweat.
- They’re machine washable and dryer safe, making them easy to clean and ensuring lasting protection against odor.
A woman holding gray shoes with beige sock inserts in front of a cloudy blue sky
FOOT WEAR HAVEN are a great way to deodorize shoes, especially for those who prefer to go sockless. These anti-odor insoles keep your shoes fresh by preventing odor buildup from sweat stains and lingering smells.
FOOT WEAR HAVEN come in a variety of patterns, so the inside of your shoes will look as fresh as they smell. With their no-show design and non-slip bottom, you may soon forget you ever had smelly shoes!
5 Ways to Remove Smell from Shoes
Even with an excellent foot care routine, shoes can still develop an odor, especially if you suffer from excessive sweating. Boost the odor-fighting power of FOOT WEAR HAVEN and rescue your shoes from unpleasant smells with these easy deodorizing hacks:
A woman holding a pair of dirty sneakers while kneeling in front of a washing machine
1. Wash Your Feet
Daily foot washing prevents the growth of odor-causing bacteria. Thoroughly clean your feet with soap and water, paying attention to the soles and spaces between your toes. Rinse and dry your feet completely—even if it means using a hair dryer to ensure they’re fully dry. And if you wear socks, always opt for a clean, dry pair.
Also Read : Socks with hey dudes
2. Wash Your Shoes
In many cases, throwing your shoes in the washing machine can help eliminate sweat, bacteria, and odors. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for washing and drying your shoes, or check out this handy guide on how to wash shoes. Make sure your shoes are completely dry, inside and out, before wearing them again.
3. Add Baking Soda
Baking soda is a natural shoe deodorizer with antibacterial properties. It absorbs odors and moisture, making it an effective at-home remedy. For a fresher scent, combine baking soda with cornstarch and essential oil.
Here’s how you can use baking soda to deodorize your shoes:
- Fill two unused coffee filters with baking soda, cornstarch, and a few drops of essential oil (optional).
- Secure the filters with rubber bands.
- Place one in each shoe overnight to neutralize odors.
4. Alternate Your Shoes
Wearing the same pair of shoes every day increases the risk of bad odors. Shoes need time to air out, which helps prevent bacteria growth. If you only own one pair, consider removing the insoles to speed up drying or use an odor-absorbing insert. Going shoeless when indoors also gives your shoes a chance to breathe.
5. Use Shoe Deodorizers
There are many types of shoe deodorizers available, from sprays to boot dryers and charcoal bags. Choose the one that best suits your needs to keep your shoes smelling fresh.
Sneaker deodorizer balls are a quick and efficient way to eliminate odors. They fit easily into shoes and provide a long-lasting fresh scent for up to three months.
Do Insoles Help with Smell?
Worn-out, sweaty insoles are often the hidden cause of persistent shoe odors. They rarely get cleaned, which makes them a breeding ground for bacteria. Replacing your insoles with moisture-wicking, anti-odor inserts like FOOT WEAR HAVEN can effectively eliminate shoe odors and keep your shoes smelling fresh.
Get the Smell Out of Your Shoes with FOOT WEAR HAVEN
Shoe odor is caused by a buildup of sweat and bacteria, but you can combat this issue by keeping both your feet and shoes clean, along with using effective deodorizers. Don’t let shoe odor take over your life—eliminate it and keep it at bay with FOOT WEAR HAVEN anti-odor shoe inserts.
