Why Does My Foot Fall Asleep Expert
But lets not get ahead of ourselves: The most important part of solving foot odor is being educated on foot odor. After all, knowing what is causing the problem is often the first step to solving it. Fortunately, youve found yourself at Smelly Feet 101, a crash course in the causes of foot odor and the treatments actually proven to make a difference.
To learn more about how to get rid of smelly feet, check out the proven stinky feet remedies and expert foot odor advice below. Hear that bell? Smelly Feet 101 is now in session.
Don’t Wear The Same Shoes Two Days In A Row
We all have a favorite pair of perfectly broken-in flats that we want to wear every day, but wearing the same pair of shoes two days in a row is a recipe for stink. The IPFH advises that to avoid wearing the same pair of shoes two days in a row so that shoes can dry out between wearings.
The IPFH also recommends removing the insoles to help shoes dry faster. So be sure to rotate your collection so as not to repeat it day after day.
How To Prevent Smelly Shoes
There are steps you can take before you even start wearing shoes, to minimise the smell. The NHS advises:
- Using a spray deodorant or antiperspirant on your feet.
- Putting medicated insoles, which have a deodorising effect, in your shoes.
- Using a foot powder to absorb sweat.
- Trying socks for sweaty feet some sports socks are designed to keep feet dry, and you can get special antibacterial socks.
- Wearing leather or canvas shoes, as they let your feet breathe, unlike plastic ones.
- Always wearing socks with closed-toe shoes.
It’s also not advisable to put shoes on immediately after showering water between the toes can encourage bacteria. Also, where possible, let your shoes breathe somewhere ventilated for 24 hours between wears.
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Heres How To Get Rid Of Foot Odor In Shoes
Experts recommended having at least two pairs of shoes that you alternate wearing daily. This allows each pair to dry out from sweat or moisture before being worn again, as wet shoes can be a breeding ground for odor-causing bacteria.
Bacteria and fungi and all those lovely little bugs love heat, moisture, and darknessand the inside of your shoe is the best place for that to happen, podiatrist Joy Rowland told Cleveland Clinic in 2019.
Shoes made of synthetic materialslike plastic shoes or acrylictend to hold on to smells more than natural materials, like leather, suede, cork and rubber. Choosing a more breathable material for your go-to shoes can help your smelly feet air out, even while pounding the pavement. Shoes with mesh panels or ventilation are also great choices for those struggling with foot odor, as they enhance breathability.
In addition to choosing the right shoes, be sure to change your socks at least once a day, but more often if your feet sweat substantially, like after exercise or on a particularly hot day. If you want to go the extra mile, choose socks that keep moisture away from feet, like sports socks or socks made of natural materials.
You can also buy special shoe insertslike those made of activated charcoalto help banish odors. Or invest in some cedar shoe trees, which help your shoes maintain their shape while drying out and also add a natural freshness to your kicks.
The Use Of Powders That Prevent The Smell
Another remedy is using spray powders on the feet like Dr. Scholls Odor-x Sport Foot and Sneaker Spray Powder. It is a dual-action formula that prevents athletes foot, wetness, and odor when used daily. Moreover, it instantly destroys odor when sprayed on the feet and sneakers.
Another powder product that may be useful is Grans Remedy. It is made in New Zealand and marketed around the world. I have known the product since it became popular in Japan. It is an effective solution that helps prevent the buildup of bacteria! It leaves your feet and smelling fresh by just sprinkling a handful of powders for 7 to 10 days. It works like a magic!
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Alternating Shoes And Socks
People should allow shoes time to fully dry out between wears to help cut down on particularly smelly feet.
Wearing one pair of shoes one day and a different pair the next day can give the shoes enough time to dry.
A person may also wish to keep an extra pair of socks on hand to change into during the day. This can help reduce sweating and smell.
What Else Can Cause Foot Odour
Smelly feet is something that can affect everyone however there are some people who are more prone to the problem than others, including teenagers, pregnant women and menopausal women, due to hormonal changes which make them sweat more. Stress and obesity can also cause people to sweat excessively.
Certain health conditions can contribute to the problem of smelly feet such as diabetes or heart disease, due to poor circulation, or those with fungal foot infections, such as athletes foot.
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You Wear Old Socks Or No Socks At All
Nike DRI-Fit Socks, $18, Kohls
If your socks aren’t properly absorbing sweat or you skip socks altogether, the sweat can get trapped in the soles of your shoes and cause some serious reeking. Fortunately, there are socks out there specifically designed to absorb odor-causing sweat.
Want more style tips? Check out the video below, and be sure to subscribe to Bustles YouTube page for more hacks and tricks!
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Unexpected Ways To Get The Odor Out Of Your Shoes
For a totally fresh start.
Okay, so your shoes smell. Youâre only human, after all. Itâs not like you wanted to stink up the elevator on the way to the 17th floor or create one of the most awkward rideshare experiences in the history of all time.
Let us offer some advice because this isnât our first Dear HMS situation. Weâve been helping people solve their stinkiest shoe conundrums for a while now and weâve discovered that there are 7âyes, count âemâ7 unexpected things you can do right now to liberate your feet from the oppressive reign theyâve had over your friends, family, and coworkers.
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How Do You Disinfect Shoes From Fungus
You can clean and disinfect your shoes using a mixture of vinegar and water. First, remove any dirt or debris from your shoes using a brush. Next, mix equal parts vinegar and water in a bowl. Dip a cloth into the mixture and use it to wipe down your shoes. Allow your shoes to air dry completely before wearing them again.
Look For The Original Cause Of The Bad Smell
We all know that the bad smell of the shoes is due to the sweat on our feet. But sometimes, surely you have noticed that there are shoes that smell more than others. Perhaps it is due to the insoles that absorb more sweat and retain it, which favors bacteria’s appearance.
Other times, it may be due to some hormonal disorder that a specialist in the subject must evaluate.
If you notice that the shoes’ bad smell does not disappear quickly, you should change the insoles regularly. If you can’t do it, use special ones that protect you from bad odor and bacteria. Be aware that long-term odor can cause foot problems.
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How To Get Rid Of Foot Odor
Treatments and home remedies for smelly feet include:
- Sweat-absorbing products like powders and insoles that reduce sweat and treat the source of odor, such as Dr. Scholls Odor-X® Ultra Sweat-Absorbing Foot Powder or Dr. Scholls® Odor-X® Odor-Fighting Insoles
- Soaking your feet in a bath: Try diluted black tea or vinegar and water to help reduce foot odor.
You should see a doctor about foot odor and wetness if:
- It disrupts your daily activities.
- You suddenly begin sweating more than usual.
How To Get Smell Out Of Shoes
Smelly shoes can be unpleasant. You take off your shoes, and suddenly the room is filled with a nasty stench. If there are several people in the room, it becomes easily embarrassing. So you are very curious about How to Get Smell Out of Shoes.
Thankfully, there are several effective ways to avoid bad odors in the shoe and get rid of the smell if it has already occurred. We have gathered here our best tricks to keep the shoes fresh on the inside.
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S To Clean Your Stinky Shoes
The best way to deodorize shoes depends on whether your shoes are washable or not. If theyre leather or suede shoes or have non-washable accents, your shoe deodorizing efforts will focus on cleaning the interior. In between cleanings, use homemade shoe deodorizers to keep them smelling fresh. If theyre canvas shoes or made from fabric, wash them using the steps below.
What Are The Other Treatments For Sweaty Feet
Treatment options depend on your symptoms.
Some of the common treatments for sweaty feet include:
- Over the counter or prescription antiperspirant roll
- Botox injection that may temporarily control excessive sweating of the feet
- Oral prescription medications, mostly anticholinergics
- Iontophoresis, in which a low electrical current is passed through the feet to block sweat glands
- Microwave therapy, in which a high-tech device is placed against the feet that emit thermal energy that destroys sweat glands permanently
- Sympathectomy that disturbs the nerve signals associated with sweating the doctors mostly prescribe this surgery in severe cases
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Washing Inserts And Insoles
Even shoes that cant go in the washing machine, like leather shoes, may have removable insoles that you can wash to get rid of shoe odors. If you have orthotic inserts, you should wash them, too.To wash shoe insoles, fill a sink with 2 cups water and 1 cup white vinegar then let your inserts soak for 5-10 minutes. Rinse them well then press the inserts between dry towels to blot excess moisture. Let your inserts fully air dry before putting them back in your shoes. Do this monthly to keep your inserts and insoles fresh. Replace inserts every 6 months, especially in running shoes.
Seconds Shoe Disinfectant And Deodorizer
Tester Smell Score: 5 out of 5
- Neutralizes odor without an overpowering smell
- Helps absorb moisture from wet shoes
- Odor-fighting prowess diminishes after 3 months
These amazing little bean bags received top marks from every one of our testers. Since the beads are activated by heat, we suggest tossing them in your shoes while theyre still toasty from a run for the best results. Even at room temperature, Gear Halos pouches wicked moisture, eliminated nearly all stink, and smelled clean and fresh. This actually smells really nice! one tester said. Its a pleasant, lightly floral scent with no trace of the cheese.
BEST ALL-NATURAL SPRAY
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Switch To Socks That Actually Stay Dry All Day
Sierra Socks Seamless Bamboo Socks, $8,
Fabric made from bamboo is much thinner and hygienic than cotton, as its anti-microbial and moisture-wicking. These seamless bamboo socks are made from 85 percent bamboo rayon, have no seams, and can be machine washed with the rest of your laundry. Reviewers say theyre insanely soft and silky, and help to keep their feet dryer and fresher all day.
Lemon Juice Mixed With Water
The IPFH says that lemon juice has antibacterial properties. It is also an astringent that can help to remove dead skin from the feet. Though no studies specifically show that rinsing your feet in a lemon juice/water solution prevents foot odor, many people find it helpful.
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Medical Teatments For Smelly Feet
Treatment for smelly feet depends on the cause.
If your smelly feet are caused by a fungal infection, a GP might prescribe a stronger antifungal treatment to clear it up.
If the cause is sweating, they might suggest a stronger antiperspirant or treatment to reduce sweating.
A treatment called iontophoresis may help with sweating, which involves passing a weak electrical current through the affected areas.
A GP might also suggest you see a foot specialist if your footcare problems do not clear up quickly.
Page last reviewed: 01 February 2022 Next review due: 01 February 2025
Use These Foot Products
Home treatments will normally do a good job of helping to reduce or eliminate your foot odor. However, if home treatments dont help alleviate your bromodosis, or if youre concerned that the sweating and odors are severe, you should see your doctor. They may prescribe stronger antiperspirants and foot soaps, and can offer advice on medical treatments for excessive sweating .
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Are Some People More Likely To Have Bromodosis
While everyones feet sweat , some people are more susceptible to the condition. Teenagers and pregnant women are prone to sweaty feet because their bodies produce particular hormones that make them sweat more than the average person, according to Healthline. The more sweat, the more likely a person is to harbor an increased level of bacteria on their feet.
That being said, your day-to-day life or even your mental health could sometimes impact whether youll experience bromodosis. For example, people who are on their feet all day performing physically demanding work tend to sweat more from their feet than those who work an office job. Similarly, people who experience high levels of stress tend to sweat more from their feet than those who experience low levels of stress.
Heres How To Treat Smelly Feet
There are many solutions to make your feet smell better if youre already experiencing problems with bromodosis. Some include simple habit shifts that can help keep the condition at bay. When possible, experts recommend going barefoot to let your feet air out, preventing sweating and bacteria build-up, Healthline suggests. Its also recommended to clean feet thoroughly after bathing or showering to mitigate the smelly feet condition
Then, theres the laundry list of over-the-counter remedies for smelly feet: Some experts recommend applying a small amount of rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball and applying it to your feet every night to help dry out your feet. Avoid applying this alcohol treatment to any cracks in your skin. If you need to quickly address foot odor, experts say it is safe to put deodorant on your feet to act as an antiperspirant and provide a fresh scent, according to Sweat Help. If you have athletes foot or another fungal infection, there are over-the-counter products that address this specific type of foot odor, including anti-fungal sprays, creams, and powder.
If home remedies dont work, its time to call in reinforcements. Were talking about your go-to doctor. If youre looking to get rid of smelly feet long-term, there are some prescription medications that help treat bromodosis, which can help manage especially tough cases. You may have to go to a podiatrist or dermatologist to get prescribed medication and to monitor its effectiveness.
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Replenish Your Beneficial Flora With Probiotics
Topical Probiotic Body Spray, $30,
Replenishing the natural microbiome of bacteria that exists on healthy skin is a great way to keep feet fresh, as they keep the bad odor-causing bacteria balanced and at bay. This topical probiotic body spray was originally created for babies to control skin rashes and bug bites, but its great for use on feet because its chemical-free, preservative-free, and contains nothing but 150 million different strands of beneficial bacteria and filtered water.
Spray Shoes With Essential Oils
Rocket Pure Natural Shoe Deodorizer, $16,
This Rocket Pure natural shoe deodorizer is made with a whole combination of natural but powerful essential oils that keep both feet and shoes feeling fresh. You can spray it on fabric or directly onto your body, and because its made without any chemicals or parabens, its great for sensitive skin. Fans of this spray are primarily runners and gym-goers, so you know this stuff is tough on odor.
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Orange Lemon Or Grapefruit
Another straightforward remedy is to use the peel of lemons, oranges, or grapefruits. The peeling of citrus not only provides a very characteristic smell, but it can also be a homemade trick for this problem.
Citrus peelings would help to remove bad odor from shoes. For this, we will follow the same method as with the previous ingredients:
- Put the citrus peelings in the shoes.
- Let it act all night.
Tea tree essential oil is the most effective formula. You can find it in natural stores and herbalists. It is inexpensive and can remove bad odor from shoes and make practical hand sanitizing gels.
How do we do it?
- Apply 3 to 5 drops to the insoles of the shoes twice a week.
- In this way, we will remove the odor and eliminate the bacteria.
