Why your shoes start smelling and simple ways to keep them fresh
Shoe odour often comes from trapped sweat, bacteria and poor ventilation inside footwear. Drying shoes fully, rotating pairs and keeping feet clean can help stop it returning.
If your shoes develop a strong smell even after you wash your feet regularly, the problem may not be your hygiene alone. Sweat, bacteria, moisture and poor ventilation can all contribute to that familiar odour.
The good news is that a few simple habits can help keep shoes fresher and prevent the smell from returning.
WHY DO SHOES START SMELLING?
Feet have a large number of sweat glands, and they can produce moisture throughout the day. Sweat itself does not usually have a strong smell. The odour develops when bacteria on the skin break down components in sweat and create compounds that smell unpleasant.
When feet are inside closed shoes for several hours, heat and moisture can get trapped. If the shoes do not dry properly between uses, the damp environment can allow bacteria and fungi to thrive.
Socks can also play a role. Wearing the same pair for too long, particularly after sweating, can leave additional moisture and bacteria inside the footwear.
LET YOUR SHOES DRY PROPERLY
One of the simplest ways to reduce shoe odour is to allow footwear to dry completely before wearing it again.
After taking your shoes off, leave them in a well-ventilated area rather than immediately putting them inside a closed cupboard or bag.
If the insoles can be removed, take them out and let them dry separately. This can help moisture escape from areas that are otherwise difficult to ventilate.
ROTATE YOUR FOOTWEAR
Wearing the same pair every day can give it very little time to dry.
If possible, alternate between different pairs of shoes. This gives each pair more time to air out and dry before the next use.
This is particularly useful if your feet tend to sweat heavily or you spend long hours wearing closed footwear.
KEEP YOUR FEET CLEAN AND DRY
Wash your feet regularly and pay attention to the areas between the toes. After washing, dry your feet thoroughly before putting on socks or shoes.
Moisture left between the toes can contribute to an environment where bacteria and fungi grow more easily.
If your feet become sweaty during the day, changing into a fresh pair of socks can also help.
CHOOSE SOCKS THAT MANAGE MOISTURE
Socks can trap sweat against the skin, so changing them regularly is important.
Avoid putting on socks that are already damp. If they become noticeably sweaty during the day, change into a clean, dry pair.
The material also matters. Breathable fabrics can help with moisture management, while very tight or poorly ventilated footwear can keep sweat trapped for longer.
CLEAN THE SHOES, NOT JUST YOUR FEET
Cleaning your feet will not completely solve the problem if the inside of the shoe has accumulated sweat and bacteria.
Check the care instructions for your footwear before cleaning it. Some shoes can be washed, while others should only be wiped or cleaned using specific methods.
Removable insoles should also be cleaned according to their care instructions and allowed to dry completely before being put back.
Do not store damp shoes immediately after cleaning them.
TRY SIMPLE ODOUR-CONTROL METHODS
For shoes that can tolerate it, leaving them open in a dry, well-ventilated place can help reduce moisture and odour.
You can also use commercially available shoe odour absorbers or moisture-absorbing products designed for footwear. Follow the product instructions and avoid putting substances inside shoes if the manufacturer advises against it.
Avoid masking the smell with excessive perfume or deodorant. This may temporarily cover the odour without addressing the moisture and bacteria causing it.
WHEN SHOE ODOUR MAY NEED MORE ATTENTION
Persistent foot or shoe odour can sometimes occur alongside a fungal infection such as athlete's foot, particularly if there is itching, peeling, cracking or irritation of the skin.
If you notice these symptoms, repeatedly get infections or cannot control the problem despite keeping your feet and footwear clean and dry, it may be worth speaking to a healthcare professional.
The key to fresher shoes is simple: reduce moisture, allow footwear to dry properly, keep your feet clean and avoid wearing the same damp pair repeatedly.