Banishing Stinky Shoes: How to Get Rid of Shoe Odor
August 21, 20235 min read
Navigating the challenge of how to get rid of shoe odor can be a real puzzle. You know the feeling - you take off your shoes and an unpleasant odor hits you. It's not just embarrassing, it's really frustrating. But here's the good news: getting rid of that shoe odor doesn't have to be complicated.
In fact, with a few easy tricks and things you probably have at home, you can say goodbye to that stink for good. No more holding your breath when you take off your sneakers or worrying about someone noticing the smell coming from your shoes. Let's dive into how you can solve this common problem once and for all.
Understanding the Reason Behind Shoe Odor
Ever wondered why your shoes start smelling bad? Well, it's mostly because of sweat, heat, and skin that comes off your feet. When your shoes don't get much air and you don't wash them often, microorganisms can grow inside, contributing to the issue of shoe odor. Some types of shoes that are made from fake materials can make this problem even worse because they don't let air in.
If you wear the same shoes a lot and don't give them time to dry out, the bad smell can get even worse. Studies show that when your shoes stay damp, bacteria – the tiny things that can make you sick – grow and make your shoes smell bad.
Ways to Get Rid of Shoe Odor
Now, let's talk about ways to make your shoes smell better. You might be surprised how simple it can be.
Baking Soda: Found right in your kitchen, baking soda absorbs moisture and helps eliminate bad odors. Sprinkle a generous amount inside your shoes at night. By morning, you'll likely notice a significant improvement in the smell.
Essential Oils: Extracted from plants, essential oils not only emit delightful scents but some also have antibacterial properties. Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to your shoes for a pleasantly fragrant and bacteria-free environment.
Rubbing Alcohol: Beyond being a first aid staple, rubbing alcohol doubles as a potent bacteria killer. Fill a spray bottle with rubbing alcohol, give your shoes a spritz, and let the solution combat both odor and unwanted microbes.
Dryer Sheets: Associated with laundry routines, dryer sheets have the power to infuse your shoes with a fresh aroma. Insert them into your shoes when not in use. This allows the dryer sheets to absorb odors and impart a pleasing fragrance.
Sunlight: Nature's own disinfectant, sunlight has the ability to naturally combat bacteria and fungi. Expose your shoes to direct sunlight for a few hours to help sanitize them and reduce persistent odors.
Newspaper: Newspaper is a surprisingly effective and budget-friendly solution to tackle shoe odor. Its absorbent nature makes it an ideal choice for wicking away moisture, a common factor of shoe odor. Crumple up sheets of newspaper and place them inside your shoes. This creates a moisture-absorbing barrier that helps to dry out any residual dampness.
Incorporating these techniques into your shoe care routine can make a difference in getting rid of unwanted odors. By learning how to get rid of shoe odor, you can achieve fresh-smelling shoes.
Don't think of getting rid of shoe odor as a one-time thing. If you tend to sweat a lot, you might need to work at it a bit more. Here are some tips:
Keep Your Feet Dry: Combat the root cause of bad odors by minimizing sweat. Make a habit of keeping your feet dry throughout the day, especially between your toes, where moisture can accumulate and foster bacterial growth.
Let Your Shoes Breathe: Allow your shoes some well-deserved breathing room. When not in use, leave them in an open, well-ventilated space to let moisture evaporate, reducing the optimal conditions bacteria thrive in.
Rotate Your Shoes: Give your shoes a break and let them recover. By alternating between different pairs, you provide each set with ample time to fully dry out, preventing the buildup of moisture that leads to persistent odors. Additionally, varying shoe materials benefit from the different drying rates provided by this practice.
Banishing shoe odor requires a consistent approach rather than a one-time fix, especially for those prone to excessive sweating.
How to Get Rid of Shoe Odor with These 7 Products
If you need more help, there are products specifically designed to eliminate shoe odor. Here are a few top-rated products:
GEARHALO™ Sports Deodorizer Pods: Put an end to shoe odors with GEARHALO™ Sports Deodorizer Pods. These pods don't just mask odors – they absorb and neutralize them, leaving your shoes smelling fresh and clean every time you wear them. (Buy on Amazon)
10 Seconds - Disinfectant: Freshen up your shoes and eliminate odor-causing bacteria with 10 Seconds Disinfectant Spray. This powerful spray not only combats odors but also ensures a healthier environment for your feet. (Buy on Amazon)
Hex Performance Deodorizing Spray: Experience long-lasting freshness with Hex Performance Deodorizing Spray. This spray fights odors at the source, leaving your shoes smelling clean and invigorated. (Buy on Amazon)
Glovestix Shoe Deodorizer & Odor Eliminator: Say goodbye to bad smells with Glovestix Shoe Deodorizer. These sticks actively eliminate odors, leaving your shoes fresh and free from harmful microbes. (Buy on Amazon)
Sof Sole Sneaker Balls: Keep your shoes smelling great with Sof Sole Sneaker Balls. These small balls neutralize odors and leave behind a refreshing fragrance. (Buy on Amazon)
Gran's Remedy Natural Shoe Deodorizer: Fight shoe odor naturally with Gran's Remedy Natural Shoe Deodorizer. This gentle yet effective solution neutralizes odors without harsh chemicals. (Buy on Amazon)
Ejis Anti-Odor Socks: Stop foot odor in its tracks with Ejis Anti-Odor Socks. These socks wick away moisture and prevent odor-causing bacteria, giving you confident and fresh feet. (Buy on our shop)
Eliminating shoe odor might seem tough. But it's not as hard as you think once you know how to get rid of shoe odor with these home remedies and commercial products. Now that you understand what's causing it – sweat, heat, and bacteria – you're already on the right path. Keeping your feet clean also makes a big difference.
Take Control of Foot Odor
Experience ultimate comfort and day-long freshness with Ejis anti-odor dress socks. Engineered with mesh ventilation zones and a terry loop construction, these socks ensure breathability and cushioning. Silver anti-odor technology halts the growth of odor-triggering bacteria. Elevate your sock game with our revolutionary odor-fighting dress socks. (Buy on our shop)
Ejis, Inc. is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking toamazon.com. Some links on this page provide us a commission at no additional cost to you.
Sweaty feet can cause all sorts of problems, like discomfort, infection, and odor. If your feet sweat a lot, then consider using shoe insoles for sweaty feet. There are many different types of insoles available on the market today but not all of them are good for people who have sweaty feet. Read on for some of the best insoles for sweaty or smelly feet.
Join us as we reveal the top ten foot powders tailored to tackle sweaty feet issues. These powders not only soak up moisture but also fight off smells and help with common foot problems. We're here to help you make a choice that will keep you feeling great and walking tall.
Finding the perfect gifts for dads who sweat can be a challenging task, especially when you want to give them practical yet stylish solutions. In this blog post, we explore gift ideas that cater specifically to fathers who experience excessive sweat. From high-tech cooling gadgets to sweat proof clothing, there is something on our list for every dad who sweats.
