Do you live in fear of removing your shoes in public or in social situations? If so, there’s a good chance you are one of the many people have smelly feet. Although foot odor is embarrassing, it’s not uncommon.

Sweat is itself odorless. It becomes a stinky problem when it comes in contact with bacteria on the skin. Overcoming foot sweat is the key to avoiding foot odor. Luckily there are ways to prevent your sweaty feet from becoming stinky fee:

What Causes Smelly Feet?

Foot odor is a medical issue called bromodosis. It is a form of body odor that occurs when the sweat of your feet mixes with bacteria. When your feet sweat, bacteria react by feeding on foot skin. That process is what creates the “sour” or “cheesy” foot smell.

Excessive Foot Sweat

With more than 250,000 sweat glands on each foot, everyone has sweaty feet. In fact, it is the area of the body with the most sweat glands. If you suffer from excessive foot sweat, you most likely produce more than the average pint of sweat a day. Oftentimes excessive sweating is attributed to a medical condition called hyperhidrosis. Yet excessive sweating may also be caused by medications or hormonal changes.

Fungal Infections

Fungal infections such as athlete’s foot can cause foot odor. When treating fungal infections, avoid applying lotion between your toes. Moisture keeps the fungus growing and lotion between the toes locks in moisture. Instead apply lotion to your soles and powders between your toes. This prevents a fungal foot infection from getting worse.

Socks, Shoes and Other Footwear

The best socks for smelly feet are clean, dry socks. Foot odor can be worse in the winter if you live in a cold climate where heavy socks are a must to keep warm. Many heavy winter socks do not breathe well, causing feet to produce more sweat.

Damp socks from snow and slush can also contribute to smelly feet. Because moisture contributes to sweat-related odor, remove wet socks as soon as possible. Keep a pair of clean socks handy, so you can change into dry ones even if you aren’t at home.

Stress Sweat

Stress can cause feet to sweat. Stress-related sweat stinks because it is produced by different glands. These glands do not produce the clear, watery sweat that sweat glands produce... so stress sweat reeks regardless of the bacteria on your skin. If you are stressed out and have foot odor, wash your feet and change your socks.

What are the Best Socks to Prevent Stinky Feet?

Sweaty feet make for stinky feet. One surefire way to keep foot odor at bay is to wear proper sweat absorbing socks. Ejis makes an excellent sock designed to fight foot sweat and odor. Socks that help reduce sweat are socks that help you avoid smelly feet!

Look for these features when searching for moisture-wicking and anti-odor socks:

Anti-Odor Properties – Socks infused with silver anti-odor technology stops odor-causing bacteria.

Moisture Wicking – Moisture-wicking fabric keeps sweat away from your feet. Less sweat on your feet means less stink in your shoe.

Breathable – Mesh ventilation zones improve air circulation, keeping feet cool and dry.

Along with the moisture-wicking and breathable features, look for socks that are also designed for comfort. Cushioned foot beds, seamless construction and non-slip cuffs reduce friction and irritation.

What are Other Ways Prevent Stinky Feet and Smelly Shoes?

Try these other tips to help reduce odor on your feet:

• Wash your feet with an anti-microbial soap and dry thoroughly.
• Change your socks once they become sweaty or if they get wet from weather.
• Soak your feet in sage or black tea. Simply steep for several minutes, cool to room temperature, and then soak your feet in the tea for 30 minutes. Repeat several times a day, if desired.
• Before exercise, rub athlete’s foot or baby powder to your clean, dry feet. This helps prevent irritation due to excessive sweat.

Exfoliate your feet to remove the dead skin. You can do this yourself with a pumice stone or foot brush. You can also treat yourself to a pedicure by a professional. (They’re not just for the ladies anymore!)

Check out these tips to combat the stench in your shoes:

• If your shoes get wet from sweat, wad up newspaper and stuff into your shoes. The newspaper absorbs moisture and prevents odor.
• Believe it or not, some people suggest using cat litter to deodorize and absorb moisture in shoes. To avoid residual grains sticking to the foot bed, place the litter in the leg of ladies’ pantyhose or nylons.
• To treat sneakers or canvas shoes, sprinkle a little salt into them. Salt also absorbs moisture.
• Place a new dryer sheet into each shoe and leave overnight to defuse odors.

With the right socks, you can confidently step out of your shoes in any situation... knowing your feet are cool and dry; and your shoes are fresh and odor-free.

Check out all the sweat reducing properties of Ejis Antimicrobial Dress Socks. They are available in three colors and come in single packs, 3-packs or 6-packs.