How to Keep Your Shoes from Stinking

Last Updated: March 22, 2022 References Approved

Are you bothered by the subtle but growing smell coming from your shoes and feet? Foot smell could be caused by any number of things: overuse of one pair of shoes, bacterial or fungal infection, or lack of aeration, among others. If you want to be rid of that tangy, musky, foul smell coming from your nice kicks, look no further. Read on for a discussion of how to keep your shoes from stinking.

Method 1

Method 1 of 9:

Choosing the Right Shoes

1
Wear shoes that fit you. When your shoes don't fit you, your feet could sweat more than usual (aside from being incredibly uncomfortable). Get fitted before buying shoes and don't be afraid to see a podiatrist if your feet begin to hurt you.^{[1]
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Research source}
2
Wear shoes that have breathable fabrics. It's not a horribly revolutionary idea, but wearing shoes with more breathable fabrics will cut down on foot-sweat and odor. Synthetic fabrics usually do not breathe well. The most breathable fabrics include:^{[2]
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- Cotton
- Linen
- Leather
- Hemp.

Method 2

Method 2 of 9:

Giving Shoes a Break

1
Alternate shoes. Avoid wearing the same pair of shoes two days in a row. This gives them a chance to air out before you wear again.^{[3]
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Trustworthy Source
National Health Service (UK)
Public healthcare system of the UK
Go to source}
2
Give your shoes a nice airing out. Your feet need airing up, but so do your shoes. When it's nice and sunny outside, don't hesitate to let your shoes play outside—without you. That's it––give them a nice break!
3
Give shoes the boot. Banish smelly shoes to the car in winter. Leave them out there over a couple of freezing days and nights. Allow them to warm slowly to room temperature before wearing.

Method 3

Method 3 of 9:

Personal Hygiene

1
Wash your feet every day or every other day with soap. If fungus or bacteria is what's causing your feet and shoes to smell, it's a good idea to attack the smell at the source. Every day when taking a shower, give both of your feet a good, sudsy wipe-down with soap.^{[4]
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- Washing your feet every day with soap may dry them out and leave them cracked. If they get dry, moisturize them with after washing and consider washing every other day.
2
Put deodorant on your feet. This might sound weird, but keep in mind that your feet sweat too. Buy a stick of deodorant that is meant only for your feet (that is, don't use it anywhere else) and apply it every morning.^{[5]
X
Trustworthy Source
National Health Service (UK)
Public healthcare system of the UK
Go to source}

Method 4

Method 4 of 9:

Baby Powder

If your feet start smelling when they get damp, then a good way to keep them from getting damp (aside from giving them a breather every once in a while) is to powder them with baby or talcum powder. The powder has a pleasant, but subtle, smell to it and could help your feet from sweating in the first place.

1
Put baby powder or Gold Bond on your feet. Then cover up with socks.^{[6]
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2
Put another layer of baby powder in the shoes. Then wear the shoes.^{[7]
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Method 5

Method 5 of 9:

Baking Soda

1
Deodorize with baking soda. Sprinkle a bit into your shoes every night when you take them off. Before you put your shoes on in the morning, take the shoes outside and clap the soles together to get rid of excess powder.^{[8]
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Research source}

Method 6

Method 6 of 9:

Freezing the Shoes

1
Freeze out the smell. Put your shoes in freezer-size sealable plastic bags (one per shoe, if necessary) and put them in the freezer overnight. The cold should kill any fungus or bacteria causing the odor.

Method 7

Method 7 of 9:

Using Socks

1
Wear socks when possible. Breathable cotton socks help absorb some of the moisture from your feet, keeping your shoes a bit cleaner.^{[9]
X
Trustworthy Source
National Health Service (UK)
Public healthcare system of the UK
Go to source}
- If you're wearing flats or high heels, you can wear socks that won't show. They should be cut so that they only cover the back of your heel, the sides and bottom of your feet, and the front of your toes.
- Use running socks. They apply "moisture-wicking" technology which helps to keep your feet dry.

Method 8

Method 8 of 9:

Insoles or Linings

1
Use cedar insoles or chips. Cedar has anti-fungal properties and is often used to deodorize clothes. The insoles would stay in your shoes, while the chips would need to be inserted at night and removed in the morning.^{[10]
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2
Put in odor-control insoles. Odor-controlling insoles can be cut to fit the shape of your sole, and come in several different colors. These work well for sandals, high heels or open-toed shoes.^{[11]
X
Trustworthy Source
National Health Service (UK)
Public healthcare system of the UK
Go to source}
- Secure the insole with small strips of double-sided tape or dabs of rubber cement. These will help the insole stay in place while keeping it easily removable.
3
Use silver shoe linings. Linings containing silver are anti-microbial and can inhibit the growth of odor-causing bacteria.
4
Use dryer sheets. Simply place a couple of dryer sheets in your shoes while you use them. These instantly deodorize the smell.^{[12]
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Research source}

Method 9

Method 9 of 9:

Washing the Shoes

1
If your shoes are washable, give them a bath. Either toss them in the washing machine or submerge them in a detergent bath for a gentler clean. Be sure to clean the inside, especially, (the insole, too) and let all the parts of the shoe dry before using again.
- For delicate shoes, wipe off as much dirt as you can with water and mild laundry detergent.^{[13]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Rio Jongsae Kim
  Designer Shoe & Bag Care Specialist
  Expert Interview. 15 April 2021.}
- Always let your shoes air dry.^{[14]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Rio Jongsae Kim
  Designer Shoe & Bag Care Specialist
  Expert Interview. 15 April 2021.}

Expert Q&A

Question

How do you recommend cleaning a Birkenstock footbed?

Rio Jongsae Kim
Designer Shoe & Bag Care Specialist
Rio Jongsae Kim is a Designer Shoe and Bag Repair Specialist and the Owner of Kim’s Shoe & Bag Repair in Vancouver, BC, Canada. With over 40 years of experience, Rio and Kim’s Shoe & Bag Repair specialize in the repair and reconstruction of leather and luxury goods including shoes, handbags, and accessories. Rio’s experience and dedication to quality repair and restoration have led to his work being featured on Yahoo, Insider, and MSN.

Rio Jongsae Kim

Designer Shoe & Bag Care Specialist

Expert Answer

You can use suede gum or soft sandpaper to remove the stain and use suede cleaner with a suede cleaning brush or toothbrush to rub the surface. Remove the soap foam with wet towels. After drying, brush the nap with a suede brush. If the footbed is too old or too damaged, then it’s better to replace the lining of the footbed.
Question

Are smelly shoes noticeable by nearby people?

Community Answer

They might be if they are cloth, canvass, or have mesh parts. If you take them off or even take your heel out of the shoe while sitting, remember that your foot/socks are slightly damp from normal sweating -- that's what causes the smell to travel fast. If you're in a small room (doctor's office, cubicle, etc.), the smell will linger quite a while, especially if you've walked in there shoeless, and it's carpeted.
Question

Will putting perfume in your shoes help?

Community Answer

It may cover the smell a bit, but will not eliminate it. The shoe odor is usually due to bacteria or other microorganisms. The alcohol in the perfume may have a little effect, but do not count on that. It would be better to use a method that kills bacteria, as outlined in the article, then finish off with a spritz of perfume for that scented touch.