There is hardly anything more embarrassing than taking off your shoes and suddenly noticing an unpleasant smell.
The problem can become even more uncomfortable when the odour is strong enough for people nearby to notice. Fortunately, smelly shoes do not always mean you need to throw them away and buy new ones.
In many cases, the smell comes from sweat, moisture and bacteria that build up inside the shoes. With a few simple steps and things that are already available at home, you can reduce the odour and keep your footwear fresher for longer.
Here are seven simple methods you can try.
- Allow the Shoes to Air Properly
One of the easiest ways to deal with shoe odour is to give the shoes enough time to dry.
After wearing them, remove the insoles if possible and place the shoes in a well-ventilated area. Leave them open so that air can circulate inside.
Avoid putting sweaty shoes straight into a closed wardrobe or bag. Trapped moisture creates an environment where bacteria can continue to multiply and make the smell worse.
If the weather is suitable, you can place the shoes in a clean, airy area where they can dry naturally.
- Use Baking Soda
Baking soda can help absorb moisture and unpleasant odours.
To use it, sprinkle a small amount inside each shoe and leave it overnight. The following morning, shake the shoes thoroughly to remove the powder before wearing them.
For shoes with removable insoles, you can also apply a little baking soda to the insoles separately.
However, avoid using excessive amounts, especially in shoes made from materials that may be difficult to clean.
- Put Newspaper Inside the Shoes
Old newspapers can also be useful when dealing with damp or smelly shoes.
Crumple several sheets and place them inside the shoes. The paper can help absorb some of the moisture trapped inside.
Leave the newspaper in the shoes overnight and replace it if the footwear remains damp.
This method is particularly useful after wearing shoes for a long period or after they have become wet.
- Wash the Shoes If the Material Allows It
Some types of footwear can be washed, while others should only be cleaned with a damp cloth.
If the manufacturer’s care instructions allow washing, remove the laces and insoles first and clean the shoes with mild soap and water.
Pay particular attention to areas where sweat and dirt accumulate.
After washing, allow the shoes to dry completely before wearing them again. Do not store them while they are still damp, as this can bring the odour back.
Important: Do not wash leather or other delicate footwear in the same way you would wash canvas or fabric shoes. Check the care instructions first.
- Try a Mild Vinegar Solution
For some washable or water-resistant shoes, a mild vinegar solution can help deal with unpleasant odours.
Mix a small amount of white vinegar with water and lightly apply the solution to the inside of the footwear using a cloth or spray bottle.
Do not soak the shoes. The goal is to lightly treat the affected area.
Afterwards, leave the shoes in a well-ventilated place until they are completely dry.
Before using vinegar on expensive or delicate footwear, test a small hidden area first to make sure it does not affect the material.
- Pay Attention to Your Socks and Feet
Sometimes the problem is not only the shoes.
Feet naturally produce sweat, particularly when they remain inside closed shoes for several hours. Wearing the same socks repeatedly can also contribute to unpleasant odour.
Change your socks regularly and wash your feet properly, paying attention to the areas between the toes.
If your feet become sweaty easily, allowing them to dry properly before putting on socks and shoes can also help.
Clean socks and dry feet can make a noticeable difference to how your shoes smell.
- Avoid Wearing the Same Shoes Every Day
Giving your shoes a break between uses can help them dry properly.
If possible, rotate between two or more pairs instead of wearing the same pair every day. This gives each pair time to air out and lose accumulated moisture.
When you remove your shoes, loosen them and allow air to circulate rather than immediately placing them inside a closed bag or cupboard.
This simple habit can help prevent the smell from becoming a recurring problem.
Why Do Shoes Smell Bad?
The unpleasant smell usually develops when sweat and moisture accumulate inside the footwear.
Your feet contain many sweat glands. When they remain inside enclosed shoes for hours, moisture can build up. Bacteria on the skin can then break down components of the sweat, producing the unpleasant odour associated with smelly feet and shoes.
Poor ventilation, wearing the same shoes repeatedly and not allowing footwear to dry properly can make the problem worse.
How to Prevent Shoe Odour From Coming Back
Once you have removed the smell, prevention is just as important.
Here are a few habits that can help:
Allow shoes to dry properly after use.
Change socks regularly.
Avoid wearing damp footwear.
Keep your feet clean and dry.
Do not store sweaty shoes immediately in a closed space.
Rotate your shoes when possible.
Clean washable footwear regularly.
Keep insoles clean and replace them when necessary.
When Should You Replace Your Shoes?
Sometimes an unpleasant smell can persist despite repeated cleaning and drying.
If the footwear is heavily worn, permanently damp, damaged or has developed mould, replacing it may be the better option.
Also, if you notice persistent foot itching, peeling skin, sores or other unusual symptoms alongside strong foot odour, it may be worth speaking with a healthcare professional rather than simply treating the shoes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use baking soda every day?
You generally do not need to use it every day. Occasional use, combined with proper drying and ventilation, may be enough to control mild odour.
Does sunlight remove shoe smell?
Drying footwear in a suitable, well-ventilated place can help reduce moisture and odour. However, prolonged or intense sunlight can damage some materials, so delicate shoes should be treated carefully.
Why do my shoes smell again after cleaning?
The problem may return if the shoes are not completely dry, if the insoles remain damp or if the source of the odour is your feet or socks. Keeping both the footwear and feet clean and dry is important.
Can I use perfume to remove shoe smell?
Perfume may temporarily mask the odour, but it does not address the moisture and bacteria responsible for the smell. Cleaning and properly drying the footwear is a better long-term approach.
Final Thoughts
You do not necessarily need expensive products to deal with smelly shoes.
Simple habits such as drying your footwear properly, using baking soda, keeping your feet clean and giving your shoes time to air out can go a long way.
The most important thing is to prevent moisture from remaining trapped inside your shoes for long periods. With regular care, you can keep your footwear fresher and more comfortable for longer.
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