Is It Healthy To Have Smelly Feet
Foot odor is rarely a sign of a health problem, but sometimes an infection can cause it. See a doctor if you see any signs of infection or if the smell just doesnt get better.
If your feet are also unusually sweaty, it may be plantar hyperhidrosis. This excessive foot sweating may interfere with daily activities.;;
There are tests to determine how severe the problem is. If you or a family member has hyperhidrosis, a doctor may prescribe a prescription antiperspirant, prescription cream, or nerve-blocking medication to reduce sweating. If that doesnt work, Botox injections may help.;
Even if you have a condition that leaves you prone to foot odor, taking steps to keep your feet clean and dry will help with the smell.
Canadian Journal of MicrobiologyPlanta MedicaJournal of EthnopharmacologyElytropappus rhinocerotis
How To Get Smell And Bacteria Out Of Shoes
Deodorizing shoes is not just important for the social factor of not being the person with smelly shoes, but it is also a practice in foot health. Remember, smell comes from the combination of bacteria and sweat. According to this article in the Journal of Athletic Training, athletes are more susceptible to bacterial and fungal infections on their feet. And while bacteria-rich shoes are not the only cause of infections like athletes foot, giving them some TLC is just one more way to keep feet healthy.
Foot Sense All Natural Smelly Foot & Shoe Powder
If you want your odor gone quickly, then you can use this effective powder which will be able to remove shoe odor using natural methods. This power neutralizes stinky shoes and also destroys the odor-creating bacteria.
This product is extremely affordable, and that is one of its main selling points. It contains natural Zinc Oxide and other botanical ingredients, all of which are safe for your feet. The effect of this treatment can last up to half a year at a time.
However, if you want proper odor control, you can use it 2-3 times a month. The best part is that this product can be used with all kinds of shoes and athletic gear.
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Rocket Pure Natural Deodorizer Spray
Tester Smell Score: 4.5 out of 5
- Made in USA from all-natural ingredients
- Kept odors away after 24 hours
- Expensive for the amount you get
If youre put off by harsh chemicals, this formula from Rocket Pure draws on half-a-dozen natural agents like alcohol derived from organic cane sugar, citrus extracts, and cedarwood oil to inhibit bacterial growth . Plus, all three scents are downright awesome. Im smelling something mild, yet clean and fresh, one tester said of the peppermint and eucalyptus scent. Its hard to place, but I can hardly smell the cheese behind it.
Practice Good Foot Care
Taking good care of your feet also takes care of the rough, cracked spots where odor-causing bacteria thrive. So, keep your toenails trimmed and any calluses filed. If cracking or rough feet are ongoing problems, get in the habit of applying a thick layer of foot lotion or petroleum jelly to your feet before bed, then sleep in a pair of socks to lock in the moisture.
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Pure And Simple No Germs No Odor
- Kills Bacteria, Fungus, and Mold
- Bonds to Urea, Ammonia, Steroids, & Smelly Fatty Acids Eliminating Their Odor Permanently
- Reactivates While Patient Wears Treated Item;
- Treatment Lasts for Months
- Use On Washable & Non-Washable Items
- Safe for All Ages*:
- Fragrance free
- Carcinogen free ingredients
- Nonvolatile organic compounds , chlorofluorocarbons or ozone depleting materials.
How to get rid of shoe odor:
When To See A Doctor
Smelly feet;are a;harmless;problem that generally clears up. Sometimes, however,;it can be a sign of a medical condition.
See your GP if simple measures to reduce your foot odour;don’t;help, or if you’re worried that your level of sweating is;abnormally high.
Your doctor can;offer you a;strong prescription antiperspirant or refer you;for a treatment called iontophoresis, which delivers a mild electric current through water;to your feet to combat excessive sweating.
Page last reviewed: 29 October 2018 Next review due: 29 October 2021
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Ways To Prevent Stinky Shoes And Smelly Feet
Michele Stanten is a walking coach, certified group fitness instructor, and running coach. She is the author of Walk Off Weight and The Walking Solution.
Do you have smelly walking shoes and sandals? The foot and shoe odor comes from bacteria and fungi that grow happily where it is warm and damp. Your sweaty shoes are just the place they love. Here are a few tactics for keeping your shoes and sandals odor-free.
What Causes Smelly Feet
Your feet produce a lot of sweat. They have more sweat glands than any other part of the body. These glands release sweat all throughout the day to help cool your body and keep your skin moist.
Everyones feet sweat, but teenagers and pregnant women are most prone to very sweaty feet because their bodies produce hormones that make them sweat more. People who are on their feet all day at work, are under a lot of stress, or have a medical condition that makes them sweat more than others tend to have sweatier feet.
There are naturally some bacteria on the feet. These bacteria help break down sweat on the feet as its released. If bacteria and sweat build up, a foul odor can form. Extra bacteria tend to form when a person sweats in their shoes, takes them off, and then puts them back on without allowing them to fully dry.
Poor hygiene can also play a role in causing bromodosis. Infrequent foot washing or not changing your socks at least once a day can allow extra bacteria to begin to grow on your feet. This can cause foot odor to worsen.
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How To Get Rid Of Foot Odor
Treatments and home remedies for smelly feet include:
- Sweat-absorbing products like powders and insoles that reduce sweat and treat the source of odor, such as Dr. Scholls Odor-X® Ultra Sweat-Absorbing Foot Powder or Dr. Scholls® Odor-X® Odor-Fighting Insoles
- Soaking your feet in a bath: Try diluted black tea or vinegar and water to help reduce foot odor.
You should see a doctor about foot odor and wetness if:
- It disrupts your daily activities.
- You suddenly begin sweating more than usual.
Washing Inserts And Insoles
This step also works for non-washable shoes. Even shoes that cant go in the washing machine may have removable insoles that you can wash to get rid of shoe odors. If you have orthotic inserts, you should wash them, too. All you need to do is fill a sink with 2 cups water and 1 cup white vinegar then let your inserts soak for 5-10 minutes. Rinse them well then press the inserts between dry towels to blot excess moisture. Let your inserts fully air dry before putting them back in your shoes. Do this once a month to keep your inserts and insoles fresh.
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Unexpected Ways To Get The Odor Out Of Your Shoes
For a totally fresh start.
Okay, so your shoes smell. Youâre only human, after all. Itâs not like you wanted to stink up the elevator on the way to the 17th floor or create one of the most awkward rideshare experiences in the history of all time.
Let us offer some advice because this isnât our first Dear HMS situation. Weâve been helping people solve their stinkiest shoe conundrums for a while now and weâve discovered that there are 7âyes, count âemâ7 unexpected things you can do right now to liberate your feet from the oppressive reign theyâve had over your friends, family, and coworkers.
The Trick Of Talcum Powder
Talcum powder works in the same way as baking soda. They have the virtue of absorbing humidity and thereby silencing the bad smell. In this case, you have two options:
- Apply a little;talcum powder;to each shoe;and allow them to spend the night like this. In the morning, we can remove the rest of the powders.
- Apply talcum powder to the sole. In this way, we limit the sweating caused by the bad smell of the shoes.
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Get Bad Smell Out Of Shoes
How do you get a bad smell out of shoes?
The more we wear our favorite pair of shoes, the more we may notice that they are beginning to smell. Overuse, sweat, skin shedding, dirt, bacteria, fungus, and lack of aeration can all contribute to stinky shoes.;Below are a few ways to remove the bad smell out of the shoes:
Simple methods:
- One of the best ways to remove smells from shoes is to revitalize them with a much more pleasant smell. Leave a fresh lemon or lime peel in your shoes overnight or squirt a few drops of any essential oil such as lavender into the soles of your shoes and allow the shoes to dry. Both remedies will help to eliminate odors.
- If your shoes are washable, give them a bath. You can get leather and fabric cleaner to clean up shoes that are not washer friendly, or if theyre machine safe, throw them into the washing machine or submerge and hand wash them in a detergent bath. Place your shoes in the sun or near a heater and allow them to dry out. This will help to prevent the bacterial growth that causes odor. Ensure they are completely dry before reassembling the shoes and wearing them again.
- Pop your smelly shoes in a large plastic sandwich bag and leave them in the freezer overnight. Take them out of the freezer the next day and allow them to dry naturally. The extremely cold temperature will kill the bacteria and make your shoes less stinky.
Ingredients methods:
Preventive methods:
How To Remove Odor From Shoes
Just about everyone has had to deal with smelly shoes at least once in their life. If youve noticed that your shoes, and subsequently feet, have started to take on an unpleasant smell, youll want to tackle the problem quickly. Discover these simple life hacks and learn how to get the smell out of shoes.
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Use Of Essential Oils For Smelly Shoes:
How to get rid of smell in canvas shoes? Some essential oils can be very useful if you are facing the issue of smelly shoes. Essential oils are important in our everyday life; also they can be used extensively for various purposes. The essential oils such as clove oil, tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil have strong scent and in this way they can be used to get rid of smelly shoes. You need to apply essential oils inside the shoes with cotton ball and fill them with paper. This will ensure the scent of essential oil to stay inside the shoes and in this way bad odor will go away.
Use Cedar Wood On Smelly Shoes
With cedars distinguished, woody smell on your side, smelly shoes will be yesterdays problem. Many products like insoles and stretchers utilize cedar wood for its fragrance and durability.
For instance, the;FootFitter Sir James Cedar Shoe Tree with Split Toe helps shoes maintain their shape while fighting the smells of frequent use. The shoe trees texture also works well for absorption purposes.
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Dry Your Smelly Shoes Out
Wet shoes are definitely a common culprit of bad smells. As if the sweat your feet naturally produces wasnt bad enough, sloshing through rain or snow will not help your shoes in the scent department.
If you realize your smelly shoes problem is caused by added moisture from the elements, start by drying them out. Finding a sunny spot or other heated area will be beneficial for drying your shoes and reducing the spread of bacteria and therefore the smell.
How To Get Rid Of Shoe Odor Fast
Once your shoes have become stinky, the onus is on you to restore them to their original condition. If you are worried about how you will achieve that feat, do not worry because there are some natural DIY methods of removing shoe odor that will prove to be very useful in these circumstances.
You can choose either the non-chemical method or the chemical method, both of which are fairly easy.
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Homemade Foot And Shoe Deodorizers
Once you make these shoe odor removers, you can store them indefinitely. Stash a bottle of the spray or powder in your closet, and maybe another in your gym bag. Then use it immediately after you slip off your shoes. If foot odor is a severe problem, you might also want to go soak your feet as soon as youre done.
White vinegar is a natural disinfectant. Tea tree oil kills bacteria. This effective shoe spray uses both to get rid of odors and the bacteria that cause them.
Shoe Deodorizing Spray
Combine 1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar, and 5 drops of tea tree oil in a spray bottle. Shake well. Mist the inside of your shoes, or apply the spray to a cloth and wipe the shoe interior. Avoid getting the spray on the outside, visible part of your shoes. Once youve sprayed them, let your shoes air dry before wearing them.
Baking soda is a natural deodorizer, and tea tree oil kills bacteria. Using cornstarch helps keep this shoe powder from clumping. Store it in an air-tight container so it remains effective.
Deodorizing Shoe Powder
Combine 3 tablespoons baking soda, 1 tablespoon corn starch, and 5 drops of tea tree oil in a small container. Lightly sprinkle this deodorizing powder inside your shoes after you take them off. Let it sit overnight to absorb sweat and kill odors, then shake the excess out of your shoes before wearing them.
Deodorizing Foot Soak
Sweat X Sport Extreme Odor Eliminator Spray
Tester Smell Score: 4 out of 5
- Eco-friendly formula
- Smell was hit or miss among testers
While our testers were split on whether they actually liked the smell of Sweat X, they agreed that it did a stellar job of eliminating the scent of the Limburger. That said, the smell wasnt nearly as overwhelming as some of the other sprays. Plus, Sweat X also helps remove blood, dirt, and grass stains.
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Lumi Outdoors Natural Shoe Deodorizer Spray
This odor-removing spray comes with a 100% guarantee of making your shoes smell fresh and clean. The company believes that you will most definitely fall in love with this product.
All the ingredients in the spray are natural and safe for regular use. It contains strong essential oils that can combat even the toughest shoe odors.
It works well and can also double up as a general odor eliminator inside your house. The product is made very strong, and you should be careful not to use too much. You have multiple choices when it comes to what kind of fragrance you would like.
Orange Lemon Or Grapefruit
Another straightforward remedy is to use the peel of lemons, oranges, or grapefruits.;The;peeling of citrus;not only provides a very characteristic smell, but it can also be a;homemade trick;for this problem.
Citrus peelings would help to;remove bad odor from shoes.;For this, we will follow the same method as with the previous ingredients:
- Put the citrus peelings in the shoes.
- Let it act all night.
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How To Maintain Good Hygiene In Your Shoes
Finally, we teach you;how you must maintain proper hygiene to avoid bad odor from your shoes:
- Try not to wear;closed shoes;every day.;It is terrible for the health of our;feet;and promotes awful smell.
- When you get home, change shoes and let those shoes air out.
- It doesn’t matter if the shoe is of good quality. They all absorb the terrible smell. Hence, we must maintain good cleaning of them. You can use a damp cloth with detergent and brush them every day.
- Apply talcum powder if the sole sweat excessively.;It is a simple remedy that helps us a lot daily.
Black Tea Bags For Smelly Shoes:
How to get rid of shoe odor with tea bags? Tannis is an important ingredient found in black tea and its tea bags which have remarkable ability to kill odor. Take used tea bags and let them dry completely. Place the dried tea bags inside the shoes overnight. This will kill the entire odor from the shoes also this recipe is considered as Best shoe odor eliminator. For smelly shoes, tea bags used must be completely dry.
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Getting The Stink Out Of Your Shoes
There are more sweat glands in your two feet than anywhere else on your body. And when bacteria breaks down that sweat, it can stink. ;
Because of all the sweat from your feet, which inevitably soaks into your shoes, stinky footwear is a rather common occurrence. While in some cases its a minor annoyance that really only impacts yourself, in others its a truly embarrassing matter people can smell it if theyre simply sitting next to you on the subway, and if you take your shoes off around folks, the stink can bowl them over!
The amount you sweat and the pungency of your body odor is partially genetic, and if youre on the more stinky end of things, youll just unfortunately have to do more to fight it .;
Below youll find how to do just that. We start with a handful of tips focused on prevention, and then move into a number of mostly natural options you can try before youre forced to throw your permanently putrid footwear in an incinerator.
