Table of Contents
Your shoes smell because your feet sweat, and sweat breeds bacteria. That’s it. No mystery here. The trick is breaking the cycle before your sneakers start clearing rooms.
1. Alternate
Don’t wear the same pair every day. Shoes need at least 24 hours to dry out completely, and if you’re jamming your feet back into yesterday’s damp mess, you’re just compounding the problem. Get a second pair and rotate. Wearing one pair two days in a row is how you end up with permanent funk.
2. Wash Shoes
Check the label inside the tongue. If they’re machine washable, throw them in. Use cold water and let them air dry (the dryer can wreck glue and shape). Canvas sneakers usually handle this fine. Leather or structured shoes, not so much. For those, wipe down the insides with a damp cloth and mild soap, then let them dry completely.
3. Baking Soda
Sprinkle baking soda inside your shoes at the end of the day. Let it sit overnight, then shake it out in the morning. It absorbs moisture and neutralizes odor. Do this every other day if the smell’s persistent, or weekly if you’re just maintaining.
4. Clean Feet Are Good Feet
Your feet are the source. Wash them properly (top, bottom, between toes) every time you shower. Wear cotton or wool socks, not synthetic garbage that traps sweat. Change your socks daily. If you’re a heavy sweater, dust your feet with baking soda before putting socks on. Clean feet in breathable socks means the shoes don’t stand a chance at getting gross in the first place.