How To Get the Smell Out of Shoes

These easy at-home tricks might get the smell out of your shoes and prevent foul odors.

Medically reviewed by Danielle McNeil, D.P.M

Several methods help get the smell out of your shoes if you have smelly or sweaty feet. One of the best ways to reduce odor is to regularly wash your feet with soap and water and change your socks. You might consider charcoal insoles, foot powders, and disinfectant sprays. You can also try experimenting with at-home remedies like baking soda and lemon juice, which may have deodorizing properties.

Simply washing and drying your feet will not solve the problem entirely. It's essential to keep your shoes clean to prevent smelly feet. Here are some inexpensive tips to keep your shoes smelling fresh year-round.

Why Do Shoes Smell?

Smelly feet, technically known as "bromhidrosis," are common, especially in warm environments. Bacteria or fungi may grow in your shoes and attach to your skin. Some of those microbes might eat away the top layer of your skin, producing a foul odor. Certain synthetic materials used in shoes, when mixed with bacteria, fungi, and sweat, can produce smelly feet.

People with smelly feet may have sweaty feet, which creates a moist environment on and around your feet where microbes thrive. As a result, the odor may reappear once your feet sweat again, especially if you slip back into the same footwear.

Related: The 12 Best Socks for Sweaty Feet of 2023, Tested and Podiatrist-Approved

1. Alternate Your Footwear

You might have a favorite pair of perfectly broken-in shoes you want to wear every day. Wearing the same pair of shoes two days in a row increases your risk of smelly feet. Avoid wearing the same pair of shoes two days in a row so that they can dry out between wearings. Try removing the insoles to help your shoes dry quickly.

2. Apply a Foot Powder

Prevention is key if your feet get sweaty, no matter the weather. A foot powder like Squeaky Cheeks can help absorb extra moisture and keep your feet dry. Make sure you clean between your toes to get rid of moisture and prevent powder from building up if you use it frequently.

You might add odor-absorbing powders to the inside of your shoes if your shoes are the problem rather than your feet. Consider trying baking soda or brand-name powders designed especially for footwear. Research has found that baking soda helps remove odor.

3. Experiment With Cat Litter

Cat litter usually absorbs moisture and odors to prevent your home from smelling, but it might also work for your shoes. Take mismatched socks or worn-out stockings, then fill them with kitty litter. Secure with a rubber band and place in your hoes at night to soak up lingering moisture and smells.

4. Spray Disinfectant

You might be able to use disinfectant sprays to get rid of the bacteria in your shoes that make your feet smell. Another method: Fill a spray bottle with rubbing alcohol and spritz your shoes. Like disinfectant spray, rubbing alcohol kills bacteria. Just be sure not to oversaturate your shoes with rubbing alcohol and other disinfectants. A light mist will do.

5. Try Charcoal Insoles

Some evidence suggests that charcoal helps remove odors. No studies have examined whether charcoal helps deodorize fabrics, such as shoes. Still, you might find some products that use charcoal to get rid of smells. For example, try slipping a pair of Dr. Scholl's Odor-X Odor Fighting Insoles into your favorite shoes to help them breathe and eliminate any odors.

6. Try Lemon Juice Mixed With Water

Research has found that lemon juice has antibacterial properties and is an astringent, which helps remove dead skin cells. No studies have specifically looked at the efficacy of rinsing your feet with a lemon juice and water solution. Still, some people might find it helpful.

7. Use Baking Soda and a Coffee Filter

You can use baking soda and a coffee filter to deodorize your shoes. You might use cornstarch or talcum powder to absorb excess moisture on your feet if you do not have baking soda.

To try this home remedy:

1. Fill an unused coffee filter with baking soda, cornstarch, or talcum powder.

2. Secure it at the end with a rubber band, staples, or tape.

3. Place the package in each of your shoes at the end of the day after wearing them.

8. Wash Your Feet and Wear Clean Socks

Wash your feet daily with soap and water to keep the bacteria on your feet from multiplying. Lather with soap on your soles in the bath or shower. Do not forget to wash between your toes.

Rinse your feet, then completely dry them when you get out of the shower. You can give your feet a blast of hot air using a blow dryer for extra dryness. Add clean, dry socks before slipping on shoes. Try padded socks, which help absorb moisture, if you have very sweaty feet.

Related: What Is Athlete’s Foot?

A Quick Review

These at-home strategies might get rid of smelly feet and shoes. Still, keep in mind that the best year-round method for preventing foot odor is to keep your feet and shoes clean. Make sure to change socks daily or more often if you are active, and rotate shoes every few days.

Inspect your feet daily for signs of cracks, cuts, itchiness, and sores between your toes. Consult a healthcare provider—such as a podiatrist, who specializes in foot health—if your smelly feet do not clear up within a few days.

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