How to Get Rid of Smelly Shoes
Short answer
Sweat itself doesn't smell. Bacteria in damp shoes break it down and make the odor. Take the insoles out and dry the shoes completely after every wear, wash the insoles and any washable shoes, and don't wear the same pair two days in a row. A shoe dryer or charcoal inserts help between wears. If your feet still smell after a few weeks of this, the NHS suggests seeing a doctor.
Quick steps
- Pull the insoles out after every wear and let the shoes and insoles dry separately.
- Wash insoles, and the whole shoe if the label allows, then dry fully away from direct heat.
- Don't wear the same pair two days in a row.
- Use a shoe dryer or charcoal inserts between wears.
- Wash your feet daily, dry between the toes, and change socks every day.
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Why shoes smell
Feet sweat a lot, and a closed shoe keeps that sweat in. Bacteria on your skin and in the shoe break the sweat down, and that is what smells. The fix is simple: take away the damp and the bacteria can’t keep up.
1. Dry the shoes after every wear
This is the step that matters most. As soon as you take your shoes off:
- Pull the insoles out so air reaches the inside.
- Loosen the laces and open the tongue.
- Leave them somewhere airy, not in a closed closet or gym bag.
The NHS advises letting shoes dry out before wearing them again. An electric shoe dryer does this overnight with gentle warm air, which helps if you wear the same work boots or trainers every day. Don’t dry shoes on a radiator or in a hot tumble dryer; heat can crack leather and melt glue.
2. Wash what you can
Wash removable insoles by hand with warm soapy water, rinse, and air-dry. Many canvas and fabric sneakers can go in the washing machine on a gentle cold cycle inside a pillowcase; check the label first. Wipe the inside of leather shoes with a damp cloth and mild soap, then dry.
If the insoles still smell after washing, replace them. They’re cheap and hold a lot of the smell.
3. Rotate your pairs
The NHS says not to wear the same shoes two days in a row. Alternating pairs gives each one a full day to dry. If you only have one pair of work shoes, a shoe dryer makes the biggest difference.
4. Absorb what’s left
Between wears, put activated charcoal inserts or small charcoal bags inside each shoe. They soak up moisture and odor without adding perfume. Baking soda sprinkled inside overnight and tipped out in the morning also helps.
5. Take care of your feet
Smelly shoes and smelly feet go together. The NHS suggests washing your feet at least once a day, drying well between the toes, wearing breathable socks and shoes such as cotton or leather, changing socks every day, and using foot powder or an antiperspirant on your feet. If the smell doesn’t improve after a few weeks, see a doctor; heavy sweating and fungal infections are treatable.
What to buy
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Electric shoe and boot dryer
PEET Original Electric Shoe and Boot Dryer
Drying sweaty or wet shoes and boots from the inside overnight, so odor-causing bacteria don't get the damp they need.
Good to know: It uses gentle warm air, not high heat. Take the insoles out so both dry fully, and follow the shoe maker if they say air-dry only.
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Activated charcoal odor bags
Moso Natural Air Purifying Bag, 200 g (4 pack)
Soaking up leftover smell in cars, closets, shoes, and small rooms once the source is gone. Unscented, so they don't mask one smell with another.
Good to know: Charcoal absorbs smell; it won't fix an ongoing source like a damp carpet or a spill under a seat.
Check price on AmazonCommon questions
Can I put smelly shoes in the washing machine?
Many canvas and fabric sneakers can go in on a gentle cold cycle inside a pillowcase. Leather, suede, and shoes with glued soles usually can't. Check the label or the maker's site, and always air-dry instead of using a hot dryer.
Does freezing shoes kill the smell?
Freezing slows bacteria but doesn't reliably kill them, and the smell returns once the shoes warm up and get damp again. Drying the shoes properly works better.
When should I see a doctor about smelly feet?
The NHS suggests seeing a doctor if your feet still smell after treating them yourself, or if the smell is affecting your daily life. Heavy sweating (hyperhidrosis) and fungal infections can both be treated.
Does baking soda work in smelly shoes?
It absorbs some moisture and odor. Sprinkle it inside dry shoes overnight and tap it out in the morning. It works best together with drying the shoes fully between wears.
Why do my shoes smell so bad?
Bacteria on your feet break down sweat and give off the smell, and a damp shoe lets them keep growing. Drying shoes fully and rotating pairs does the most to stop it.