About Shoe Odor

Sweat contains water, salt, urea and fatty acids. When these ingredients combine with microorganisms on the skin, the organisms reproduce and grow if conditions are right. Shoes can become mini-saunas for feet, making sweaty feet even sweatier. If shoe wearers do not keep sweat, bacteria and fungus in check, shoe odor is inevitable.

Features

• Shoe odor occurs because of bacterial and fungal growth in the shoe. Many things contribute to this growth, and therefore shoe odor: bacteria and fungus on the feet permeates shoe fabric; sweaty feet create a warm, moist environment perfect for bacterial and fungal growth; and non-breathable synthetic fabrics, such as vinyl, prevent the shoe from drying out quickly, which this provides an ideal setting for bacterial and fungal proliferation.

Effects

• Organism growth in shoes causes a pungent, repulsive odor. This odor is embarrassing and is very distracting at social functions and business meetings. Even if a person is otherwise very clean and professional, shoe odor may put off potential clients, customers or dates.

Prevention/Solution

• To prevent shoe odor, try the following:
  Avoid shoes made of vinyl or rubber--synthetic materials do not allow enough airflow.
  Don't wear shoes without socks. Socks absorb sweat and prevent the lining and insole from becoming so damp.
  Wear clean socks every day. If you have very sweaty feet, or if you exercise, you should change your socks more frequently than once a day.
  Do not allow wet shoes, whether they are wet from sweat or rain, to dry too slowly. Place them in a well-ventilated room and remove the insoles (if they are removable). If shoes are very wet, dry them quickly with a hair dryer (on low setting) or by placing them in front of a fan to prevent mildew. Don't wear them again until they are fully dry.
  Apply deodorizing spray or talc to the feet and insole when necessary.
  Gym shoes left in a locker or gym bag will not dry fast enough (and will stink up the whole locker or bag). Store shoes in open, well-ventilated areas.
  For very bad shoe odors, place dry baking soda inside them overnight.
  Bacteria and fungus can grow beneath the insole--take the insoles out frequently to allow the area beneath to fully dry.

Considerations

• Plantar hyperhidrosis is a medical condition that causes extremely sweaty feet. If your feet are exceptionally sweaty and odorous, and over the counter powders, creams and deodorant insoles do not work, you should see a doctor. Your doctor can prescribe oral medications or prescription topical creams that may help.

Significance

• Shoes do not develop odor unless wearers allow microorganisms to flourish inside the shoe. Bacteria and fungus responsible for odor love a warm, moist environment. Most people can easily prevent or eliminate shoe odor by keeping feet and shoes as dry and clean as possible.