How to Get Rid of Stinky Feet in Kids

Kids tend to be active and an abundance of activity causes sweating all over the body, even on the feet. When sweat is trapped in a confined area such as a shoe, it is likely to release a strong and unpleasant odor when the shoes are removed. Although foot odor can often be embarrassing, in the majority of cases it can be controlled by making only a few changes in the child's everyday footwear and personal hygiene practices.

Instructions

• 1

  Keep the feet clean. Wash them daily with antibacterial soap to get rid of dirt, dried sweat and dead skin. Feet that are allowed to stay dirty will only smell worse the next time they are dampened with sweat.

• 2

  Have the child wear socks made of cotton or special athletic fabrics that are designed to breathe and absorb sweat, and change the child's socks if they become very damp. Pairing proper socks with shoes that aren't too tight will further allow the feet to breathe, preventing a buildup of odor-causing moisture.

• 3

  Ask the child to take off his shoes as soon as he comes inside after playing. Allow him to go barefoot in the house or put on clean, dry socks. This will allow both his feet and his shoes to air out.

• 4

  Wash the child's shoes periodically. Most non-leather shoes can be tossed into a washing machine with detergent like regular laundry to kill germs and eliminate lingering odors. Allow the shoes to air dry rather than putting them into a clothes dryer. Between washings, spray the insides of the shoes with an antibacterial spray to kill any germs that may be contributing to the odor problem.

• 5

  Alternate the child's shoes. If the child has two or three different pairs of shoes to choose from and avoids wearing the same pair for two days in a row, each pair will be able to stay cleaner longer by being allowed to dry out completely before they are worn again.