If having stinky shoes was an Olympic sport, then I know a few guys who would clean up those games. But let’s be real: What these guys need is Gold Bond, not gold medals. Nobody is celebrating smelly shoes, and it’s a dire situation when your shoes smell so bad that other people can detect them from across the house. Don’t be ashamed of the problem, though and don’t just grab the Lysol and spray it willy-nilly into your sneaks. Sometimes it starts simply with finding the best shoe deodorizer.
Read on to learn a handful of hacks to get rid of odor in shoes, with some additional tips on how to stop feet from smelling in shoes—because it often starts with having fresher feet and implementing proper foot hygiene in the first place. After all, the bacteria that cause odorous outbreaks in your sneakers originate on your feet and then proliferate inside of your shoes.
1. Target Your Shoes
We don’t want you to forget this part, so we’ll go ahead and reiterate it—when you put sweaty feet in athletic shoes, the excess moisture in the warm, damp environment becomes a breeding ground for bacterial growth. So, outside of putting your sneakers in the washing machine with white vinegar (or ya know, bleach), running them through a cycle and letting them air dry, you’re going to need to start with implementing one of the best shoe deodorizers or disinfectants. These help to remove odor-causing bacteria so you don’t have to run out and buy a new pair of running shoes.
While everyday shoe powders, foot powders, and anti-moisture creams can proactively prevent odor buildup and bad smells throughout the day, you will need to use products that actively eliminate bacteria, since it’s already present in your shoes, like those found below.
The Best Shoe Deodorizing Spray
Rocket Pure’s natural shoe odor spray is the ultimate foe of stinky sneakers for men: It combines essential oils of eucalyptus, mint, tea tree, and thyme, resulting in an ultra-antimicrobial recipe that kills microbes. You can even use it directly on your feet for a refreshing, cooling, and critter-killing result (it could even prevent athlete’s foot thanks to its antifungal properties).
The Best Shoe Deodorizing Powder
This shoe smell eliminator from Gold Bond does triple duty: It not only absorbs moisture, but also smells refreshing thanks to itch-mitigating menthol. You can sprinkle it directly into your shoes or socks, both as an odor-prevention tactic, or a deodorizing effort. Nothing feels as great as dry feet all day, especially when they tingle with menthol.
The Best Deodorizing Shoe Insoles
One of the household names in this category, Odor Eaters’ insoles are a terrific solution for stinky shoes for men. They contain, among other materials, baking soda, activated charcoal, and zinc oxide, all of which can absorb moisture and reduce odorous smells. They also provide ample cushioning for the wearer—no point in using insoles that don’t offer that support as a baseline.
The Best Deodorizing Shoe Odor Balls
Speaking of baking soda-packed products, here are some deodorizing shoe odor balls that you can set inside your shoes overnight to absorb moisture and nix smells. Each one provides up to 60 days of adequate odor management, and they can be used in many ways—like in stinky hampers, gym bags, or inside luggage.
2. Fight Foot Funk
Even the best shoe deodorizer is pointless if you aren’t actively preventing foot odor in the first place. Perhaps you have a bacterial buildup already, and need the best cleanser or cream to counter those critters. That, or you just need a regimen that prevents odor outbreaks altogether. Consider these candidates. And be sure to check out our general guide to fresher feet.
The Best Foot Antiperspirant
Carpe is one of the best brands you can trust with odor and moisture mitigation all around the body. This derm-loved foot antiperspirant is a miracle solution for people with hyperhidrosis, and is an ever-reliable “closer” in your bullpen, should you anticipate a sweaty sole day. It’s recommended you apply the lotion the night before it’s needed, so the sweat-stopping aluminum can settle into your pores while you sleep.
The Best Foot Deodorant
If you’re someone who’s all for a home remedy, we’re here to tell you that when it comes to foot odor, you can do better. Dr. Scholl’s probiotic-powered spray is a terrific way to neutralize bad bacteria without compromising your skin’s microbiome. Its blend of essential oils (peppermint, tea tree, lavender, rosemary) and witch hazel help neutralize microbes, quell odor, and even keep your soles smelling fresh. Pro tip: Don’t forget your toenails.
The Best Deodorizing Foot Wash
This exfoliating wash from Lather is a natural deodorizer that helps you routinely rinse away dead skin while targeting smelly feet with eucalyptus, lavender, and lemon oils. It uses pumice and quartz to usher away dead skin, as well as glycerin to nourish the heels; not only do you end up with fresher feet, but with smoother, healthy heels, too. Lather it up and wash away with warm water for a small indulgence in fighting foot odor.
Check out the best callus removers for full exfoliation benefits.
3. Wear Socks
It’s easy to pack a second pair of socks in your work bag or gym bag. And sometimes it can be as simple as that: taking off a damp pair and throwing them in a plastic bag if you’ve got hours to go before you can remove your shoes.
