There are many kinds of bacteria on the bottom of your feet. These bacteria live off the sweat that your feet are constantly producing. When they feed on the sweat, the bacteria create an acid that causes foot odor. Besides bacteria, fungus may also cause you to have smelly feet.
What causes stinky feet? The smell of feet can recur even after washing them. This happens because the smell does not depend on foot hygiene but we could say 'shoe hygiene'. A moist and warm environment is created inside the shoes that encourages the proliferation of bacteria, which commonly colonize our feet.
It's a perpetuating cycle that can be compounded by how much you sweat, the type of footwear you choose, and the presence of other foot issues like fungal infections. So while foot odor doesn't necessarily signify a health problem, in rare instances, it can be a sign of a medical issue.
While some people find that socks make their shoes worse, other people are just the opposite. They find that not wearing socks exacerbates a shoe odor problem. Based on what you have already read, you should understand why that is. It is all about perspiration and bacteria.
A simple smelly feet remedy is to use an antiperspirant on your feet. The deodorant you use on your underarms to keep them dry can be every bit as good on sweaty feet. Spray deodorants can be easiest for this, although roll-ons allow you target the area more accurately.
Watch your intake of: Sulfur-rich foods - and not just eggs e.g., onion, garlic, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, beer, tea, and coffee. Spicy foods. Greasy foods such as fast foods.
Mix ¼ cup of baking soda, ¼ cup of baking powder, and ½ cup of cornstarch. Put the mix in a pair of cotton socks or sprinkle the mixture in both shoes and leave overnight.
Balega Silver No Show Running Socks
Silver ions have antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, which can help prevent odors from sweaty feet.
Use a surgical-grade antibacterial soap found at your pharmacy. We recommend Betadine Skin Cleanser, pHisoderm® or Hibiclens. Dry your feet thoroughly, especially between your toes.
Baking soda/corn starch: Both do reduce foot odor for many people, although again, there is no research to support their efficacy. Remember to change your socks and shoes after applying it. Adding either to your shoes may help absorb additional moisture where germs can breed.
There are numerous bacteria that live on feet, which feed off the sweat, producing an acid that actually causes the odor. If that's not enough, fungus also thrives in warm, moist environments like what sweaty feet provide. So, if the bacteria on your foot isn't what causes foot odor, fungus might be the culprit.
All the microorganisms in your dirty socks don't just cause a smell—they can cause infections, too, Dr. Sung says. Bacteria like Staphylococcus and fungi like Trichophyton love the warm, moist condition of your dirty socks and thrive in that environment.
Washing your feet daily with soap and water should be your first step in both preventing and treating sweat. “For people who have hyperhidrosis, I recommend they wash their feet at least twice a day and completely dry them with paper towels before putting on socks,” says podiatrist Isaac Tabari.
A completely free hack to remove odor from your shoes is to place them in the sun. The heat and light from the sun will kill the odor-producing bacteria, leaving your shoes smelling completely neutral.
There are a few different ways you can do this: Since bacteria thrive in warm and humid conditions, sliding your smelly shoes into the freezer overnight will help kill bacteria. So slip your shoes into a plastic bag or pillowcase, freeze them overnight, then allow them to defrost before their next wear.
How to Remove Smell From Shoes Without Washing? If your shoes are not machine washable, you can use the baking soda mixture. Start by mixing a quarter cup of baking soda, half a cup of cornstarch, and a quarter cup of baking powder. Sprinkle the mixture in your shoes and let it rest overnight.
Smelly feet or excessive sweating can also be caused by an inherited condition, called hyperhidrosis, which primarily affects men. Stress, some medications, fluid intake, and hormonal changes also can increase the amount of perspiration our bodies produce.
A person living with a health condition such as diabetes or kidney disease may also have sweat that smells like ammonia.
Foot odor comes in four main varieties: sweaty, cheesy, vinegary and cabbage-y. That's because of chemicals produced by the bacteria down there. Methanethiol is a key component in the flavor of cheddar cheese. Acetic acid is a result of sugar fermentation — and is better known as vinegar.
Hyperhidrosis. A subset of people who experience cold hands and feet also suffer from wet hands and feet. For those that suffer from clammy extremities hyperhidrosis, aka excessive sweat, may be the culprit.
Consider these elements when choosing the best socks for sweaty feet: Fabric. While 100% cotton seems like a good option, it won't wick away moisture. “Wool, nylon, and polyester are moisture-wicking and will help to remove this moisture away from your skin,” Tarr says.
Keep feet dry
Bacteria and fungus thrive in moist areas, so keeping your feet dry will help reduce foot odor. Apply a lotion especially meant for foot care after drying your feet well. And do not apply shoe powder or food powder.