Foot odour can be a frustrating issue, affecting people of all ages and lifestyles. At footfeet we understand the importance of foot hygiene and have a range of solutions to keep your feet fresh and odour-free. This guide provides easy, effective strategies to combat foot odour, along with frequently asked questions to support you on your journey to odour-free feet.
Why Do Feet Smell?
Foot odour, or bromodosis, is usually caused by the growth of bacteria on the skin. Feet have more than 250,000 sweat glands, more than any other part of the body, making them particularly prone to perspiration. When sweat isn’t allowed to evaporate, bacteria break down the sweat on your feet, releasing odour-causing byproducts. Other factors like poor hygiene, certain materials in socks or shoes and health conditions such as hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), can also contribute to foot odour.
Common Causes of Smelly Feet
- Sweaty shoes that don’t get a chance to dry out between wearing
- Footwear made with fabrics that don’t breath well
- Re-wearing dirty socks
- Hormonal changes
- Not washing feet often enough or thoroughly enough
- Bacteria that live on the feet
- Spending long periods of time standing
- Stress and anxiety that increase sweating
- Genetic factors
- Tight-fitting shoes
- Diseases such as hyperhidrosis that prompt more sweating on your feet, hands, armpits, and face
- Different types of medication that have sweating as a side effect
- Certain foods like garlic and spicy foods that can seep through the pores
Walking barefoot in public places like locker rooms, public pools, or gym floor increases the risk of catching different types of fungal diseases, such as athlete's foot or fungal toenails. A foul odour can be a symptom of both of these conditions, too.
Top Tips for Preventing Smelly Feet
1. Maintain Good Foot Hygiene Washing feet daily with warm water and a mild soap is the first line of defense. Pay special attention to the areas between the toes, as bacteria can easily grow in these spaces. After washing, dry your feet thoroughly, as moisture encourages bacterial growth. Soak your feet in Epsom salts for up to 20 minutes once per week (not recommended for people with open sores). Keep toenails clean and trimmed.
Professional Toenail Clippers & Files
2. Choose Breathable Shoes and Socks Wear shoes made from materials like canvas or mesh that allow airflow, helping to reduce moisture buildup. Avoid wearing the same pair of shoes every day; alternating pairs gives each one time to air out.
Socks also play a huge role in foot odour. Moisture-wicking fabrics like cotton or technical synthetics are ideal for reducing foot odour. Antimicrobial treatments, such as those in silver-infused socks, can also help prevent bacterial growth. Changing socks daily, or whenever they feel damp, is essential.
Lightfeet Evolution range are made from 99.9% pure silver thread for permanent anti-odour and antimicrobial performance
OS1st Wellness Performance & Travel Socks both have silver ion technology for anti-stink and antimicrobail properties
The Original Silversock is universally coated with pure silver that is anti-odour and antimicrobial, inhibiting the growth of odour causing bacteria
3. Use Antifungal or Deodorising Products Using antibacterial foot lotions or sprays can help control sweat and odour. Some are infused with natural ingredients like tea tree oil or witch hazel, which have antibacterial properties to target odour-causing bacteria directly.
Akileine Green Anti Perspirant Foot Cream
Gehwol Fusskraft Green - Helps Prevent Foot Odour
4. Use Foot Powders or Inserts Foot powders absorb moisture and can be sprinkled into shoes or socks for extra freshness. Insoles with antimicrobial properties are also effective for controlling odour, especially if you wear the same shoes regularly.
Akileine Green Very Strong Antiperspirant Foot Powder
Thursday Plantation Tea Tree Foot Powder
Formthotics Antimicrobial Insoles
5. Give Feet a Break Whenever possible, let your feet breathe by going barefoot, especially at home. This helps reduce moisture buildup and allows air to circulate around your feet. However, wear protective footwear whenever you're in a communal space where other people walk barefoot.
6. Exfoliate Regularly Dead skin can trap bacteria and sweat, so exfoliating your feet once or twice a week can help. Use a urea based foot lotion to remove dead and callused skin. For a deeper exfoliation, use a pumice stone to keep feet smooth and reduce potential odour sources.
Walker's ULTRA 25% Urea with Ceramides Heel Conditioner
7. Keep Shoes Fresh Treating your shoes is just as important as treating your feet. You can use a shoe spray with antibacterial properties to target odour-causing bacteria in your footwear. If possible, remove insoles and let them air out between wears.
Walker's Fresh Foot & Shoe Spray
Thursday Plantation Tea Tea Foot Spray
2Tom's Stink Free Shoe & Gear Spray
FAQs About Smelly Feet
Q: Why do my feet smell worse than others? A: Factors such as genetics, diet, and lifestyle can affect sweat production and bacterial growth, making some people more prone to foot odour. Wearing non-breathable shoes and socks can also worsen odour.
Q: Does diet affect foot odour? A: Yes, certain foods can contribute to stronger body odour, which can include foot odour. Spicy foods, garlic, and onion, for example, can impact sweat’s scent
Q: Can stress increase foot odour? A: Yes, stress can lead to increased sweating, which can, in turn, worsen foot odour. Practicing good hygiene and using odour-control products can help manage this.
Q: Are there specific materials I should look for in socks to reduce foot odour? A: Moisture-wicking fabrics like cotton or technical synthetics are ideal for reducing foot odour. Antimicrobial treatments, such as those in silver-infused socks, can also help prevent bacterial growth.
Q: How often should I use products like foot powder or sprays? A: For best results, use foot sprays daily and apply foot powder to socks or shoes as needed, especially if you know you’ll be in your shoes for long hours.
Q: Can foot odour be a sign of a medical issue? A: Persistent or severe foot odour could indicate a fungal infection, like athlete’s foot, or hyperhidrosis. If standard hygiene practices and antifungal control measures don’t work, consult a healthcare provider.
Q: Can wearing the same shoes every day contribute to foot odour?
A: Yes, wearing the same shoes daily doesn’t give them enough time to dry out fully, leading to moisture buildup which encourages bacteria growth. Rotating between pairs can help keep shoes—and feet—fresher.
Q: Are synthetic shoes worse for foot odour than leather or canvas?
A: Synthetic materials can trap heat and moisture more than natural materials like canvas, which is more breathable. Choosing breathable materials helps reduce moisture, lowering the risk of odour.
Q: Can I prevent foot odour by using deodorant on my feet?
A: Yes, using a foot-specific deodorant can be helpful, as these are formulated to combat moisture and bacteria on the feet. However, regular deodorant isn’t recommended as it may not provide the same results and could irritate sensitive skin.
Q: Can smelly feet be hereditary?
A: While foot odour itself isn’t hereditary, certain traits, such as sweat gland activity and skin type, can be. These traits may increase susceptibility to odour, making good hygiene and breathable footwear even more important.
Q: Does soaking feet help with odour, and if so, what should I use?
A: Yes, soaking feet can help reduce odour by cleaning and softening the skin. A soak with warm water and a bit of Epsom salts or tea tree oil can provide antibacterial benefits and help reduce odour.
Q: Is foot odour more common in certain seasons?
A: Foot odour can become more noticeable in warmer months due to increased sweating. However, wearing closed shoes in colder months can also trap moisture, so it’s essential to maintain good hygiene year-round.
Q: Can wearing sandals or open-toe shoes help prevent foot odour?
A: Yes, open-toe shoes or sandals allow air to circulate around your feet, keeping them drier and reducing bacteria buildup. However, if your feet are prone to dryness, be sure to moisturise to avoid cracked skin.
Q: Are children more prone to foot odour than adults?
A: Children may be more prone to foot odour because they’re often very active, causing them to sweat more, and they may not pay as much attention to foot hygiene. Regularly washing their feet and choosing breathable socks and shoes can help manage odour in children.
Q: Does wearing thicker socks reduce or increase foot odour?
A: It depends. Thicker socks made of moisture-wicking materials can help by absorbing sweat and keeping feet dry, but if they trap moisture instead, they can increase odour. Wear socks specifically designed to be breathable and moisture-wicking.
At footfeet, we’re committed to helping you maintain fresh, healthy feet. With our carefully selected range of odour-fighting products, you can enjoy comfort and confidence all day long. Visit our Smelly Feet Collection and discover a range of footcare essentials designed to keep your feet at their best.