Few things are more frustrating than pulling out your favorite pair of shoes only to realize they’ve developed an unpleasant odor.
Learning how to remove shoe odor starts with understanding what causes it (usually a combination of moisture, bacteria, and lack of ventilation). But odor isn’t just a surface problem; it builds up over time and embeds itself deep into the fabric and insoles.
We're digging into why your shoes even smell in the first place, and then sharing simple, proven solutions to eliminate shoe odors for good.
Why Do Shoes Smell?
It's actually pretty simple: shoes provide the perfect environment for odors to flourish. Moisture, heat, and lack of airflow combine to create an ideal space for bacteria and fungi to grow. This isn’t just surface-level odor: it embeds itself deep into the fabric, soles, and linings of your shoes. And the longer it goes untreated, the worse it gets.
We've pulled together some of the most common causes of shoe odors:
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Moisture from sweat builds up inside shoes, giving bacteria exactly what they need to thrive
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Poor airflow traps moisture and heat, preventing shoes from drying out properly
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Warm temperatures speed up bacteria growth, especially after workouts or in hot weather
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Bacteria and fungi feed on sweat and skin cells, releasing smelly waste byproducts
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Dirty insoles and linings absorb sweat, oils, and dirt, acting like a sponge for odor
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Wearing shoes without socks allows sweat to go directly into the shoe material with nothing to absorb it
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Not letting shoes dry fully between wears leaves lingering moisture that bacteria love
How To Remove Shoe Odors
1. Air Them Out Properly
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to prevent and eliminate shoe odor is to give your shoes proper time to breathe.
Tossing shoes straight into a dark closet traps moisture and allows odor to grow worse over time. Shoes need airflow to dry out fully, especially after a sweaty workout, a long day at work, or even a quick trip on a warm day.
Placing them near a breezy window or in a shaded outdoor area works wonders. Indirect sunlight can help speed up drying thanks to gentle warmth, but avoid placing them under harsh, direct sun for hours, which can cause materials like leather and rubber to warp or crack.
Proper ventilation not only helps dry moisture but also prevents odors from settling in.
2. Use A Naturally Fresh Odor Eliminator
Natural odor eliminators are a fantastic solution for anyone who wants to remove unpleasant smells without relying on harsh chemicals or heavy fragrances. These products don’t just cover up odors; they neutralize them.
It's why we reach for our Athlete Odor Eliminator + Air Freshener Ultra Mist Spray for quick refreshes. It uses a clean base of pure tea tree oil to neutralize odors at the source more safely and effectively.
It’s designed to work on shoes, gym bags, lockers, and more: anywhere odor tends to linger. A few quick sprays inside your shoes after wearing them creates a fresh, clean-smelling environment without heavy scents.
3. Wash The Insoles (If Possible)
Insoles are one of the biggest causes of shoe odors. They absorb the majority of the sweat, bacteria, and moisture that leads to persistent smells. If your shoes come with removable insoles, take full advantage of that feature.
Remove them regularly and give them a thorough wash using mild soap and warm water. Make sure to rinse them completely to remove any soap residue and then let them dry fully, preferably in a well-ventilated space away from direct sunlight.
If the insoles are worn out or beyond cleaning, replacing them with fresh, moisture-wicking insoles can make a significant difference in keeping odors away long term.
4. Rotate Your Shoes
It might seem simple, but it makes a huge difference. Wearing the same pair of shoes day after day doesn’t give them time to fully dry out. Moisture from sweat builds up faster than most people realize. When shoes stay damp, bacteria thrive, and odor quickly follows.
Rotating between at least two pairs lets each one air out, dry properly, and recover from daily wear. This is especially important for athletic shoes, work boots, and anything you wear for extended periods.
5. Keep Your Feet Fresh, Too
Even the best odor-fighting shoes can’t win if your feet aren’t part of the solution. When feet are sweaty, the battle is already lost before your shoes even have a chance. Keeping feet clean and dry is a must. Daily hygiene matters.
Wash your feet thoroughly, paying attention to areas between the toes where moisture gets trapped. After drying, use foot-specific antiperspirants, powders, or sprays. This creates a moisture barrier that keeps sweat under control. Fresh feet equal fresh shoes. It’s that straightforward.
6. Store Shoes the Right Way
How and where you store shoes matters more than most people think. Cramming them into a dark, closed closet traps moisture and stale air, which creates a breeding ground for odor.
Instead, store shoes in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area whenever possible. Avoid plastic bins unless they’re vented. Open shelves or breathable fabric shoe bags are much better options. Proper storage isn’t just about organization. It’s about odor prevention.
7. Use Moisture-Wicking Socks
Socks are your shoes' first line of defense. Not all socks are good when it comes to fighting moisture and odor.
Opt for moisture-wicking socks made from synthetic blends like polyester or merino wool rather than basic cotton. These materials pull sweat away from your skin and help keep your feet dry throughout the day. Less moisture means less odor.
Plus, moisture-wicking socks are generally more comfortable, especially during workouts or long hours on your feet.
8. Deep Clean Shoes Occasionally
Sometimes, shoes need more than quick fixes. Giving them a deep clean every so often makes a huge difference.
Check if your shoes are machine washable. Many athletic shoes are.
If not, a good hand wash using gentle soap and water works for most materials. Focus on the inside as much as the outside. Scrub the linings, clean the soles, and rinse thoroughly. Let them dry completely before wearing them again.
9. Dry Shoes Quickly After Getting Wet
Wet shoes are an open invitation for odor to set in fast. Whether it’s rain, puddles, or an extra-sweaty workout, drying shoes as soon as possible is key. Don’t just leave them sitting by the door.
Remove the insoles if possible, loosen the laces, and open them up as much as you can. Place them in a well-ventilated spot or near a fan to speed things up.
If you need a faster solution, stuff them with dry towels or paper to help soak up moisture. From our experience, the quicker you dry them, the less chance odor has to take hold.
10. Avoid Wearing Shoes Without Socks
This one’s simple but important. Wearing shoes without socks might seem convenient, but it’s a fast track to smelly shoes.
Socks act as a barrier that absorbs sweat before it reaches your shoes. No socks means all that moisture goes straight into the fabric and lining. Even low-profile, no-show socks are a much better option than going without.
Shoe odor is a common problem, but it’s one that’s completely manageable with the right approach. By understanding what causes the smell, like moisture, bacteria, and poor ventilation, and following simple steps like airing out your shoes and using effective natural odor eliminators, you can keep your shoes smelling fresh day after day.
Taking care of your shoes isn’t just about comfort; it also helps them last longer and feel better every time you wear them.
