We’ve all been there. You kick off your shoes after a long day, and suddenly the whole room knows about it.

Smelly shoes are embarrassing, and they have a way of following you from the gym bag to the closet to the front door.

Worse, a quick spray of air freshener usually just covers the smell for an hour before it comes right back.

But don’t worry!

In this guide, we’ll explain what’s really causing that funk and share five simple ways to get your shoes smelling fresh again.

What Causes Odor in Shoes?

Believe it or not, sweat itself doesn’t smell. Your feet have more sweat glands than almost any other part of your body, and that moisture gets trapped inside your shoes all day long.

The real culprit is bacteria. Warm, damp, dark shoes are the perfect place for bacteria to grow, and as they break down sweat and dead skin, they release the sour, cheesy odor we all know too well.

Wearing the same pair every day, skipping socks, and storing shoes in a closed bag or closet all make the problem worse, because the shoes never get the chance to fully dry out.

The good news? Once you deal with the moisture and the bacteria, the smell goes with them.

5 Ways To Get Rid Of Smelly Shoes

Here are five easy ways to freshen up your footwear and keep odor from coming back.

1. Use a Natural Shoe Deodorizer.

The easiest fix is to stop the smell where it starts: inside the shoe. A good shoe deodorizer sits in your shoes between wears and absorbs odor and moisture instead of just masking it.

One of our favorites is these natural cedar shoe deodorizer sachets. Each breathable bag is filled with cedar heartwood chips sourced from forests in the Eastern United States.

Unlike sprays that just cover up bad smells with synthetic fragrance, the cedar absorbs odor-causing moisture right at the source.

There are no synthetic fragrances, phthalates, or aerosol propellants. Just pure cedar, so they’re a safer choice for your home, your family, and your pets.

They also last. The fresh cedar scent mellows after the first few weeks (that’s normal!), but each sachet keeps absorbing odor for 3 to 6 months depending on use.

With 4 sachets in a pack, you can keep one in each shoe and still have extras for your gym bag, car, or closet.

All you have to do is drop them into your sneakers overnight, and you’re good to go!

2. Let Your Shoes Dry Out Completely.

Moisture is what bacteria love most, so drying your shoes is half the battle.

After wearing them, loosen the laces, pull out the insoles, and leave them somewhere with good airflow. Avoid putting them straight into a closet or gym bag.

If you can, rotate between two pairs so each one gets a full day to dry.

3. Wash Your Insoles and Shoes.

Insoles soak up the most sweat, so they’re often the main source of the smell.

Hand wash them with warm water and a little mild soap, then let them air dry. Many canvas and athletic shoes can also go in the washing machine on a gentle cycle. Just check the care label first, and never put them in the dryer.

If your insoles are worn out, replacing them is a cheap way to give an old pair new life.

4. Try Baking Soda Overnight.

Baking soda is a classic odor fighter you probably already have in your kitchen.

Sprinkle a spoonful inside each shoe, leave it overnight, and shake it out in the morning. It’s a great quick fix, though it can get a little messy and needs to be repeated often.

5. Wear Moisture-Wicking Socks.

Prevention goes a long way. Socks made from wool or moisture-wicking blends pull sweat away from your feet before it ever reaches your shoes.

Change your socks daily (or more often after a workout), and try not to wear shoes without socks for long stretches.

Smelly Shoes No More!

Smelly shoes are a common problem, but they don’t have to be a permanent one.

By keeping your shoes dry, cleaning them regularly, and dropping a natural cedar sachet in between wears, you can stop odor before it starts.

Your feet (and everyone around you) will thank you!

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