Products for Foot Odor

Foot odors are usually caused by topical skin conditions, excessive moisture or potential infections. Several over-the-counter products can help combat the conditions that lead to smelly feet. With the right treatment, you'll be able to take your shoes off in public without losing all of your friends.

Antiperspirants

Chronically moist feet encourage bacteria production that leads to bad smells. Keep your feet dry with an antiperspirant, suggests Marguerite Crump, author of "No B.O.!" She recommends applying the antiperspirant to your feet every morning before you slip on your footwear. The editors of "Real Simple" magazine recommend using Dove's Clinical Protection antiperspirant, saying it's one of the top five products for dry feet.

Deodorizers

Powder-based deodorizers sprinkled in your footwear combat foot odor in two ways: They absorb excess moisture, thus keeping your shoes and feet dry the next time you put them on, and also absorb bad smells for instantly fresher-smelling feet. "Women's Health" magazine recommends Dr. Scholl's Odor Destroyers Shoe Spheres, saying they "soak up odor." For a homemade alternative, Crump says you can sprinkle equal parts of baking soda and cornstarch in your shoes and socks.

Cotton Socks

Cotton socks are one of the best ways to combat foot smells, reports Columbia University's health services. Cotton fabric helps wick moisture away from your feet and performs better than synthetic or nylon socks at keeping your feet dry, leading to less odor.

Athlete's Foot Medication

Foul footl odors may be due to a topical skin infection known as athlete's foot, warns Princeton University. You may have the skin infection if the odor is accompanied by red, itchy feet. Topical over-the-counter antifungal treatments include creams formulated with miconazole nitrate. The university recommends getting checked by a dermatologist first to rule out any other skin disorders.

Antibacterial Soap

Regular washing with a basic antibacterial soap, such as the type intended for your hands, can help combat foot odor, says Columbia University's health services. It quickly eliminates many of the topical organisms on your skin that may exude bad smells.