Although common, foot odor can be an embarrassing problem. In the worst cases, it can be enough to make you avoid situations where you will have to remove your shoes. The cause of foot odor is usually bacteria and fungus that grow inside your shoes or is present on your skin, according to the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. For many people, smelly feet are caused by sweaty feet. In these cases, controlling foot odor starts with good personal hygiene, but you'll also have to try and control sweating.
Step 1
Wash your feet daily with soap and warm water.
Step 2
Dry your feet thoroughly with a clean, dry towel. Pay special attention to the area between your toes, which can be difficult to dry but is also a breeding ground for the bacteria that cause foot odor.
Step 3
Apply foot powder to your feet after drying them. The powder, which can be found at drugstores, will help absorb sweat and cut down on odor, according to MayoClinic.com.
Step 4
Wear clean socks made from cotton or wool. These materials can help absorb sweat from the feet.
Step 5
Wear shoes made from natural materials, such as leather, which will allow your feet to breathe better than synthetic, man-made materials such as plastic, according to MayoClinic.com.
Step 6
Rotate wear of your shoes regularly. When your feet sweat a lot, they may not dry completely overnight. Wearing them again the next day can contribute to food odor. Instead, try not to wear the sames shoes on consecutive days.
Step 7
Wash or rinse the insoles of shoes you wear regularly and allow them to dry completely before placing them back in the shoes. For shoes without insoles that can be removed, try wiping down the inside of the shoe.
Tips and Warnings
- The best solution for foot odor is to go barefoot whenever you can. If your feet are particularly sweaty, change your socks throughout the day, drying them before you put on clean socks, MayoClinic.com advises. Disinfectant sprays are also available and can be sprayed in your shoes to help kill some of the bacteria that cause foot odor.
Things You'll Need
- Soap
- Towel
- Foot powder
- Socks
- Shoes
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