Life’s too short for stinky soles. Let’s be honest, there’s nothing worse than a funky-smelling pair of shoes wafting up and taking your breath away (and not in a good way). Whether it’s your takkies post-gym, your office brogues, or those trusty hiking boots, shoe stink can sneak up on anyone. But fret not, royal subject! We’ve got the lowdown on how to keep your footwear fresh and fabulous.
Why do shoes start smelling?
Shoes smell because your feet sweat, and that sweat creates a delightful buffet for bacteria. Add closed shoes, limited airflow, and long hours, and you’ve got a recipe for odour mayhem.
Top tips to keep your kicks fresh:
1. Rotate your shoes
Wearing the same pair every day? That’s a one-way ticket to pong-town. Give your shoes at least 24 hours to air out before wearing them again.
2. Use foot powder or antiperspirant
If your feet are doing their best impression of a leaky tap, it’s time to dry up. Foot powders or sprays reduce moisture and help eliminate bacteria.
3. Stuff them with newspaper
Newspapers absorb moisture and help neutralise odours. Just scrunch up some pages and pop them inside overnight.
4. Let the sunshine in
A little UV goes a long way. Sunlight helps kill bacteria, so leave your shoes outside (but not in the rain, please) to air out.
5. DIY deodorisers
Bicarb of soda is your budget-friendly bestie here. Sprinkle some in your shoes and leave overnight. You can even use tea bags, essential oils, or activated charcoal sachets.
6. Wash ’em (if you can)
Check the label and if it’s safe, toss your shoes in the washing machine. Use cold water and a gentle cycle. No tumble-drying unless you want baby-sized sneakers.
7. Freeze the funk
Pop your pongy pair in a plastic bag and chuck them in the freezer overnight. The cold kills most bacteria and neutralises smells. (Just warn the fam first!)
8. Invest in moisture-absorbing insoles
Insoles made from cedar wood, bamboo, or other absorbent materials keep things dry and odour-free.
Walk confidently into freshness
Your shoes take you places. They deserve to smell as fresh as your goals. Keep the stench at bay and walk tall, knowing you won’t gas out an entire room.
Speaking of fresh starts, did you know that with King Price, you can cover your portable goodies with portable possessions insurance? Whether you’re gym-bound, globe-trotting, or just jogging around the block, we’ve got your back if your goods are stolen, damaged, or lost.
Because stinky or not, your stuff deserves cover fit for a king. Click here to get a commitment-free quote for portable possessions insurance that’s light on your pocket and heavy on protection.
FAQs about smelly shoes
Q: Can I use perfume or air freshener to mask the smell?
A: You can, but it’s a short-term fix. Rather tackle the root cause (aka bacteria and moisture).
Q: How often should I replace my insoles?
A: Every 6 months or sooner if they’re damaged or, well, smelly.
Q: Do certain materials smell less?
A: Yep! Leather and mesh shoes generally breathe better than synthetic materials.
Q: Are there special sprays for shoes?
A: Definitely. Look for antibacterial or deodorising shoe sprays at pharmacies or supermarkets.