Nothing ruins your confidence like taking off your shoes and realizing they smell unpleasant. Smelly shoes are a common problem, caused by sweat, bacteria, and lack of airflow. The good news? You don’t have to throw your favorite pair away. Once you know how to make shoes smell better, you can keep them fresh, clean, and odor-free.
This ultimate guide explains why shoes smell, the best ways to eliminate odors, and simple tricks to prevent them from coming back.
Table of Contents
- Why Do Shoes Smell Bad?
- Essential Supplies for Odor Control
- Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Shoes Smell Better
- Step 1: Clean Shoes Regularly
- Step 2: Wash and Replace Insoles
- Step 3: Use Baking Soda as a Natural Deodorizer
- Step 4: Try Vinegar for Deep Cleaning
- Step 5: Use Essential Oils for Freshness
- Step 6: Freeze Shoes to Kill Odor-Causing Bacteria
- Step 7: Dry Shoes Properly After Wearing
- Step 8: Wear Moisture-Wicking Socks
- Step 9: Rotate Shoes to Allow Airflow
- Step 10: Use Shoe Deodorizer Products
- Quick Household Hacks to Make Shoes Smell Better
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Preventing Shoe Odors in the Future
- Final Thoughts
1. Why Do Shoes Smell Bad?
Before you learn how to make shoes smell better, it helps to know the cause of the odor:
- Sweat buildup – Feet have 250,000 sweat glands, producing moisture that soaks into shoes.
- Bacteria growth – Sweat and warmth create a perfect breeding ground for bacteria.
- Poor ventilation – Shoes made from synthetic materials often trap odors.
- Wearing without socks – Direct contact with shoes makes sweat soak faster.
Understanding the problem makes it easier to apply the right solutions.
2. Essential Supplies for Odor Control
You don’t need expensive products to figure out how to make shoes smell better. Most solutions use everyday items:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Essential oils (tea tree, lavender, peppermint)
- Dryer sheets
- Coffee grounds
- Rubbing alcohol
- Shoe deodorizer spray or balls
- Moisture-wicking socks
Having these on hand ensures you can treat shoe odors quickly.
3. Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Shoes Smell Better
Here’s a 10-step guide to eliminate and prevent shoe odors.
Step 1: Clean Shoes Regularly
Odor often starts with dirt and sweat buildup. Clean shoes regularly to keep bacteria from multiplying.
- Wash canvas and fabric shoes with mild detergent.
- Wipe leather shoes with a damp cloth and soap.
- For sports shoes, check if they’re machine washable.
Regular cleaning is the foundation of how to make shoes smell better.
Step 2: Wash and Replace Insoles
Insoles absorb the most sweat and odor. To refresh them:
- Remove insoles and hand wash them with soap and water.
- Air dry completely before reinserting.
- Replace insoles every few months for better hygiene.
This simple trick greatly improves shoe freshness.
Step 3: Use Baking Soda as a Natural Deodorizer
Baking soda is one of the best natural solutions for how to make shoes smell better.
- Sprinkle 1–2 tablespoons inside each shoe.
- Leave overnight to absorb odor.
- Shake out the powder in the morning.
It neutralizes odors without damaging materials.
Step 4: Try Vinegar for Deep Cleaning
Vinegar kills bacteria and removes stubborn odors.
- Mix equal parts white vinegar and water.
- Spray lightly inside shoes.
- Let shoes air dry completely.
The vinegar smell fades quickly, leaving shoes fresh.
Step 5: Use Essential Oils for Freshness
Essential oils add a pleasant scent while fighting bacteria.
- Place a few drops of tea tree, peppermint, or lavender oil on cotton balls.
- Leave them inside shoes overnight.
- Alternatively, add a few drops to baking soda before sprinkling inside.
This is an easy way to keep shoes smelling nice.
Step 6: Freeze Shoes to Kill Odor-Causing Bacteria
Freezing works surprisingly well for how to make shoes smell better.
- Place shoes in a sealed plastic bag.
- Put them in the freezer overnight.
- Remove and air dry before wearing.
Cold temperatures kill odor-causing bacteria effectively.
Step 7: Dry Shoes Properly After Wearing
Moisture is the biggest cause of odor. Always dry shoes after wearing:
- Remove insoles and air dry.
- Stuff with newspaper to absorb moisture faster.
- Avoid dryers or direct sunlight for delicate materials.
Dry shoes = odor-free shoes.
Step 8: Wear Moisture-Wicking Socks
Socks play a huge role in how to make shoes smell better.
- Choose cotton or moisture-wicking athletic socks.
- Avoid wearing shoes without socks.
- Change socks daily (or more often if exercising).
This prevents sweat from soaking into shoes.
Step 9: Rotate Shoes to Allow Airflow
Wearing the same shoes every day doesn’t allow them to dry. Instead:
- Rotate between 2–3 pairs.
- Let shoes rest at least 24 hours before wearing again.
- Use shoe trees to maintain shape and airflow.
Step 10: Use Shoe Deodorizer Products
If home remedies aren’t enough, try shoe-specific deodorizers.
- Activated charcoal shoe bags
- Deodorizer sprays
- Cedar shoe inserts
- Commercial shoe deodorizer balls
These products are designed to keep shoes fresh longer.
4. Quick Household Hacks to Make Shoes Smell Better
Need a fast fix? Try these:
- Dryer sheets – Place one inside each shoe overnight.
- Coffee grounds – Put dry coffee grounds in a breathable bag and leave inside shoes.
- Cornstarch – Works like baking soda to absorb moisture.
- Rubbing alcohol – Spray lightly to disinfect and dry quickly.
These hacks are lifesavers when you need instant freshness.
5. Common Mistakes to Avoid
When figuring out how to make shoes smell better, avoid these errors:
- Using too much vinegar (strong odor lingers).
- Leaving shoes damp (causes mold and odor).
- Wearing the same pair daily.
- Skipping sock use.
These mistakes undo your efforts and make odors return faster.
6. Preventing Shoe Odors in the Future
Prevention is the best long-term solution:
- Wash feet daily and dry thoroughly.
- Store shoes in a cool, ventilated place.
- Apply foot powder before wearing shoes.
- Use a water- and odor-repellent spray on shoes.
Taking preventive steps reduces the need for constant treatments.
7. Final Thoughts
Shoes are an essential part of your daily life, and keeping them fresh boosts both comfort and confidence. With these methods, you now know exactly how to make shoes smell better—from simple tricks like baking soda and vinegar to deeper cleaning methods and odor prevention strategies.
The key is consistency. Don’t wait until shoes smell unbearable. Use these methods regularly, and your shoes will always smell fresh, clean, and ready to wear.
About
Education
- RMIT University (Melbourne, Australia) Associate Degree in Design (Furniture)
- Focus on sustainable design, industry-driven projects, and practical craftsmanship.
- Gained hands-on experience with traditional and digital manufacturing tools, such as CAD and CNC software.
- Nottingham Trent University (United Kingdom) Bachelor’s in Furniture and Product Design (Honors)
- Specialized in product design with a focus on blending creativity with production techniques.
- Participated in industry projects, working with companies like John Lewis and Vitsoe to gain real-world insights.
Publications and Impact
In Fruniturix, Huston shares his insights on furniture design processes, materials, and strategies for efficient production. His writing bridges the gap between artisan knowledge and modern industry needs, making it a must-read for both budding designers and seasoned professionals.