So what can you do about smelly feet and stinking shoes? This is a popular question for our shoemakers and we have some natural solutions. The good news is that you can combine these for maximum aroma treatment:
Keep Feet Clean: daily washing with soap will do a lot to rid your feet of bacteria and their smell. And bathing your feet in a warm epsom salt bath will not only kill bacteria, but will also help your muscles relax.
Stay dry: make sure your feet are dry before putting on socks or shoes, especially if you have just been in the shower. Water that is stuck between the toes is a common culprit.
Choose well ventilated shoes: natural leather is much better breathable than plastic, rubber or pleather. Shoes with perforations or materials designed to be breathable are even better (such as - close to our heads) a Dash LITE or a Moc3 lined with Breathe-O-Prene).
Give your shoes a break: if you let your shoes rest 24 hours after you've worn them, they will die out and many of the festering bacteria will die.
Wicking Socks: not everyone is a fan of wearing socks with their shoes, but socks made of moisture-wicking material will push the sweat away so that it can evaporate as long as your shoes are well ventilated. Good moisture-transporting materials are mixtures of merino wool, olefin or microfiber. Do not forget to change your socks regularly.
Baking salt: sprinkling a few teaspoons of baking soda in your shoes helps to reduce the smell. The use of deodorant with a baking soda base and applying it to your feet and / or shoes can also be very effective.
Vinegar Spray: Mix equal parts of water and vinegar, spray it into your shoes to kill bacteria. Leave them to dry for at least 30 minutes before wearing them. Note: This may discolor some shoe dye, so be careful not to spray the outside.
To mask the odor: although it does more to combat the symptoms than to solve the problem, it is sometimes sufficient to add a more pleasant smell. You can try citrus peelings, blow-dry plates, tea bags, lavender or other herbs. Simply place them in your shoes, especially around the ball and toe areas, and let them sit overnight.