This is a guest post from Richard, the author of the site aboutboot.com – where he's publishing articles about boots and offers you everything you need to know about smelly shoes, causes and how to stop it before or after it gets worse.
Smelly shoes can be frustrating, especially when you are in a new environment where you want to maintain some level of respect. It may affect your social life, career or even your relationships.
Unfortunately, this is one thing you may have a hard time dealing with when you have naturally sweaty feet.
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According to the Skin and Care Foundation in Australia, shoe odor often results from sweaty and stinky feet, a complication called bromhidrosis. Stinky feet often begins at childhood or puberty stages. If not taken care of in time, it might turn out to be a problem when you are grown up. The good news is, it all depends on you.
Here some few tips and tricks that will help you deal with shoe odor.
Apple cider vinegar
Add one part of vinegar to two parts of water to discourage the accumulation of results in shoe odor. Apple cider vinegar has antifungal properties known to inhibit the accumulation of bacteria in your shoes. Do this after taking a bath a few minutes before retiring to bed.
Take a Salt Bath
Add a half cup of Epson salt or kosher salt into 5 to 6 cups of water. You can then soak your feet for approximately 20 minutes each day. Salt baths will not only help fight the bad bacteria and fungi in your shoes but will also enhance your skin health.
Apply foot powders
After soaking, washing and drying your feet, you need to develop a habit of applying powders on your feet. Using powders such as arrowroot powder or baking soda will help absorb and eliminate sweat and moisture that may encourage bacteria or fungi. Do this before you wear some socks or shoes and every day before you leave for work.
Practice hygiene
Wash your feet using any bacterial soap. When washing, focus on the space between your feet. Ensure that you scrub between your properly to eliminate any dirt. For better results, you can dip some cotton wool in apple vinegar and gently apply it between your toes. Avoid scrubs if you have any skin complication such as eczema.
Alcohol solution
You may not want to wash your smelly shoes using water simply because they are leather and you don’t want to damage them. Don’t sweat it. Mix one part of alcohol and water into a spray bottle then spray it on your shoes focusing on the interior. You can also apply it on your leather shoes using a rag. Allow your shoes to dry properly before wearing to discourage shoe odor.
Wear different socks
Socks help absorb moisture and sweat in your feet and shoes. What you must never forget is that whatever is absorbed remains in them and bacteria causing shoe odor isn’t an exception. So, don’t repeat wearing one sock more often. If you have a few socks, ensure that what you are putting on your feet is washed clean.
The bottom line
Not even people with sweaty feet like shoe odor. Apart from the bad smell, it is discomforting not only to you but also to the people around you. If you are not too cautious, it may spoil your image. Fortunately, it is never a big problem provided you follow the right steps needed to keep your feet and shoes clean and pathogen-free. Save yourself the trouble by using the tips above.
Check on this infograph to get a complete solution for your problem:
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Foodaholic. Introvert. Lifelong pop culture junkie. Explorer. Amateur beer nerd. Loves hiking. Fitness freak. Shoe maniac. Health coach.
