To get rid of shoe odor, dry the shoes completely, wash or replace the insoles, and leave baking soda inside overnight to absorb the smell. Then stop it coming back by rotating pairs, wearing moisture-wicking socks and airing shoes after each wear.
In this guide
Why shoes smell
Feet have a very high concentration of sweat glands. Sweat itself has almost no smell, but in a warm, damp shoe, bacteria feed on it and on dead skin and produce the acids that cause the odour. That is why the two things that matter most are moisture and bacteria. Remove both and the smell goes.
Quick fixes compared
| Method | How it works | Time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baking soda | Absorbs moisture and neutralises acids | Overnight | Most shoes (avoid loose powder on dark suede and leather linings) |
| Washing the insoles | Removes the main source of bacteria | 30 minutes plus drying | Sneakers and trainers |
| Disinfectant or shoe deodoriser spray | Kills odour-causing bacteria | Minutes | All closed shoes |
| Activated charcoal or cedar inserts | Absorb moisture and odour between wears | Ongoing | Leather shoes, daily wear |
| Sunlight and fresh air | Dries the shoe; UV reduces bacteria | A few hours | Sneakers and canvas |
Step-by-step: deodorise shoes overnight
- Dry the shoes. Take out the insoles and let everything dry completely. See how to dry shoes for the fastest safe method.
- Add baking soda. Sprinkle one to two tablespoons into each shoe, or put it in a thin sock or coffee filter tied shut to avoid mess.
- Leave overnight, or for 24 hours for strong odours.
- Tip out or vacuum the powder before wearing.
Related: How to Make Shoes Smaller: 8 Ways to Fix Shoes That Are Too Big
Deep clean for persistent smells
Wash the insoles
Scrub removable insoles with warm water and a little laundry detergent, rinse, and air dry fully. If they still smell once dry, replace them. Insoles are inexpensive and are usually the main source of odour.
Wash the shoes, if the material allows
Canvas and many mesh sneakers can be hand washed or machine washed cold; follow our guide to cleaning canvas shoes. Leather and suede should not be soaked.
Disinfect the lining
Wipe the inside with a cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol, or with equal parts white vinegar and water, then let the shoes dry in open air. Both reduce bacteria; the vinegar smell fades as it dries. Test on a hidden area of leather linings first.
Do the popular home remedies work?
- Freezing shoes: cold slows bacteria but does not reliably kill them, so the smell tends to return once the shoes warm up.
- Dry tea bags: absorb a little moisture and add a scent. Mild effect.
- Dryer sheets: mask odour with fragrance but do not remove the cause.
- Essential oils: a pleasant cover, not a fix on their own.
How to prevent shoe odor
- Rotate your shoes. Give each pair at least 24 hours to dry before wearing it again.
- Wear the right socks. Merino wool or synthetic moisture-wicking socks keep feet drier than cotton. Change them daily.
- Avoid wearing closed shoes barefoot, or use washable no-show liners.
- Air shoes after wear. Loosen the laces, pull the tongue forward and leave them somewhere ventilated, not in a closed gym bag.
- Use cedar shoe trees or charcoal inserts in leather shoes.
- Look after your feet. Wash and dry them thoroughly, including between the toes.
When the smell is coming from your feet
If odour returns quickly in every pair, the source may be your feet, not the shoes. Persistent strong odour, especially with itching, peeling skin or changes to the toenails, can be a sign of a fungal infection such as athlete’s foot. A pharmacist or doctor can advise on treatment. This article is general information, not medical advice.
Frequently asked questions
What kills the smell in shoes fastest?
A disinfectant shoe spray or a wipe with rubbing alcohol works within minutes, followed by drying. Baking soda overnight finishes the job.
Does baking soda damage shoes?
It is safe for most fabric linings. Used loose and often, it can dry out leather linings and leave a white residue on dark materials, so put it in a small pouch for those.
Why do my shoes smell even after washing?
They were probably not dried fully, or the insoles are holding the bacteria. Dry them completely and replace the insoles.
Can I put smelly shoes in the washing machine?
Canvas and many synthetic sneakers, yes, on a cold gentle cycle. Do not machine wash leather or suede.
