When it comes to common skin issues, foot odor stands out at the top of the list. If no measures are taken, footwear odor will follow and cause all sorts of additional problems. Excess sweating is one of the main factors involved in the process, creating the perfect environment for bacterial and fungal microorganisms to thrive. When such a situation is present, foot and shoe odor becomes omnipresent and additional manifestations become obvious. Keep on reading and discover the best solutions to foot, shoe, boot and sneaker odor problems.

What are the main causes of foot and shoe odor?

It all starts with a number of bad habits. When you forget to change your socks, this favors excess sweat and the accumulation of odor causing bacteria and fungus. The same goes for wearing tight-fitting or worn out shoes, sneakers or boots. Socks that are made from synthetic materials cannot absorb sweat, making the foot environment warm and moist. These are just some of the factors that contribute to bacterial or fungal growth, which are indeed responsible for the unpleasant foot and shoe smell.

And let’s not forget about inadequate hygiene. This can include a wide range of things, including not washing your feet often enough or sharing objects of personal hygiene with other people (fungal infections are easily transmitted from one person to another). Trimming your nails excessively and small cuts or abrasions can favor the spread of infections, which in turn will lead to foul foot odor.

Once you have created a warm and moist environment, it will only be a matter of time until the first signs of foot and nail infection become obvious. The skin around the nails will thicken, while the nails will change their color, appearance and texture. Where does the foul odor come from? Well, whether we are talking about bacterial or fungal infections, the basic principle is the same. The infectious microorganisms will consume the dead skin, producing the foul odor from feet we dread so much.

Solutions to consider

The first thing to do is get a correct diagnosis. In the majority of the situations, stinky smelly feet is caused by a fungal infection, affecting both the nails and the surrounding skin.

Depending on the severity of the infection, you can consider a number of potential treatments. Topical solutions are often recommended, as they can be easily applied and offer amazing results in a short period of time. These contain substances with antifungal properties, including natural remedies, such as tea tree oil and other essential oils. Oral medication is prescribed only for severe fungal infections, and in cases where other treatment solutions have failed.

If you are interested in targeting the dreadful foot smell directly, you can use a professional deodorizer powder such as Smelleze® Natural Shoe & Foot Smell Deodorizer Powder. This can help you get rid of the unpleasant shoe and foot smell, absorbing the excess moisture and preventing mildew from forming. It can be used on different shoes, sneakers, boots and sandals, being made from natural ingredients and capable of eliminating even the most odors form shoes and feet.

As an alternative, you have the Smelleze® Reusable Shoe Smell Deodorizer Pouches, which serves a similar purpose to fight smelly shoes odor. In order to get rid of the nasty shoe stink, all you have to do is place these pouches in your footwear. The biggest advantage is that this shoe deodorizing solution can be re-used, having the ability to absorb excess moisture as well. The exposure to the sun makes the shoe smell neutralizing pouches perfect to be used again, regardless of the footwear you are interested in restoring.

Advanced laser treatments have begun to be used for the treatment of fungal infections, improving the appearance of affected nails and eliminating the foul odor at the same time. Several treatment sessions are generally required but the response to the treatment differs from one person to the other.

You can also take a number of personal measures in order to reduce smelly foot odor. The first thing you can do is keep your feet dry, avoiding excess moisture. During the summer, wear open-toed shoes, while in the cold season change your shoes and socks frequently. Avoid wearing tight or worn out shoes, choose socks made from sweat-absorbent fabrics and do not trim your nails excessively. As always, try to maintain excellent hygiene standards and avoid sharing objects of personal hygiene with other people.

A final note

As you have seen, you can easily prevent the causes of foot and shoe odor by practicing good hygiene and using natural shoe deodorizers. In case you have noticed changes in your nails and feet, it is recommended to visit the dermatologist as soon as it is possible. The sooner the treatment is started, the better the results are going to be. Use adjuvant products to speed up the treatment and maintain the best hygiene all the time.