Socks and smell in your shoes

Short answer: Odour in shoes comes from bacteria that thrive in moisture. A sock that moves sweat away from the skin, and a shoe that is allowed to dry between wears, solve most of it. Good habits around washing and changing take care of the rest.

Moisture is the source

Sweat itself hardly smells. The odour appears when bacteria on the skin and in the shoe break down the sweat. Bacteria like moisture and warmth, and a closed shoe offers both. Without moisture much less happens, which is why the sock is the most important factor.

Change daily

A sock worn two days in a row never gets clean and dry in between. Even if it looks fine, it holds sweat and bacteria. Take a fresh pair every morning, and pack a spare if you sweat a lot. See bamboo socks for men.

Let the shoe dry

A shoe worn every day never dries completely. Rotate two pairs of shoes so each pair gets a full day to dry. Take out the insole in the evening if you can, and place the shoe somewhere with air around it.

The material

The material of the sock matters. Bamboo viscose can move moisture away from the skin and feels smooth, and a drier foot gives bacteria poorer conditions. Synthetic socks can hold on to more moisture. Read more in bamboo socks for sweaty and smelly feet.

Wash soon

Socks left in the laundry basket for a week can smell even after washing. Bacteria settle in the fibres while the socks lie damp. Wash socks often, and let them dry before they go in the basket. See smell in clothes that will not go away.

Air in the evening

When you get home, take your shoes off and let your feet breathe. Wear thin socks or go barefoot indoors if that feels comfortable. It gives both feet and shoes a break, and the shoe can start drying while you spend the evening.

Shoes without socks

Trainers and loafers worn without socks are often the shoes that smell the most. The foot rests directly on the material, and sweat settles in the insole, which cannot be washed. A low footie that does not show above the edge takes the sweat instead and can be washed after every wear.

For women

The same applies to shoes for women, especially ballet flats and closed summer shoes, where the foot is often bare. A thin sock or a footie takes the sweat, so the shoe stays fresh. See the matching styles in all bamboo socks for women.

Washing

Wash socks at 40 degrees and skip fabric softener. Softener leaves a film on the fibres that can hold on to odour and reduce moisture transport. Turn socks inside out so skin residue washes out. See the washing guide.

When it does not help

If new habits do not help, the cause may be something other than socks and shoes. Some people sweat more than others, and lasting odour, itching or red skin between the toes can have another cause. If you are unsure, talk to your doctor or a foot care specialist.

Frequently asked questions

What is the most important habit against odour?

Changing socks every day and letting shoes dry in between. Rotate two pairs of shoes so each pair gets a full day to dry out.

Does the material help?

Yes. A sock that moves moisture away from the skin gives bacteria poorer conditions. Synthetic socks can hold on to more moisture, so the foot stays warmer and damper.