What makes sneakers smell

I don't have to tell you that boots season is a recipe for a special kind of stench that lingers in your shoes long after you take them off, and can leave you relegating your favorite pair of over-the-knees to the back of your closet.

But there's no need to say goodbye to those stinky shoes : With proper care, they'll be back to smelling like roses or at least, normal shoes in no time. Related Stories. Experts Referenced. Jacqueline Sutera, DPM. Tags: Active Clothing , Clothing Care. Loading More Posts Featured Collection. Bonus: this is a great way to cool off in the middle of a hot summer when your feet are hot and smelly.

A win, win! Once your shoes are thawed, your feet and your nose will thank you. If your shoes have insoles, take them out and wash them separately so everything gets as clean as possible. Extreme heat may shrink your shoes or cause damage to any adhesives.

Instead, use a long, warm wash and rinse cycle and air dry them using newspapers to soak up extra moisture. Apply a couple of sprays on the inside of your shoes and wipe the interiors with a cloth towel. Allow them to air dry before you wear them again. Pro tip: less is more! A quick spritz is all you need to get the full fresh effect.

Here are 5 ways to keep the bacteria in your running shoes under control. Deodorizing shoes is not just important for the social factor of not being the person with smelly shoes, but it is also a practice in foot health. Remember, smell comes from the combination of bacteria and sweat. According to this article in the Journal of Athletic Training , athletes are more susceptible to bacterial and fungal infections on their feet.

Put your shoes in the freezer to reduce the amount of bacteria and some odor. If you choose to go with this method, however, we recommend putting your shoes in some sort of plastic bin, container, or plastic bag to prevent your shoes from coming out smelling like frozen taco meat and to keep your frozen taco meat from smelling like feet. That goes for any other foot product you store in your freezer, like yogatoes or special ice packs.

Bacteria and microorganisms thrive in damp conditions, so keep your shoes dry, for example, by stuffing them with newspaper after a run. Storing shoes out in the sun has also been proven to be an effective method of drying and sanitizing footwear. Giving your shoes at least 24 hours to dry out will prevent any scents from lingering.