How to Get Rid of Boot & Shoe Odor

Sweat and moisture can cause an upleasant odor in shoes.

After extended wear, boots and shoes often acquire an unpleasant odor. This is often because they absorb moisture in the form of sweat. The moisture can lead to mildew and bacteria, which is not only unpleasant to smell but unhealthy for your feet. You can remove an unpleasant odor from your shoes or boots in several ways.

Things You'll Need

• Baking soda
• Large resealable plastic bag
• Freezer
• Socks
• Cat litter
• Rubbing alcohol
• Cotton balls

Instructions

Freezing

1. Coat the insides of your shoes or boots thoroughly with baking soda.

2. Place the shoes in a resealable plastic bag and seal it.

3. Place your shoes in the freezer and leave them overnight. While the cold kills off the bacteria, the baking soda will absorb the scent.

4. Shake the baking soda off of your shoes in the morning. The smell should be gone and you will be able to wear them as usual.

Cat Litter

1. Fill two old socks with about a cup of clean cat litter apiece.

2. Knot the ends of the socks so that the litter cannot escape.

3. Stuff the socks into your shoes or boots and allow the cat litter to absorb the odor.

4. Leave the shoes as they are overnight.

5. Remove the socks in the morning and wear your shoes as usual.

Rubbing Alcohol

1. Apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol to a cotton ball.

2. Swab the inside of your shoes or boots thoroughly with the cotton ball.

3. Leave your footwear in an open area to dry overnight.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear wool socks to cut down on the sweat that gets into your shoes.

References

• Beauty-Cosmetic-Guide: How to Get Rid of Shoe Odor
• I Love India: How to Remove Shoe Odor