How to Stop Smelly Feet

Going barefoot as often as possible helps combat smelly feet.

Whether feet are more exposed in the warmer months or bundled up in layers when it's cold, smelly feet are an embarrassing problem most people face from time to time. According to the California Podiatric Medical Association, there are more than 250,000 sweat glands in the feet alone. When this fact is considered, it's a wonder people don't have smelly feet more often. Regular foot hygiene procedures help stop smelly feet and the embarrassment they cause.

Things You'll Need

• Antibacterial soap
• Wash cloth
• Clean towel
• Antiperspirant deodorant spray

Instructions

1. 

   Fresh-smelling feet start with good hygiene.

   Clean feet thoroughly every day with an antibacterial soap that will kill any bacteria making the feet smell. Wet a wash cloth and rub antibacterial soap on the cloth to make a foamy lather. Wash the entire foot with the soapy cloth, making sure to get between toes, on the soles of the feet, the heels and the top of the foot.

2. Rinse the feet well; then dry with a clean towel. Dry all around the foot, including between the toes.

3. Protect feet from becoming smelly by spraying antiperspirant deodorant spray on the bottoms of feet, between toes and on the tops of the feet. Use the same type of antiperspirant deodorant spray you would use to keep the armpits fresh-smelling.

4. Put on clean socks. If you're active during the day, outside or at the gym, place an extra pair of clean socks in your purse or briefcase, so you can avoid wearing sweaty, smelly socks. Wear socks that are made of natural fibers or socks that wick moisture away from the feet.

5. 

   Sunlight and fresh air help keep shoes and feet fresh-smelling.

   Air out shoes you plan to wear the night before, placing them outside in the sun, if possible. Sunlight kills tiny mold and mildew spores that can develop in shoes as a result of moisture from sweat. The sun also gets rid of odor-causing bacteria inside the shoes.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear natural fibers, such as cotton, wool and leather, on your feet as much as possible. These naturally porous materials allow the feet to breathe, so odor isn't contained in the shoe or sock.

• Sandals allow fresh air to circulate around the feet. Wear sandals as often as possible, weather permitting.

• If feet are red, itchy and have cracked skin in addition to odor, see a health care professional about possible athlete's foot or other foot condition.

References

• California Podiatric Medical Association: Secrets to Sweet-Smelling Summer Feet
• Pioneer Thinking: How to Keep Your Shoes Smelling Fresh and Prevent Foot Odor