How to Prevent Feet From Smelling

Good hygiene helps to combat smelly feet.

Smelly feet can be an embarrassing problem that prevents you from taking your shoes off in a casual situation. Foot odor occurs when odor-causing bacteria are trapped in your shoes or socks and can also happen because of stress, medication and changes in your hormones. While you can treat foot odor, preventing it will spare you the embarrassment that comes when others can smell your stinky feet.

Things You'll Need

• Antibacterial soap
• Wash cloth
• Clean towel
• Foot powder
• Natural fiber socks
• Baking soda

Instructions

1. 

   Clean feet are the first step toward preventing foot odor.

   Wash your feet each morning and night with antibacterial soap. Work the soap into a wet washcloth and wash the bottoms and tops of your feet, as well as in between your toes. Rinse your feet with warm water and dry with a towel, making sure to dry between the toes.

2. Allow your feet to air dry for a few minutes. When damp feet are covered with socks and shoes, the moisture contributes to foot odor.

3. Sprinkle foot powder on your feet. Apply it to the tops, bottoms and between your toes. Wipe off excess foot powder between your toes, using a towel, so it doesn't get caked in there.

4. Wear socks made of natural fibers, such as cotton or wool. Natural fibers let your feet breathe so moisture from sweat doesn't stay trapped in your socks.

5. 

   Keeping your shoes smelling fresh helps keep your feet smelling fresh, too.

   Pour a little baking soda inside your shoes. Tilt your shoe back and forth to spread the baking soda from the toe to the heel then dump out the excess powder. Baking soda is a natural odor-eater that helps prevent smelly feet.

Tips & Warnings

• Give shoes a chance to air out by not wearing the same pair each day.

• Take off your shoes and air out your feet during the day, if possible.

• If your feet tend to sweat a lot, wear moisture-wicking socks to keep the moisture away from your skin.

• Soak feet in diluted vinegar to remove foot odor.

• Taking zinc supplements can help prevent body odors, such as foot odor.

References

• ePodiatry: Smelly Feet (Foot Odor): Preventing Smelly Feet
• Health Guidance: Sweaty Foot Odor Remedies
• Backpacker: Foot Odor: Toxic Sock Syndrome