The smell of your shoes can range from pleasant to pungent. It’s not just the feet that have a sense of smell. As humans, we are sensitive to odours, especially those we contact regularly. Many different things can cause the odour of a pair of shoes: 

• The type of material used to make the shoe 
• The shape and size of the shoe 
• The amount of time that you wear your shoes 
• Lack of ventilation in the shoe (if it is kept all day)  

There are a few reasons why your shoes can smell. The most common culprit is sweat — if you're not wearing your shoes often enough, the odour will linger. In addition to sweat, other factors contributing to smelly shoes include dirt and bacteria from dirty socks and feet. If you have sweaty feet or are wearing open-toed sandals or flip-flops, try cleaning them with mild detergent before wearing them again. You should also try cleaning your sneakers after exercising or playing sports. This will help remove any sweat and dirt that may be present in the material of your shoes.  

If you notice an unpleasant smell coming from your shoes, take them off immediately and either wash with soap and water or put them in the dryer on low heat for 30 minutes to kill off any bacteria that may be present on their surface. If this doesn't work, consider purchasing some deodorizing sprays like Dr Foot's shoe deodorant. This smelly show spray can help eliminate odours by penetrating deep into the material of your shoes and removing odours through absorption rather than masking them with perfume or other fragrances which can harm your skin. 

What causes smelly shoes? 

• The most common cause of shoe odour is bacteria. Bacteria thrive on moisture, and an uncured leather shoe is a perfect environment for them to take hold.  
• Shoes are also a source of sweat and dirt, so if you're walking around in them all day, there's a good chance your feet will smell by the end of the day. 

• If your deodorant contains alcohol, it can make the smell worse. Switch to unscented deodorant if you have a sensitive nose for dry-cleaning chemicals. 
• Some waxes contain alcohol which can dry out your leather and cause it to crack over time. If you want to eliminate that funky smell, try using an all-natural alternative like beeswax or grapefruit seed extract on your shoes instead. 
• One of the most common sources of smell in shoes is bacteria growing between the lining and sole. These bacteria start multiplying as soon as they come into contact with moisture. To prevent this from happening, ensure that the lining covers your entire foot (including around your toes) rather than just covering up the top part of your foot. 

Tips to Avoid Shoe Odour: 

Wash and exfoliate: 

Practicing good foot hygiene is a key rule to prevent stinky shoes. One of the integral steps of your foot care routine is washing your shoes daily. First, wash your shoe with warm soapy water. Rinse it thoroughly, and then pat the shoes with a clean towel. Next, clean the soles because it's the breeding ground of bacteria. Exfoliating feet with pumice stone also helps remove foot odour. 

Wear breathable shoes: 

This might be a little disappointing for the sneakers fan, but it is important to wear breathable and open shoes sometimes. Sneakers and covered shoes can create the perfect moist environment that stimulates the growth of bacteria. Remember, just like your body, your feet also need some fresh air to breathe. Breathable fabric allows the moisture to vent out. Avoid man-made fabrics like vinyl because once you untie those babies, everyone around you will reach for a gas mask. 

Store shoes in a dry place: 

By now, it has been evident that keeping shoes in a moist place equal an invitation card to the germ party. So it's recommended to store all your shoes in a cool, dry place. Though after washing, you can put it in the sunlight, it will help kill the germs, but some fabrics might ruin it in direct sunlight. So, it's better to dry them in a cool place. 

Alternate your shoes: 

Every pair of shoes deserve a free day. It is recommended to have alternate shoes for daily use. Not wearing the same pair of shoes on consecutive days can significantly reduce the stinky smell. On a free day, pull out the sole, untie the laces and keep them in a well-ventilated spot. 

Use shoe insoles to prevent food odour: 

Another way to decrease shoe odour is by wearing insoles. These special insoles contain activated charcoal and baking soda that helps neutralize the unpleasant shoe odour. These soles provide long-lasting foot protection, absorb foot moisture, and add extra footbed cushioning. 

Sprinkle baking soda: 

Baking soda is a multitasker when it comes to home remedies. From cleaning cabinets to softening bedsheets, baking soda is an omnipresent ingredient. Sprinkle some generous amount of baking soda on the stinky shoe soles and let it soak the moisture overnight.