You’ve just finished a run, a long walk, or a session on the treadmill. You get home, relax, and kick off your shoes, preparing for an evening of rest. And then it hits you—a cheesy and sour stench that rolls over you like a wave of expired Roquefort.
If this scenario sounds familiar, you have smelly feet. But you’re not alone, and it’s certainly not unusual. And much to the delight of your family, friends—as well as your pet cat who is now retching in the corner—it’s fairly easy to fix.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to get rid of smelly feet, covering topics such as:
- The causes of smelly feet
- The best anti-odour socks
- How to get rid of smelly feet permanently
- How to fix smelly feet quickly
What Causes Smelly Feet?
Everyone gets smelly feet from time to time. We’re all susceptible to this issue. If you get it more than others, it means you’re more exposed to one or more of these causes:
Sweat and Bacteria
Sweat is one of the main causes of smelly feet.
Your feet have more sweat glands than any other part of your body, and you compound the issue by wearing socks and shoes and spending all day on your feet. It gets very hot and wet down there, and that makes for some funky feet.
It also creates the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive. It’s warm and moist—a veritable nirvana for millions of bacteria. Not only do these bacteria cause smelly feet, but they can also cause issues such as nail and foot fungus.
Anything that makes you more prone to sweating (standing all day, exercising, wearing thick socks) will make you more prone to sweaty feet.
Poor Hygiene
If you don’t wash your feet at the end of the day, that sweat and bacteria have nowhere to go. By the same token, if you wear the same socks from one day to the next, you’re essentially sliding your foot inside something that is sodden with sweat and bacteria and will smell.
Medical Conditions
Although everyone is prone to smelly feet, some suffer more than others. If your problem is not the result of intense activity and other direct causes, it could be down to something known as hyperhidrosis or “excessive sweating”. It’s a condition that leads to uncontrolled sweating and may occur as a result of a medical condition or a medication side effect.
Traditional Methods to Control Smelly Feet
Now that we know the causes, let’s address how to fix smelly feet.
Wash your Feet Frequently
Wash your feet at least once a day. If the problem persists, wash them two or three times. The more you wash, the less sweat and bacteria there will be.
Wear Breathable Shoes
If your shoes aren’t breathable, air can’t penetrate and those smells have nowhere to go, creating a “cheesy tsunami” when you remove your shoes. Look for shoes that are breathable to negate this issue.
Apply Foot Powders
Foot powders can provide irritation relief, but they also help to absorb moisture and control foot odour. They are a cheap and effective smelly feet remedy.
Wear Socks
As moisture can become trapped in the material of your sock, you might assume that sockless is the way to go. But it could make the issue worse, creating a mass of sweat and making you prone to athlete’s foot.
It’s best to wear socks, and if you want a complete solution, wear anti-odour socks.
Speaking of which…
What are Anti-Odour Socks?
What socks are best for smelly feet? Anti-odour socks, of course.
Take our comfortable Lightfeet Anti-Odour Socks as an example.
They feature a unique COOLMAX® material that wicks away moisture to keep your feet cool and dry—terrible conditions for bacteria and perfect conditions for feet! And that’s not all, as our anti-odour socks include padding for comfort and support, and X-STATIC® fibres to kill bacteria.
Whether you’re walking, running, cycling, or just getting through a workday that involves a lot of standing, these anti-odour socks will keep you comfortable and smell-free.
How Do Anti-Odour Socks Work?
The silver fibres in Lightfeet Anti-Odour Socks are what keep the bacteria at bay. Silver is antimicrobial. It weakens the cells of the bacteria and kills them. In combination with moisture-wicking properties, it means these socks can target the two main causes of smelly feet—bacteria and sweat.
Copper serves a similar purpose and some anti-odour socks claim to achieve similar effects using activated charcoal. Antimicrobial agents are also used to destroy bacteria cells.
Other Tips for Maintaining Fresh Feet
Still battling with cheesy toes? Need more tips on how to get rid of smelly feet? Check these out.
Dry your Feet Thoroughly
Make sure your feet are thoroughly dried after bathing and before putting on your socks. Bacteria love moisture, and while sweat will moisten your feet as the day progresses, it’s best to get off to a dry start.
Change Socks Frequently
Bacteria and sweat can become trapped in the fabric of your socks. Change your socks regularly to prevent this. If you can give your feet a quick wash during the change-over, even better!
Apply Foot Deodorant
Foot deodorant can prevent some of the bad smells from escaping and replace them with pleasant odours. They work in a similar way to the deodorants and antiperspirants you spray/roll under your arms.
Use Shoe Deodorisers
Shoe deodorisers are products that you place/spray/sprinkle inside the shoe. They absorb moisture and bad smells.
Conclusion
Smelly feet is a common condition, but it’s also a nuisance and can be embarrassing. It’s primarily caused by a build-up of sweat and bacteria, both of which can be reduced using Lightfeet Anti-Odour Socks, which blend antimicrobial silver fibres with a moisture-wicking—and incredibly comfortable—fabric.
You can also remedy the issue by thoroughly drying your feet after washing, changing your socks regularly, using foot/shoe deodorisers, and washing your feet at least once per day.
Make these changes and your feet will stop smelling like a pre-dessert cheese course at a French restaurant!