Foot odor when wearing shoes is a common problem that many people encounter, especially on hot days or when wearing shoes for a long time. This condition is not only uncomfortable but also affects your confidence. However, there are many effective ways to treat foot odor when wearing shoes to help you quickly regain comfort. This article, Shondo Blog, will introduce simple and natural methods that you can apply right at home, helping to eliminate odor and keep your feet dry.
1. Why do shoes and sandals make your feet smell?
Foot odor is a common condition when wearing shoes or sandals a lot, especially in hot weather or when you use shoes and sandals incorrectly. Below are the main causes of foot odor:
- Shoe material
Shoe material plays an important role in causing foot odor. Shoes made from non-absorbent materials such as PVC , rubber or synthetic leather are often not breathable, retain odor for a long time and make your feet easily wet, thereby causing unpleasant odor.
- Excessive sweat secretion
People with active sweat glands are more likely to have smelly feet when wearing shoes. Sweat that cannot escape will accumulate in the shoes, creating conditions for bacteria to grow, causing odor.
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- Wet shoes
Wearing wet shoes or not ensuring they are dry after washing will cause the shoes to become damp, creating conditions for mold to grow and causing an unpleasant odor.
- Shoes are not cleaned properly
Not cleaning your shoes regularly allows bacteria, fungi and dirt to build up, creating the perfect environment for bad odors to develop.
2. How to effectively treat smelly feet when wearing shoes a lot at home
If you are having problems with smelly feet from wearing shoes a lot, here are some effective ways to treat smelly feet from ingredients that are easy to find at home:
2.1 How to treat smelly feet with cinnamon
This is a simple method but it is highly effective and cost-effective. Cinnamon contains a large amount of essential oils that have strong deodorizing properties, helping you quickly solve the problem of smelly feet. You can apply one of the following two methods:
- Method 1: Wash your feet, dry them completely, then apply cinnamon powder evenly on your feet and wear shoes as usual. If you do this every day, you will notice a significant reduction in foot odor.
- Method 2: Boil 4 - 5 fresh basil leaves with water, then use this warm water to wash your feet. Dry with a soft towel and put on shoes, your feet will no longer smell bad.
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2.2 Treat foot odor with talcum powder
Using baby powder is an effective trick to get rid of foot odor when wearing shoes. Baby powder contains talc, which has the ability to absorb moisture and keep the skin dry.
You just need to follow these steps:
- Wash feet thoroughly and dry with a soft towel.
- Take a small amount of baby powder in the palm of your hand, then apply evenly between the toes and the soles of the feet.

2.3 Treat foot odor with green tea
Green tea contains phytochemicals that can prevent the growth of odor-causing bacteria and effectively control foot odor.
To treat foot odor with green tea, you can do the following:
Prepare 1 green tea bag and a cup of hot water, then soak the tea bag in the cup for about 5 minutes. Wash your feet, then use the tea water to wash your feet again. If you do this every day, you will control your foot odor.
2.4 Treat foot odor with eucalyptus oil
Eucalyptus oil has antibacterial and antioxidant properties, which help kill bacteria and reduce foot odor.
You can follow these steps:
- Take 1 liter of warm water and add 2-3 drops of eucalyptus oil, then soak your feet for about 15-20 minutes. After soaking, dry your feet with a soft towel.
- Be persistent in doing this regularly every day to prevent foot odor from recurring.

2.5 Treat smelly feet with apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has antibacterial properties that help reduce foot odor quickly and restore the skin's pH balance. Just mix 1-2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with a glass of cold water, then soak your feet for 3-5 minutes. Finally, rinse your feet with clean water and pat dry.
Apply this method regularly twice a day (morning and evening) to effectively control foot odor.
2.6 Treat smelly feet when wearing shoes with baking soda
Baking soda has the ability to absorb moisture, exfoliate, unclog pores and effectively control foot sweat, helping to eliminate unpleasant odors.
You can apply the following methods:
- Method 1: Take a small amount of baking soda, put it in a paper bag and place it inside the shoe.
- Method 2: Mix 4 tablespoons of baking soda with 1 liter of water, then soak your feet for 15-20 minutes. Do this in the evening, continuously for 1 week to improve the odor.
- Method 3: A simpler way is to sprinkle baking soda directly on the shoes, leave it overnight and wash the shoes the next morning.

2.7 Treat smelly feet when wearing shoes with alcohol
Alcohol has the ability to kill bacteria and remove dirt in shoes, helping to quickly deodorize. You can follow these steps:
- Step 1: Soak a cotton pad with a sufficient amount of alcohol and wipe the outer surface of the shoe.
- Step 2: Pour a little alcohol inside the shoe.
- Step 3: Place the shoes in a cool place to let the alcohol evaporate and kill odor-causing bacteria.
Alternatively, you can also wash your feet, then apply alcohol between your toes and let it dry to help deodorize effectively.
2.8 Treat foot odor by using toothpaste
Toothpaste can effectively eliminate foot odor. You just need to apply toothpaste directly to your feet, add a few drops of water to create foam, then rinse with water and dry. To increase the effectiveness, you can combine toothpaste with lemon or ginger juice. This method will help eliminate odor quickly.
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2.9 Treat foot odor by soaking feet with ginger and salt
In the evening, prepare 1 large ginger root, wash and chop it. Boil the ginger in a pot for about 5 minutes until the water boils. Then, let the water cool and add 1-2 tablespoons of white salt, mix well. Wash your feet with this mixture. Soak your feet for about 20 minutes, then dry and go to bed. If you apply this method continuously for about 1 week, you will see significant results in preventing foot odor when wearing shoes.
2.10 Treat foot odor by soaking feet in fig leaves
Fig leaves are also effective in eliminating odors. Choose medium-sized fig leaves (not too old or too young), wash them and boil them in water. Wait for the water to cool, then wash your feet with the fig leaf water. If your foot odor is mild, you will see a reduction in odor after a week. If the odor is more severe, continue this method for a few weeks to ensure that the odor is completely gone.
2.11 Treat foot odor by soaking feet in green tea leaves
Green tea leaves are very effective in killing odor-causing bacteria. You can also soak your feet in green tea leaves to enhance the deodorizing effect.
2.12 Wash your feet properly every day
Wash feet thoroughly with soap, especially between the toes. Then dry completely to avoid retaining moisture and odor.
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3. How to prevent smelly feet when wearing shoes a lot
- Keep your feet dry
Always dry your feet after washing and avoid leaving them wet. You can use baby powder to help absorb moisture and keep your feet dry throughout the day.
- Rotate shoes
Don't wear the same pair of shoes continuously for many days, rotate your shoes to give them time to air out and dry.
- Invest in quality shoes
Choose shoes with breathable, odor-resistant and moisture-wicking materials. Shondo sandals are a suggestion for you with breathable materials and modern designs that help reduce foot odor when worn for a long time.
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>>>Read more: Top 5 sandal models that don't smelly feet and absorb sweat well.
- Change socks regularly
Change socks daily or after every workout and choose socks made from breathable cotton to help keep feet dry and prevent odor.
In short, smelly feet when wearing shoes can significantly affect your daily life, but with the effective ways to treat smelly feet when wearing shoes that Shondo has shared, you can completely solve this problem easily. By applying natural methods and maintaining good hygiene habits, you will not only eliminate odors but also keep your feet dry and comfortable. Be persistent to see the best results and feel more confident every time you wear shoes!
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