Smelly feet are embarrassing, although the problem is quite common. Doctors rarely become concerned about foot odor, but it can be quite a social liability. What remedies really work to get rid of the smell? One reader is enthusiastic about sprinkling borax powder in shoes.
Can Borax Correct Unpleasant Shoe Aroma?
Q. My husband has a pair of running shoes that have a strong odor like mildew. The shoes are not used for intense activity or running, but more for every day. We have tried inserts, washing and foot sprays. They are only about two months old. Any suggestions to help eliminate the odor?
A. We heard from one reader (below) that leaving a couple tablespoons of 20 Mule Team Borax in each shoe for at least eight hours solved an odor problem. You will find this product in the laundry section of the supermarket. Borax must be kept away from household pets. You should also be careful not to inhale it while you are sniffing the shoe to see if it worked. The powder can irritate the lungs.
A Home Remedy for Foot Odor:
Q. You have sometimes answered questions about foot odor, but I’ve never seen the remedy that worked for us. Years ago, my husband had this problem. It was hard to be in the same room with him after he removed his shoes.
A friend had grown up in Arkansas with lots of home remedies. She told us to put two tablespoons of 20 Mule Team Borax in each shoe overnight. It worked like magic.
Borax in Shoes:
A. Borax (sodium borate) has long been used as a laundry additive, water softener and deodorizer. This mineral is toxic to pets, however, so shoes with this powder should be kept away from cats and dogs.
Remove the powder carefully before wearing the shoes again. It should not be inhaled, as it can cause lung irritation.
Another reader suggests spraying the interior of smelly shoes with vodka and allowing that to dry overnight. In addition, some people like to treat the feet rather than the shoes. Soak them in a solution of baking soda. Learn how in our free Guide to Smelly Feet, which also contains other simple suggestions. Here is a question from the perspective of a husband who has stinky feet:
Smelly Feet Squelch Sex Life:
Q. My wife has complained that I have very stinky feet. It’s putting her off sex and upsetting the children. What can I do?
A. Smelly feet often start out as sweaty feet. Then bacteria that live on skin get a foothold and create unpleasant odors.
Strategies to dry out feet or discourage bacterial growth can be helpful. Tips we have received include taking zinc or chlorophyll supplements as well as using a foot powder containing fluffy tannic acid, talc and bentonite. Many readers of this column recommend foot soaks of Epsom salts or a strong tea solution. The tannin in the tea discourages excess sweating.
Doug G suggests a different foot soak solution:
“Solution for smelly feet: soak feet in betadine/water mixture, at least 1/4 cup betadine to enough water in small plastic tub to cover bottom of feet an toes. Soak for 15- 20 min. Get a pedicure at least once a month, man or woman, or use pumice stone in shower or bath to remove dead skin.”
RL reports:
“Eating too much salt from processed foods causes my feet to sweat so much sometimes it ruins my shoes. When I lower my salt intake, all is well with my feet.”
Another reader recalls:
“My brother used to take off his shoes and we would all about die because his feet smelled so bad. We found out that it was athlete’s foot and he treated his feet with athlete’s foot creams and sprays and the smell was gone. My brother had no lesions or redness—just the smell. So treat smelly feet for athlete’s foot.”
Bianca recommends breathable shoes and socks:
“Another factor may be the socks and shoes one wears. My husband complained of stinky feet when we met, but after switching to (albeit somewhat more expensive) leather shoes and cotton or wool socks, the odor problem evaporated. Just another variable to factor in.”
And finally, DWD has expanded his shoe wardrobe:
“I wonder if these folk with smelly feet rotate their shoes? Some guys wear one pair all the time so the never really dry out. I have 3 pairs of sneakers, 4 pairs of casual shoes (two black, two brown), one pair of dressier “Sunday” shoes. I place them on shelves and rotate them pretty consistently so I never wear the same pair of shoes more than one day in a row. Even traveling I try to carry 2 pair if luggage is an issue or preferably 3 if by car.
“Also make sure your closet is not too air tight by leaving the door ajar when possible and there is room around the shoes for them to air out.”
