What’s more embarrassing than smelly feet? Not much. While warmer temperatures and increased sweating can make you more prone to foot odor for some stinky tootsies can be an issue all year round. Luckily, there are a few ways you can avoid or at least minimize smelly feet.
1. Shower smarter.
When you’re in a rush its super easy to skip washing your feet. But in between toes is an incredibly moist and warm environment where bacteria thrive. Make it a habit to wash your entire foot including in between toes with soap and water.
2. Keep feet dry.
One of the best ways to keep feet from smelling is to keep them dry. So after that shower, take a towel, and dry your entire foot. And put a bit of antifungal powder on your feet, which will keep them dryer longer while decreasing your likelihood of contacting any fungus, such as athlete’s foot.
3. Let feet and shoes breathe.
A flat sandal or flip flop is a better option if you’re trying to get rid of smelly feet. For closed-toe shoes and boots, which can trap odors, make a point to let them air out before you stash them back in your closet. Simply place them outside on a nice day.
4. Consider socks.
Socks help absorb the sweat that naturally accumulates on your feet. If you are going sockless, sprinkle the inside of your shoes with baby powder and better yet, an antifungal powder such as Zeasorb to help absorb some of that moisture, which will cut odor.
5. Head to the medicine cabinet.
If you try, tips 1 through 4 and your feet still stink when you remove your shoes then wash them down with rubbing alcohol to get rid of the stench. The alcohol is antiseptic and drying, so it will destroy odor-causing bacteria… You can also try an Epsom salt soak: add two tablespoons of Epsom salt per quart of cool or warm water and soak feet for 10 to 15 minutes.
