Amelia Grant

Let’s be real—smelly feet are annoying. Whether it hits you the second you take your shoes off or creeps up slowly throughout the day, that odor isn’t something you want to deal with. If your feet smell, you’re definitely not the only one, and thankfully, there are ways to fix it. Sometimes it's just about building better habits. Other times, there might be something medical going on. Either way, here’s what you can start doing now to get your feet smelling normal again.

1. Clean your feet properly—don’t just rinse and go

A quick splash in the shower doesn’t count. You need to actually scrub your feet with soap, especially in between the toes. Use something antibacterial if you can, and don’t forget to dry them completely afterward. Damp skin is the perfect place for bacteria and fungi to grow, and they’re usually the ones causing the smell. Also—dead skin can trap odor, so using a pumice stone a few times a week to remove buildup helps a lot.

2. Switch your socks more often than you think

If your feet sweat even a little, you’ll want to keep a backup pair of socks around. Don’t sit in damp socks all day—it just gives bacteria a better place to grow. Ideally, wear clean socks every day, and change them as soon as they feel damp. This is especially important if you’re working out, walking a lot, or just live in a warm place. Breathable socks made from cotton or wool are better than synthetic ones.

3. Don’t wear shoes that trap everything inside

Shoes that are too tight or made of synthetic material tend to lock in heat and moisture. When your feet can’t breathe, they sweat more. That sweat doesn’t just evaporate—it sits there, gets soaked up by your socks and shoes, and builds up over time. Choose shoes that give your feet room to breathe. And if they’re already sweaty, let them air out before wearing them again.

4. Pick the right materials

Shoes and socks made of natural fibers like cotton, wool, or leather help your feet breathe better. They also absorb moisture rather than trapping it inside. If your shoes are made of plastic or rubber, you’re more likely to have a moisture problem. And yes, smelly feet are usually a moisture problem.

5. Try a foot soak every now and then

Soaking your feet once or twice a week can really help. Something as simple as warm water and apple cider vinegar (1 part vinegar to 2 parts water) can cut down on bacteria. If vinegar’s not your thing, try adding a bit of sea salt and tea tree oil to warm water. Just soak your feet for 15–20 minutes and dry them thoroughly afterward. You’ll notice the difference.

6. Use an antiperspirant on your feet

This one surprises people, but yes—you can absolutely use antiperspirant on your feet. There are products made specifically for this, or you can use a regular one with a higher concentration of aluminum chloride. Make sure your feet are clean and dry first, and apply it before bed. If you’re sweating through your shoes the next day, you can reapply in the morning. Don’t skip between your toes.

7. Look out for signs of something more serious

It is essential to understand that an unpleasant foot smell can also be caused by a fungal infection that is more difficult to eliminate. If your feet are smelly, red, swollen, itchy, covered by blisters or ulcers, it can be a sign of athlete's foot. Make an appointment with a foot doctor for a thorough diagnosis and timely treatment. Otherwise, fungi can spread to your toenails, arms, and even groin.