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I used to be super embarrassed about my feet. No matter how often I washed them, they still ended up smelling bad by the end of the day, especially after wearing sneakers.
I tried powders, sprays, even fancy insoles, but most of them didn’t fix the problem.
After a lot of trial and error, I found a few things that actually helped. These smelly feet remedies worked for me and made a huge difference.
1. Rotating My Shoes and Letting Them Air Out
Wearing the same shoes every day made my feet smell worse. Now, I rotate between at least two pairs so each one gets a break.
I also take the insoles out at night and let my shoes air out near a window or fan. When I started doing this, my shoes didn’t trap that sweaty smell as much, and my feet stayed fresher longer.
2. Soaking My Feet in Vinegar Water
This was one of the first things that made a real difference. I mix one part apple cider vinegar with two parts warm water and soak my feet for about 15–20 minutes. It kills bacteria and cuts down the odor fast.
I do this a few times a week, especially when it’s hot outside. It’s cheap, easy, and honestly works better than some of the foot sprays I’ve bought.
3. Washing Between My Toes (Every Single Time)
I used to wash my feet in the shower, but I didn’t always pay attention to the spaces between my toes. Once I started scrubbing between them every day and drying that area really well, the smell started to fade.
I use a mild soap and a washcloth, then dry thoroughly with a towel. That small change stopped the musty odor that used to creep up by midday.
4. Using Baking Soda in My Shoes Overnight
This one’s simple but powerful. I sprinkle a little baking soda into my shoes at night, shake it around, and let it sit while I sleep.
By morning, the bad smell is pretty much gone. It soaks up the moisture and kills the odor. If I’m in a rush, I’ll just drop a small sachet of baking soda inside the shoe instead, and it still helps a lot.
5. Wearing Moisture-Wicking Socks
Once I stopped wearing regular cotton socks and switched to moisture-wicking ones, I noticed a big difference.
They keep my feet drier and don’t trap sweat like regular socks do. I found a few pairs online that are made for workouts, and they work great even on long days. If I wear the right socks, my feet don’t smell nearly as bad, even in sneakers.
6. Applying Rubbing Alcohol to Dry Out Sweat
After washing and drying my feet, I wipe them down with rubbing alcohol using a cotton ball.
It dries quickly, kills bacteria, and helps keep my feet from sweating too much. I do this once a day when the weather’s hot or if I’ll be in shoes all day. It’s strong, so I don’t overdo it, but it’s super effective for odor control.
7. Keeping Toenails Trimmed and Clean
This one didn’t seem like a big deal at first, but it matters. I started trimming my toenails regularly and cleaning under them with a nail brush.
Dead skin and dirt can hide in there and cause odor. Once I added this step to my routine, my feet looked better—and smelled better too.
8. Changing Socks Midday When Needed
If I know it’s going to be a sweaty day, like a long walk or errands in the heat, I bring an extra pair of socks and change them halfway through the day.
Just that one change keeps my feet drier and cuts down on the smell. It might sound a little extra, but it really helped keep the stink under control when nothing else worked.
