How to control foot odor in socks and shoes
Keeping feet clean won't do much good if your shoes and socks are not cleaned and cared for properly. Bacteria and fungi can live on fabrics and shoe materials, so take these steps to minimize their growth.
- Socks should be changed at least daily and washed using a good heavy-duty detergent with enzymes to break down the bacteria so it can be flushed away. Adding a disinfecting product to the wash load is also helpful.
- Choose socks that wick moisture away from the feet and absorb it quickly. Natural fiber socks like lightweight Wigwam Merino Wool Socks are an excellent choice. Available in several styles, colors, and weights, they are perfect year-round socks.
- Add moisture-absorbing, washable shoe liners to every pair of shoes. Soxsols offer both wool and terry-cloth liners that can be cut to fit shoes and then washed after every wearing.
- Avoid tight-fitting shoes.
- Select shoes made from breathable materials. Natural leathers trap less moisture than man-made synthetics.
- Alternate pairs of shoes for daily wear. This will allow each pair to dry thoroughly before being worn again.
- Control shoe moisture and odor between wearings by placing a Moso Natural Mini Air Purifying Bag Shoe Deodorizer in each shoe. These bags use purified bamboo charcoal to absorb moisture and odors. The bags can be used for years by placing them in the sun to dry for one hour every month.
Buy Wigwam Merino Wool Socks in a variety of styles and colors on Amazon for $14.99 and up per pair
Buy Soxsols in a variety of sizes on Amazon for $17. 27
Buy Moso Natural Mini Air Purifying Bag Shoe Deodorizer (2-pack) on Amazon for $9.95