Is your family's reaction to your bare feet becoming a household joke? If dramatic reactions and swift exits follow whenever your shoes come off, it might be more than playful teasing. While a little foot odor after exercise is normal, consistently strong smells, regardless of activity level, can point to a real problem. And you’re not alone--about 10-15% of people have smellier feet than most.
Fortunately, this common and embarrassing issue has multiple effective solutions.
I’ll break down the causes of foot odor, who’s most at risk, and the best treatments and prevention strategies.
Causes of Foot Odor
The feet and hands contain more sweat glands than any other part of the body, about 3,000 glands per square inch. Feet smell for three reasons: you wear shoes, your feet sweat, and bacteria and fungus thrive in moist environments.
The interaction between your perspiration, bacteria, and fungus in your shoes and socks generates the odor. Smelly feet can also be caused by an inherited condition called hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, which primarily affects men. Also, stress, standing for long periods, some medications, and hormonal changes can increase your body's perspiration and increase foot odor (think teenagers and pregnant women).
How to Treat and Prevent Foot Odor
1. Soak Your Feet
![Tolcylen foot soak]()
Tolcylen Foot Soaks. These soaks can keep bacteria and fungus at bay and are also effective for treating dry skin and dermatitis. Available at our office.- Strong Black Tea. You can also soak your feet in strong black tea for 30 minutes a day for a week can help. The acid in the tea kills bacteria and closes pores. Use two tea bags per pint of water, boil for 15 minutes, then add cool water and soak.
- UV Shoe Sanitizer. Use a UV Shoe Sanitizer to kill the odor-causing bacteria and fungus in your shoes.
- Shoe Spray. A shoe spray can also get rid of the bacteria and fungus in your shoes. We carry a shoe spray made by Tolcylen.
Tolcylen Foot Soaks2. Dust your feet frequently with a non-medicated baby powder or foot spray.
3. Wear odor-fighting insoles such as Dr. Scholls Odor-X.
4. You may need a prescription from your doctor.
Persistent foot odor can indicate a low-grade infection or hereditary sweating or hyperhidrosis.. In these cases, a doctor may need to prescribe a special ointment.
5. Keep Your Shoes and Socks Dry
- Always wear socks that wick away moisture. Brands like Nike, Asics, Balega, and Darn Tough Vermont are good options.
- Avoid cotton socks as they retain moisture.
- Change your socks and shoes at least once a day.
- Don't wear the same pair of shoes two days in a row. Give your shoes at least 24 hours to dry out before you wear them again.
- Buy shoes that fit properly. Shoes that are too tight can increase the amount of sweat your feet release.
6. Practice Good Foot Hygiene
- Bathe your feet daily in lukewarm water, using a mild soap. Dry thoroughly with a clean towel.
- Clip your toenails regularly and use a pumice stone to remove any dead skin buildup, as these can harbor bacteria.
- Check for fungal infections between your toes and on the bottoms of your feet. If you spot redness or dry, patchy skin, get treated right away.
In conclusion, you and your family do not have to suffer needlessly from foot odor. Try these solutions, and if you still need help, make an appointment.
