Goodbye, Odor! How To Get Rid of Smelly Feet Permanently With 7 Easy Home Cures

There’s nothing like kicking off your shoes after a long day. But while "letting the dogs out" can be a relief, it can come with a cost — an unpleasant aroma. Wondering how to get rid of smelly feet permanently? We've got the answers! Read on to find out what ups your odds of foot odor, plus how to kick it to the curb for good.

What causes smelly feet?

Medically known as bromodosis, foot odor affects about 36 million people, according to the Institute for Preventive Foot Health. The direct cause of smelly feet comes from the interaction of sweat and bacteria. “Sweat creates a favorable environment for bacteria or fungus to grow,” explains podiatrist Keith Cook, DPM, who is also the director of podiatry at University Hospital in Newark, NJ. “The bacteria itself breaks down and produces acid, which when mixed with sweat, creates the odor.

What increases the odds of smelly feet?

• You sweat a lot: Those with hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) have a higher risk of smelly feet, and the condition may be inherited. According to an article in the American Journal of Managed Care, there’s a positive family history in up to 55% of hyperhidrosis cases.

• Your feet have thicker, harder skin: “People with thicker-soled feet hold onto moisture better, which may be more problematic and lead to foot odor,” says  Diane Whitaker-Worth, MD, a dermatologist at UConn Health and professor of dermatology at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine in Farmington, CT.

• You're experiencing hormonal changes: The decline in estrogen during menopause can increase the amount of sweat your body produces. During menopause, women can also have increased amounts of testosterone, which may enhance sweat output, says Jonathan D. Rose, DPM, a podiatrist in Lutherville, MD, and co-author of The Foot Book: The Complete Guide to Caring for Your Feet and Ankles. 

How to get rid of smelly feet permanently

Ready to get rid of smelly feet permanently? These easy fixes can help:

 1. Scrub here to get rid of smelly feet

“Feet that aren’t washed well often tend to harbor more bacteria,” says Dr. Whitaker-Worth. Use a washcloth or a soft body brush with antibacterial soap to give your feet a thorough scrub. “Pay special attention to the area between your toes, because bacteria and moisture can easily get trapped there,” notes Dr. Whitaker-Worth. Then dry your feet thoroughly.  

If foot odor is still occurring, Dr. Cook says you can suds up twice a day (or more, if needed). Dr. Cook says you can also use an antibacterial foot or body wipe to clean your feet. One to try: PHeet Antifungal & Antibacterial Foot Wipes. 

Tip: “Keeping toenails trimmed prevents buildup of sweat, bacteria, dirt and debris underneath the nails, all of which can cause odor,” adds Dr. Rose.  

2. Rotate your shoes to get rid of smelly feet

Sweat from your feet can soak into the lining of your shoes, creating a wet and warm environment where bacteria thrives. That’s why alternating the shoes you wear each day allows them to air and dry out, says Dr. Rose. “Though drying out your shoes won’t kill the bacteria, it will maintain an environment less suitable for bacteria,” he notes. 

Wearing shoes with breathable material such as mesh, cotton, Lycra, canvas or suede can help get rid of sweat and smelly feet, too. “Breathable materials allow cooler air to enter the shoe while allowing warmer air inside the shoe to escape,” explains Dr. Rose.

3. Spray your insoles to get rid of smelly feet

Sure, you can sprinkle the inside of your shoes with a pricy antibacterial foot powder. Or you can simply spray them with Lysol, says Dr. Cook. “Lysol will kill viruses, bacteria and also the fungus that leads to Athlete’s foot,” he notes. He recommends spraying Lysol inside your shoes every few days or so, allowing them to fully dry before rewearing. 

4. Try a salt soak to get rid of smelly feet

Epsom salt soaks potentially do two things, says Dr. Rose. “One is that it’s a drying agent pulling moisture away from feet, making the skin less hospitable for bacteria,” he says. “The second thing Epsom salts may accomplish is exfoliating the skin, decreasing opportunities for bacteria to grow on the skin.” 

Dr. Rose recommends adding ? to 1 cup of Epsom salts to a bowl of warm water. Then soak your feet for 15 minutes a day over 2 weeks.   

5. Swipe your soles to get rid of smelly feet

Applying an antiperspirant deodorant (the same you'd use for armpit odor) to the bottoms of your feet nightly before bed can help get rid of smelly feet permanently. “This allows for the aluminum chloride — the active ingredient in an antiperspirant deodorant — to block sweat glands and take effect, since the person isn’t walking on their feet,” says Dr. Cook.  

6. Swap your socks to get rid of smelly feet

Cotton socks can trap moisture, and increase foot odor. Instead, opt for acrylic or moisture wicking socks, recommends Dr. Rose. You can also try a pair of socks coated in antibacterial zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NP). A study in the International Journal of Dermatology found over the course of 2 weeks, people who wore zinc-coated socks had significantly less foot odor compared to the uncoated sock group. The zinc socks also helped prevent pitted keratolysis, a bacterial infection that can cause smelly feet.

7. Apply lavender or tea tree oil to get rid of smelly feet

A foot rub with lavender oil can fend off bacteria and fungi, according to a study in Nanomaterials. Another essential oil with antimicrobial components to help get rid of smelly feet is tea tree oil, says Dr. Cook. “I’ve had patients who have used tea tree oil for this purpose and reported it was successful,” he adds. Simply dilute the oil by adding 1 to 2 drops of tea tree oil to 12 drops of olive, grapeseed or jojoba oil and massage into feet.

More ways to get rid of smelly feet permanently

If you can't get rid of your smelly feet permanently with the remedies above, your doctor may suggest a more intensive treatment option. That can include iontophoresis, where an electric current is applied through skin to disrupt sweat production, Botox to block nerve signals that activate sweat glands, a laser procedure to destroy sweat glands or a prescription topical or oral medication as well as an anti-perspirant deodorant, says Dr. Rose. 

For more more ways to keep your feet happy and healthy:

Experts Reveal How to Tap Into the Benefits of Walking Barefoot for Less Pain + Deeper Sleep

Are Crocs Actually Good for Your Feet? Here’s What Podiatrists Want You To Know

How to Remove Calluses at Home With Ease and Tricks That Keep Feet Smooth All Summer Long

This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.