Home → Blog → Resources → 12 Ways to Remove and Prevent Bad Odors in Sneakers
Bad smells in sneakers are usually the result of odor-causing bacteria that thrive in the warm, moist, and sweaty conditions found in footwear. Fortunately, there are ways to tackle the root causes, remove sneaker smells, and prevent them from returning as regularly. This can include odor-capture and antibacterial additive technologies, careful maintenance regimes, home remedies, and additional hygiene measures.
This article explores the causes of these odors and the science behind them, then provides comprehensive methods to both remove and prevent odors in sneakers. From baking soda to advanced antibacterial textile solutions, we detail all the possible solutions at your disposal.
Bad smells in sneakers are caused by the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) typically released by bacteria that thrive in the warm, damp conditions. They can also be caused by chemical reactions in the immediate environment, such as those produced by smoke and cooking.
Bacteria are the primary cause of smelly sneakers. Bacteria love warmth and moisture. As your feet are fully enclosed, they are usually one of the sweatier parts of the body, creating the perfect environment for bacterial growth. These microorganisms feed on sweat and dead skin, and the byproducts of their metabolic processes tend to smell pretty bad.
Environmental odors, such as smoke and cooking odors, can also be trapped in the materials used to make your footwear. Once trapped, these smells linger in fabrics much longer than in the air. However, this is typically more of an issue with clothes than footwear, as your shirts, trousers, and other apparel are generally more exposed to the source of these odors than your shoes.
Sneakers are particularly prone to bad smells because of:
Odor-causing bacteria thrive in sneakers because shoes are in direct contact with sweat and skin, both of which contain the organic matter bacteria need to thrive. The bacteria metabolize this organic material and produce smelly VOCs in the process.
When enclosed, the feet sweat and shed dead skin cells constantly. Sweat is mostly salt and water. However, it also includes organic compounds, such as proteins, fatty acids, and lipids. These are nutrient-rich and provide bacteria with plenty of sustenance.
When feeding on these compounds, bacteria break them down into smaller compounds and by-products.
Some waste products of bacterial metabolization are known as Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). These VOCs are responsible for the bad odors. For instance, isovaleric acid has a strong, cheesy smell, propionic acid has a sour odor, and sulfur compounds give off that rotten egg smell.
The main parts of the shoe responsible for bad smells are the insole, toe box, lining, and upper.
Not all parts of a shoe are susceptible to bacterial growth. For instance, the rubber sole is not usually responsible for bad smells. However, if we identify areas particularly prone to bacterial growth, we can target our countermeasures more precisely, so eliminating the bacteria and bad smells is easier.
If you are suffering from smelly sneakers, you can eliminate the bad odors in your sneakers and freshen up your feet in the following ways:
A household staple, bicarbonate of soda (also known as baking soda), absorbs moisture and neutralizes odors. Deposit a generous amount inside the sneakers, distribute evenly over the insole overnight, and leave it overnight. You can shake out the excess powder in the morning and slip on your fresh-smelling sneaks. This is a simple, affordable way to remove foot odor in sneakers.
Simply replacing old insoles with a new pair is also an effective way to eliminate odors in your sneakers. However, this is not a particularly environmentally friendly method, as it means regularly buying new products. You can mitigate this by purchasing antibacterial, anti-odor insoles that use technologies like Polygiene StayFresh. These are a long-term solution that shouldn’t need replacing as frequently.
Shoe sprays are designed to kill bacteria and eliminate odors. The highly effective Storm x Polygiene OdorCrunch Sprayis an excellent example. Using an advanced silica formula, the active ingredients catalytically “crunch” the molecules responsible for bad odors and prevent new ones from forming. Entirely skin-safe and 100% vegan, it is a great option for removing bad odors in sneakers.
Not all sneakers can be thrown in the washing machine. But some can. Before doing so, remove the laces and insoles, then put the sneakers on a gentle cycle with gentle detergent. Air-dry the shoes before you wear them and avoid tumble-drying, as this is more likely to damage the uppers.
Though this may sound odd, freezing your sneakers can kill the bacteria they harbor and get rid of foot odor. Pack the shoes in a plastic bag to keep your freezer clean and leave them in there overnight to let the cold temperatures work their magic. Let the sneakers naturally thaw before wearing them.
Some essential oils boast natural antibacterial properties. These include tea tree, lavender, and eucalyptus, among others. For best results, drop the oils onto a piece of cotton wool and place it in your sneakers. Leave overnight. Not only will this help eliminate odor-causing bacteria in sneakers, but it should also leave a lovely scent. While this certainly works, the antibacterial qualities in essential oils are not as effective as dedicated antibacterial technologies, which have been optimized and refined for maximum efficacy.
Simple dryer sheets are also an option. Lay them inside your sneakers and leave them overnight to absorb the moisture and nullify the worst odors. It’s a simple way to take the smell out of your sneakers overnight.
Preventing bad odors in sneakers is far more effective than trying to remove them and requires much less work. Here are five simple strategies for preventing odors.
Odor-control technologies like Polygiene StayFresh and Polygiene OdorCrunch2.0 are integrated into textiles at the point of manufacture and provide 24/7 protection for the product’s entire lifespan. By preventing bacterial growth and eliminating environmental smells, they keep sneakers smelling fresher for longer.
Airing out your sneakers after you’ve worn them can work wonders for bad odors. Just make sure you remove the insoles and hang those up, too. Improved airflow and ventilation help any residual moisture evaporate away, reducing opportunities for bacterial growth.
Thoroughly cleaning your feet will prevent bacterial growth and help keep your footwear smell-free. Use soap and ensure your feet are completely dry before putting on your socks or wearing your shoes. Regularly exfoliating your feet can also help to remove dead skin cells, eliminating another potential food source for bacteria. Good foot hygiene can be combined with other methods on our list to prevent bad smells in your sneakers.
While it is best to tackle bacteria where they are most likely to grow – in the fibers of your footwear – antibacterial foot creams can also help with the issue. Apply the cream before wearing your sneakers for best results.
Odor-capture technologies work by trapping the VOCs responsible for bad smells and preventing their release, so they don’t reach your nose. For instance, Polygiene OdorCrunch2.0 captures odorous compounds and locks them into the fabric so you can’t smell them. When you wash the textile, the molecules are released and removed, and the capture mechanism resets so it can go again. This means OdorCrunch2.0 can provide long-lasting, ongoing odor protection. Crucially, OdorCrunch2.0 also contains no heavy metals, is PFA-free, and is designed to work with traditionally challenging materials like lightweight 100% polyester.
Antibacterial additive technologies work by inhibiting the growth of the bacteria responsible for bad smells. Technologies like Polygiene StayFresh are one of the most effective ways to prevent and eliminate unpleasant odors in footwear. The Polygiene solution is based on silver chloride, a salt that occurs naturally in soil and water and is entirely skin-safe. The silver ions disrupt bacterial growth in three main ways.
This three-pronged attack is highly effective. And, because Polygiene technology is integrated into materials rather than applied onto them, the protection lasts for a fabric’s entire expected lifespan.
Alongside fresher footwear that no longer harbors bacteria and unpleasant odors, odor-control technologies like Polygiene OdorCrunch2.0 and Polygiene StayFresh deliver several other benefits.
Polygiene is at the forefront of technological innovations in the additives industry and is helping manufacturers and consumers turn the page on smelly sneakers. Combining effective odor elimination with sustainability and product durability benefits, our solutions help footwear designers distinguish themselves from the competition and deliver more value to customers.
Learn more about Polygiene odor-control technology on the Polygiene StayFresh and Polygiene OdorCrunch2.0 pages.
You should clean the inside of your sneakers every one to two weeks if you wear them regularly, or more often if they become sweaty, damp, or smelly. Regular cleaning sneakers removes sweat, bacteria, and odor-causing compounds before they accumulate. Allow sneakers to dry completely between wears, and follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions to avoid damaging the materials.
Products that help stop bad sneaker odors include antimicrobial treatments, odor-capture technologies, odor-neutralising sprays, activated-carbon odor absorbers, washable insoles and baking soda. Antimicrobial technologies can help control odor at its source by inhibiting odor-causing bacteria, while odor-capture products can bind or trap odor molecules.
Yes. Some sneaker materials are more likely to develop odors than others. Synthetic materials such as polyester can retain smells, and their lower breathability makes your feet sweaty and hot, so odor-causing bacteria thrive. Natural and breathable materials can provide better ventilation. However, the design and construction of the shoe will have just as big an impact as the material used.
If you never clean your sneakers, sweat, moisture, bacteria, dead skin cells, and odor-causing compounds will accumulate inside them, making odors much tougher to remove. If the material is persistently moist, it will also encourage microbial growth, which can damage textiles.
Andreas Grevlind
Web Content Specialist
