Getting smell out of sneakers?

splashgirl7
splashgirl7 Posts: 1 Member
edited November 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
I love to run but I've noticed my running shoes are starting to smell. Does anyone have any good tips for getting the sweat smell out of shoes?

Replies

  • 30kgin2017
    30kgin2017 Posts: 228 Member
    I have really bad smelly feet and have tried everything and for me nothing works, I do wash my sneakers from time to time in the washing machine (put inside of a pillow case or laundry bag and take out insoles as they will wash better if separated).

    Best advice I can give is if you run a lot alternate 2 pairs of shoes so they have a chance to dry out properly between runs.

    We also use those camel closet things in our shoe box which seems to help keep the overall smell down since my kids inherited my smelly feet, they take out the moisture from the shoes (great for cars too).
  • HermanLily
    HermanLily Posts: 217 Member
    Baking soda :D
  • dewd2
    dewd2 Posts: 2,445 Member
    Most decent running shoes are well vented. Paired with moisture wicking socks the smell shouldn't be a big issue. So assuming both of these are true, do you wear your running shoes all the time? Did they get wet?

    You can pull the insoles out to dry them. I wouldn't put them in the washer.
  • Heather4448
    Heather4448 Posts: 908 Member
    One of my nephews has hyperhydrosis, so you can trust me! Put coffee grounds in a sachet and stick them in your shoes at night. Voila!
  • Sp1tfire
    Sp1tfire Posts: 1,120 Member
    I've heard teabags work?
  • LisaEatSleepRun
    LisaEatSleepRun Posts: 159 Member
    30kgin2017 wrote: »
    Best advice I can give is if you run a lot alternate 2 pairs of shoes so they have a chance to dry out properly between runs

    +1
    Also, I put mine in the sun when I get home from a run, even on the window ledge, which helps with killing bacteria. As mentioned above, use nylon/polyester socks, not cotton. I just gave mine a sniff and they don't smell, I run 5-6 times a week too!

  • snarlingcoyote
    snarlingcoyote Posts: 399 Member
    Wrap them up in something and stick them in your freezer for a few days. Alternately, wait for winter and leave them outside unless you are wearing them. This works even with the worst smelling shoes otherwise I would have to buy new canyoneering boots. . .you do NOT want to know what those smell like sometimes, but extended periods of cold always deodorize them. (And like Heather4448, I also use coffee to keep the odor down, especially when travelling. Lots and lots of coffee.)
  • kaizaku
    kaizaku Posts: 1,039 Member
    Have 2 pairs of running shoes. I noticed if you wear the same shoe few days in a row that's when the smell develops. Everyday switch them. Have 2 pairs of socks instead wearing the same one for running. Leave them in the garden when it's not raining. Fresh air would take the smell out.
  • neilhoopy
    neilhoopy Posts: 280 Member
    Maybe it's your feet passing the smell to your trainers ;)
  • skinnycow1234567
    skinnycow1234567 Posts: 167 Member
    I have several pairs of sneakers to alternate every day. They need to dry before you wear them again.
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