Reading time: 5 minutes | Last updated: 03 July 2025
We’d rather not admit it, but almost everyone experiences it at some point: sweaty feet. That clammy feeling in your shoes and the unpleasant odours when you take them off. Definitely not what you want. It’s far better to prevent it. Thankfully, there’s plenty you can do about it. Keep reading for some tips on how to tackle sweaty feet.
Sweaty feet, smelly feet… it’s a topic we tend to avoid talking about. However, perspiring feet are completely normal. After all, our feet are working hard every day. On average, our feet release the equivalent of a small glass of moisture daily, and it can be even more than that. Factors such as heat, physical exertion, medication, and genetics all influence sweat production, as well as certain shoes and socks. Fortunately, we can influence it to some degree. Let’s dive into the world of sweaty feet.
Before we dive into the tips, let’s briefly explain how sweaty feet come about. So, why do our feet sometimes sweat excessively? There can be many reasons. Sometimes it’s simply due to shoes that don’t provide enough ventilation, making the feet too warm, which causes sweating. But it can also be due to overexertion, poor hygiene, stress, hormonal changes, or certain health conditions like diabetes.
Unfortunately, sweaty feet almost always come with unpleasant smells. This is due to bacteria that thrive in the warm, damp environment of your shoes. The first tip for tackling sweaty feet is to prevent bacteria from multiplying
Tip 1 | Wash your feet regularly
Washing your feet thoroughly every day is one of the most important steps to prevent sweaty feet. A good wash with mild soap will kill the bacteria causing those unpleasant odours. Make sure to wash your feet whenever you shower or bathe. And why not treat them to a little extra care with a nice foot bath and scrub from time to time? Always dry your feet properly, especially between the toes, as that’s a prime spot for bacteria to breed! And always step into your shoes with completely dry feet to minimise bacteria growth.
Tip 2 | Choose breathable materials
The key to preventing sweaty feet lies in choosing the right shoes. Opting for natural, breathable materials gives sweaty feet less of a chance. Synthetic materials don’t breathe properly, trapping moisture inside the shoe. This creates a warm, clammy environment. Leather and cotton, on the other hand, are much better at allowing air flow, keeping your feet cooler and helping moisture escape.
If you prefer not to wear leather shoes, look for materials treated with a bacterial treatment and regularly wash removable insoles with water and soap to prevent unpleasant smells from building up.
Tip 3 | Wear good socks
Not just the material of your shoes matters; your socks are important too when it comes to preventing sweaty feet. Choose natural materials like wool and cotton. Synthetic fabrics like polyester should be avoided. Change your socks every day, and wash them at high temperatures to kill any bacteria.
Tip 4 | Give your shoes a break
If you want to prevent bacteria from flourishing in your shoes, swap them out regularly. Giving your shoes a day off after wearing them will allow any remaining moisture to evaporate. This prevents bacteria from thriving and keeps smells at bay.
Tip 5 | Baking soda as a miracle solution
Baking soda is, in our opinion, a miracle solution. You can use it for cleaning, neutralising stomach acid, and now, to refresh your shoes. If you notice your shoes starting to smell, sprinkle a little baking soda inside and leave it overnight. The baking soda will absorb the odours. The next day, shake it out and your shoes will smell fresh again!
Tip 6 | If the above doesn’t seem to work
Do you often suffer from sweaty feet despite following these tips? It might be a good idea to visit a (medical) podiatrist. While sweaty feet aren’t usually a serious issue, they can be uncomfortable or even caused by underlying problems like fluctuating hormones or diabetes. A foot specialist can help you determine the root cause of your sweaty feet and work with you to find a solution.
Wash your feet regularly to kill the bacteria causing odours.
Choose breathable materials for your shoes, like leather.
Swap shoes daily to allow moisture to evaporate and avoid bacterial growth.
Wear clean socks every day, and sprinkle a little talcum powder in them if you wish.
Buy extra insoles for shoes with removable footbeds, and swap them regularly.
Use baking soda to absorb unpleasant odours.
Don’t store your shoes on central heating, as that will dry out the leather. Once they’re dry, treat them with a good shoe cream.
If the problem persists, see a podiatrist to explore potential underlying issues.
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