Smelly shoes? Now, that’s embarrassing!
Well, let’s try to look at ways to avoid this. Whereas it’s sometimes a medical condition, most of it can be avoided.
Here is how:
Buy quality fitting shoes
Try to buy good quality shoes made of natural materials because they allow your feet to breathe and the sweat to dissipate much easier. Synthetic shoes prevent ventilation and hence emit the stinky odor. Also, if your shoes are too tight, your feet may sweat more than usual (and you’ll be miserably uncomfortable, too).
Hygiene
Don’t take feet hygiene lightly. We tend to ignore washing our feet since, you know, water gets there when bathing, anyway. No! Washing your feet often removes the bacteria lingering around your feet. You could use abrasive stones and sponges to remove the dead layer of skin on your feet, the one that causes most of the bad smell. Also, alternate cold and hot water on your feet. The varying temperatures open the pores in your skin and well, the sweat smells a little better. Wash your feet every day with antibacterial soap and water, and make sure you dry them completely.
Socks
Try to never wear your shoes without the socks. Wearing shoes without the socks increases the chances of sweat being absorbed into the shoes and hence promotes bacterial growth that causes the bad stench. Wear clean and washed pair of cotton socks every day. Cotton socks allow your feet to breathe and absorb more sweat and hence avoid bacteria and foul smell.
Rotate your shoes.
Give your shoes a break — never wear your shoes two days in a row. Letting your shoes dry out completely between wearings kills bacteria and they have enough time to take some air and for the sweat to evaporate.
Shoe Breathing
It’s a good practice when you get home to put your shoes somewhere out in the open. If you have sweaty feet, wear sandals or peep toe shoes. You can also remove your shoes when at your desk at work to allow you feet to dry and breathe. Sandals allow enough air around your feet throughout the day so consider this choice and keep your feet healthy and smelling fresh. You can’t stop a sweaty foot but you can stop them from getting smelly.
Dry your shoes
After every wear avoid boxing or storing your shoes right away, as doing so will encourage the growth of bacteria. What you should do instead is to allow the shoes to dry overnight. To hasten the drying activity, it will help if you remove the insoles and let them dry separately. Never use hair dyer for your shoes because that will cause your shoes damages.
External post and pic sources: Esquire | e-How | Buzzle | HealthTap | The Spiced Kitchen |
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