How to Get Rid of Shoe Odor
What You'll Need
- 2-3 tbsp per shoe
- 2
- 2 large
- Optional, few drops
Step-by-Step Method
Pour 2-3 tablespoons of baking soda into each shoe. Shake to distribute. Leave overnight (or 24 hours for severe odor). Shake out or vacuum the baking soda before wearing.
Place shoes in sealed plastic bags. Put in the freezer for 24 hours. Freezing kills most odor-causing bacteria.
Place dryer sheets in shoes when not wearing them. The anti-static compounds and fragrance absorb and mask residual odor.
- Do not spray shoes with Febreze as primary treatment (masks odor, does not kill bacteria)
- Do not put leather shoes in the freezer (moisture can damage leather)
- Alternate shoes daily. Shoes need 24 hours to dry completely between wears. Wearing the same pair daily keeps them perpetually damp, which breeds bacteria.
- Cedar shoe trees absorb moisture and odor naturally.
- Wash insoles separately every 2 weeks. Most insoles can be hand-washed with soap and water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Foot odor is caused by bacteria (Brevibacterium) that thrive in the warm, moist environment inside shoes. The bacteria break down sweat into isovaleric acid, which produces the characteristic smell. Killing the bacteria (freezing) and absorbing the acid (baking soda) addresses both components.
Sources & Methodology
Foot odor is primarily caused by Brevibacterium and Staphylococcus epidermidis bacteria metabolizing leucine in sweat into isovaleric acid. Freezing kills most surface bacteria.
Last reviewed: March 20, 2026