Top Foot Hygiene Tips for Healthy Feet & Odor-Free Shoes

Foot hygiene often gets overlooked, but it’s more important than you might think. Your feet have over 250,000 sweat glands and can produce up to a half pint of moisture a day. That moisture, combined with dark, enclosed shoes, creates a perfect home for bacteria and fungus. Good foot hygiene isn’t just about smelling fresh—it’s about avoiding infections like athlete’s foot and keeping your feet healthy and comfortable.

Your shoes play a major role in this. If your footwear holds on to moisture, dirt, and odor, it can impact your foot health even if you wash your feet every day. The good news is that with just a few smart habits, you can turn your shoes into allies for better foot hygiene.

Habits For Good Foot Hygiene with Shoes

Air Out Shoes Regularly

One of the easiest ways to keep your shoes—and feet—fresh is to let them breathe. After wearing shoes all day, especially closed-toe ones, remove them and take out the insoles. This allows air to circulate inside the shoe and helps dry out moisture that built up throughout the day. If the insoles cannot be removed, try loosening the laces or undoing straps and pull tongue forward to allow as much airflow as possible in the shoe.

You can use shoe trees made from unfinished cedar wood to help to absorb sweat from your feet after a long day of wear. Moist environments can be a breeding ground for odor-causing bacteria and fungi, so drying out the inside of the shoe helps keep both your shoes and feet fresh while reducing the risk of foot infections.

Always try to place your shoes in a well-ventilated area and avoid keeping shoes in gym bags, closets without airflow, or under beds—these can trap humidity and odors.

Clean Shoes Regularly

Shoes naturally collect dirt and bacteria with regular use. Cleaning them on a consistent schedule can help prolong their lifespan and support better foot hygiene. Cleaning once a month is a good rule of thumb, but if you use your shoes for running, workouts, or tend to sweat heavily, consider cleaning them every 1–2 weeks for optimal hygiene.

Spot clean the uppers of your shoes using a cloth or soft brush and mild soap and water for fabric or leather cleaner for leather. Some shoes can be machine-washed but always check with manufacturer’s guidelines for cleaning shoes before using in washing machine.

Removable insoles should be taken out and washed at least once a month—or more if you have sweaty feet. Use a similar method for washing insoles with mild soap and water, then let them air dry completely before placing them back in the shoe. If the removable insoles appear to be worn out (compressed arch area or worn-down spots at the ball of foot or heel area), you can replace the insoles with a new pair.

Consider using antimicrobial sprays or powders to help kill bacteria inside your shoes. Look for products containing silver ions or tea tree oil, which are known for their antibacterial properties.

Rotate Your Shoes

Wearing the same pair of shoes every day doesn't give them enough time to dry out completely. Moisture trapped inside encourages bacteria to grow. Try rotating your shoes so you’re not wearing the same pair two days in a row.

For example, if you wear athletic shoes for walking or work, alternate with a second pair. This simple switch can dramatically reduce odor and extend the life of both pairs. Be sure to air out using the method mentioned above for best results on moisture control.

Choose Shoes with Breathable Materials

The materials your shoes are made of have a big effect on moisture control. Breathable shoes—like those made with mesh, canvas, or perforated leather—allow air to circulate around your feet, helping them stay cool and dry.

Wool is another upper material that offers natural odor resistance and allows for air circulation to keep feet dry and comfortable. It also helps regulate temperature inside the shoe, which can help reduce foot sweat—especially beneficial for those with hyperhidrosis.

Some shoe manufacturers include insoles with antimicrobial materials and are designed to improve airflow during wear, helping reduce bacteria buildup and keep your feet dry.

Synthetic materials like vinyl or rubber can trap heat and sweat. For example, many people who wear waterproof boots for work or hiking have sweaty feet while wearing the shoes, which often leads to odor. When possible, choose footwear with natural fibers or ventilation zones, especially for all-day wear.

Use Proper Socks

Socks are your first line of defense when it comes to moisture. Cotton socks, while common, tend to hold on to sweat. Instead, look for socks made from moisture-wicking materials like merino wool, bamboo, or synthetic fibers such as polyester blends.

Antimicrobial socks, treated with silver or copper, can also help reduce bacteria and odor.

Always change your socks daily—or more often if you sweat a lot or are exercising. For example, someone working outdoors in summer might benefit from changing socks out halfway through the day to keep feet dry and prevent blisters.

Store Shoes Correctly

When shoes are stored in damp or poorly ventilated spaces, they can develop mold or a musty smell. Always store your shoes in a cool, dry place with some airflow. Avoid plastic bins without holes or sealed cabinets.

If you want to keep your shoes odor-free, you can place baking soda pouches, cedar blocks, or even unused tea bags inside them when not in use. These items naturally absorb moisture and odors.

Additional Tips for Foot Health

Even the best shoes and shoe cleaning routines can’t replace good daily foot care. Wash your feet every day with soap and water, and dry them thoroughly—especially between the toes. This helps prevent fungal infections and keeps your skin healthy. If you have sensitive skin, inspect your feet for sores or ulcers.

You can also use a foot powder or antifungal spray before putting on socks. These products help reduce sweating and odor, especially if you’re active during the day.

Pro tip: Trim your toenails regularly and keep them clean to avoid buildup under the nail, which can trap dirt and lead to infection.

Foot hygiene is a big part of your overall health—and it starts with your shoes. From choosing breathable materials to rotating pairs and keeping them clean, these simple steps can make a big difference in keeping your feet fresh, dry, and comfortable.

Make these tips a regular part of your routine, and you’ll be taking a big step toward better foot care and fewer foot-related problems in the long run.

Let your shoes do more than support you—let them help care for your overall foot health.

About author:

Derek Roach is a foot health expert with over a decade of experience in the orthopedic shoe industry. He has helped thousands of customers find the right footwear for their unique foot conditions. His expertise has been featured in major publications such as CNN, Women's Health Mag, HuffPost, and Healthline. Passionate about foot health and comfort, Derek provides practical advice to help people improve mobility and reduce foot pain through proper footwear choices.