A Detailed Guide to Removing Shoe Odor
Published on 24/02/2026Shoe odor is a common issue that affects many people worldwide. If you own a pair of closed-toe shoes, chances are you have encountered it at some point. Before diving into the specifics of how to get rid of shoe odor, it is important to first understand what causes it.
Related Reading: How To Care For Your Shoes: Essential Tips For Every Material and Shoe Type
What Causes Shoe Odor?
Moisture
You can be diligent about foot hygiene and still end up with smelly shoes. This is a common issue as the feet contain a higher concentration of sweat glands than any other part of the body, and it does not necessarily indicate poor health. Moisture from sweat — combined with heat trapped inside your shoes — creates the ideal environment for odor-causing bacteria and fungi to thrive.
Lack of Ventilation
Certain shoes are made from synthetic, non-breathable materials such as plastic, rubber and faux leather. Their insoles and linings are prone to absorbing and trapping moisture, creating hotspots for bacterial growth — especially in closed-toe designs. As a result, bacteria multiply more quickly, making these shoes more prone to unpleasant odors than the average pair.
Lifestyle Factors
Certain lifestyle habits can exacerbate shoe odor. For example, wearing the same pair of shoes every day allows moisture and bacteria to accumulate rapidly. With daily wear, shoes are also less likely to dry out completely or be cleaned regularly.
Not wearing socks can lead to similar results. However, this is not always a personal choice — not all women’s shoes are designed to be worn with socks, and going sockless can trap sweat.
Living in a climate with frequent rain or snow can further worsen the issue. Excess moisture entering your shoes accelerates microbial growth, leading to a stronger and more persistent smell.
Quick Tips to Remove Shoe Odor
When your shoes start to smell and you need a tried-and-tested solution, there are several options to consider. However, it is important to be mindful of the type of shoes you are treating, as some methods may not be suitable for more delicate designs or materials.
Air Out Your Shoes
Remove the insoles to maximize airflow and help moisture evaporate more quickly — this is especially important for closed-toe shoes. Avoid drying your shoes under direct sunlight, particularly if they are made of leather or suede, as prolonged exposure can damage the material. For best results, allow your shoes to air out for at least 24 hours between wears.
Use Simple Home Remedies
Simple at-home remedies using household essentials can offer a quick fix. For instance, sprinkling baking soda inside your shoes and leaving them overnight can help absorb both moisture and odor. Storing your shoes in a sealed bag and freezing them overnight may also help kill odor-causing bacteria.
Alternatively, lightly spray the inside of your shoes with a vinegar solution (equal parts vinegar and water) or rubbing alcohol to help eliminate bacteria, then allow them to air dry completely.
While these methods are widely used, they may not be suitable for delicate materials such as leather and suede. Avoid blindly following online hacks that could end up damaging your shoes. For example, using essential oils to mask odor may offer temporary relief but does not address the root cause of the problem. Always exercise good judgement when trying home remedies.
Long-Term Care & Maintenance
Small, consistent habits make the biggest difference. Long-term care and maintenance require regular upkeep, but they offer the greatest payoff in eliminating shoe odor and prolonging the lifespan of your footwear.
Practice Foot Hygiene
Good foot hygiene goes a long way in keeping shoe odor at bay. Make sure to clean your feet thoroughly every day, paying extra attention to the areas between your toes. Before putting on your shoes, apply a foot care powder designed to absorb moisture and inhibit bacterial growth. This helps keep your feet dry and comfortable throughout the day.
The Inside Matters
Choosing moisture-wicking socks instead of regular cotton ones can make a significant difference to your foot health. These fabrics draw sweat away from your skin rather than absorb it, helping to keep feet cool and dry. Always ensure that the shoes you buy have breathable linings and removable insoles, as these features affect how quickly bacteria can build up inside the shoe.
Insoles are often a primary source of odor. Removing them regularly for cleaning or air-drying can greatly help prevent or reduce unpleasant smells. Alternatively, consider investing in perforated, moisture-wicking insoles and replacing the original ones with these specialized options. Regularly rotating insoles for closed-toe shoes can also help minimize odor.
Replace insoles when they start to feel flat, lose cushioning, or show visible signs of damage such as cracked foam.
Rotate Your Shoes
Wearing the same pair of shoes every day allows moisture and bacteria to accumulate rapidly. Invest in more than one pair of versatile, comfortable everyday shoes that you can rotate throughout the week — ideally, at least three pairs.
This rotation gives each pair at least 48 hours of recovery time, allowing them to dry out completely between wears and helping to prevent moisture-related bacterial buildup. Be sure to store your shoes in well-ventilated areas.
Categorizing your footwear into weekday and weekend shoes can also help stagger wear time and further reduce odor.
Clean Your Shoes Diligently
As a general rule of thumb, deep cleaning your shoes once a month is sufficient, though this may vary depending on how frequently they are worn and the conditions they are exposed to. Everyday shoes should follow this guideline, while shoes worn only on special occasions can be taken out of storage and deep cleaned once every two to three months.
Remove the lace (if any) and insoles and clean them separately, as they are often the primary source of odor. Hand wash the rest of the shoe using a mild detergent, gently scrubbing with a soft brush to avoid damaging the material. Once cleaned, allow the shoes to air dry completely in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight or heat, which can cause warping or fading.
Always ensure they are completely dry before putting them away.
For ongoing upkeep, do some light cleaning after heavy wear or long days. Gently wipe your shoes down with a soft, damp cloth and use odor-prevention products such as deodorizing sprays or simple home recipes to counter any lingering smells.
Never wash shoes made of leather or suede, and avoid washing shoes with delicate designs or intricate embellishments, as these materials and details can be easily damaged.
Related Reading: How to Clean Leather Bags: A Complete Step-By-Step Guide
Store Your Shoes Properly
Always ensure your shoes are clean and completely dry before storing them. Proper storage plays a key role in preventing odor and prolonging the lifespan of your footwear. Use breathable storage options such as cotton shoe bags or clear plastic boxes with ventilation to protect them from dust while allowing air circulation.
Insert shoe trees or acid-free paper to help maintain their shape and absorb residual moisture. For added protection, place moisture-absorbing silica gel packets or natural deodorizers like activated charcoal in the storage bags or boxes to reduce humidity and prevent bacteria growth that contributes to odor buildup.
Odor Removal Tips for Different Materials
Leather
Your go-to office shoes, winter boots and certain specialized footwear — such as some professional rock-climbing shoes — are often made of leather. While leather is naturally breathable, it is also porous, which means it can absorb moisture and retain odors if not properly cared for.
For this reason, leather shoes require extra care to keep them clean and fresh. Avoid harsh chemicals and excessive water exposure, as leather is a delicate material that can warp or crack when oversaturated.
To remove odor from leather shoes, opt for gentler methods such as dry deodorizing powders, cedar inserts or cleaners specifically formulated for leather. Always allow leather shoes to air dry naturally in a well-ventilated area, away from direct heat or sunlight.
Suede
Suede is an especially popular material during the colder months. It is just as — if not more — delicate than smooth leather. Like leather, suede is porous, which means it can easily absorb moisture and retain odors. Its soft, napped texture also tends to trap dirt and dust more readily.
Avoid direct contact with water, as moisture can stain or stiffen suede. Instead, use a soft, dry microfiber cloth or a suede brush to gently remove surface dirt. For deeper cleaning, opt for suede-safe products such as specialized foam cleaners to prevent damage.
Canvas
Sneakers are typically made from canvas materials. During the warmer months, when canvas becomes especially popular, it also appears in various styles, including sandals and Mary Janes.
Usually made from cotton, canvas is highly absorbent. Rather than wicking moisture away, it tends to retain sweat, which can create an environment where bacteria accumulate quickly. Keep odor at bay with regular light cleaning using mild soap or detergent with warm water, gently wiping the interior and exterior with a soft, damp cloth. Allow the shoes to air-dry before storing.
For a deeper clean, many canvas shoes are safe to machine wash in a mesh laundry bag with old towels on a cold, gentle cycle. However, always check the care instructions provided by the manufacturer beforehand to ensure machine washing is suitable.
Satin
Satin is typically found on more feminine silhouettes such as ballerinas and Mary Janes. It is also a popular choice for special-occasion footwear, including evening heels and stage performance styles, due to its naturally glossy sheen and luxurious appearance.
Satin is a delicate material and should not be subjected to heavy washing. Dry cleaning methods are generally preferred. Use dry deodorizing powders, cedar inserts or a light, fabric-safe deodorizing spray to keep satin shoes fresh.
Sports Shoes
While not a material, sports shoes are a category worth highlighting due to the nature of the activities they are used for. Whether worn frequently or occasionally, exercise naturally causes perspiration. This sweat can lead to odor buildup in running shoes — even if they are not worn often — when they are not cleaned properly.
Prevention is key. Applying foot care powder, wearing moisture-wicking socks, rotating insoles, using deodorizing sprays after each use and cleaning your sports shoes regularly can make a significant difference. Always check the care instructions provided by the manufacturer to ensure you are using the appropriate cleaning method.
It is also important to note that most shoes are made from more than one material. For example, a pair may feature a suede exterior with cotton-lined interiors, so you should identify the different components of your shoes and apply the appropriate odor-removal methods to each material accordingly.
When to Retire a Pair of Shoes
While we understand the attachment you may have to a pair of shoes you wear regularly, there will come a time when they need to be retired. When the signs appear, do not ignore them or compromise your foot health and hygiene.
For instance, if odor persists even after a deep, professional clean; if the insoles are cracked, crumbling or leaving debris on your feet when you remove your shoes; or if you notice mold growth that cannot be successfully removed — these are clear indications that it is time to discard the shoes.
Mold in particular should not be taken lightly, as it can lead to skin irritation, fungal infections, and, in more serious cases, broader health concerns.
If you are facing any of the above problems, it might be time to invest in a new pair from CHARLES & KEITH’s stylish footwear collection.
Frequently Asked Questions About Removing Odor From Shoes
How long will my shoes stay fresh after deodorizing them
It depends on several factors, including the deodorizing method used, the intensity of the existing odor, the material of the shoes and how frequently they are worn.
Quick fixes such as fragrance-based deodorizing sprays typically provide short-term relief, often around 24 hours. More specialized solutions, such as antibacterial sprays or cedar shoe trees can help maintain freshness for weeks or even months with consistent use.
However, if you wear the same pair of shoes daily, odor is likely to return more quickly due to repeated moisture buildup. In this case, deodorizing every few days may be necessary. Rotating your shoes and allowing them to air out in a well-ventilated area for at least 24 to 48 hours between wears significantly extends freshness.
Is it safe to wash my shoes in the washing machine
It is generally not recommended, as machine agitation and heavy water exposure can damage materials, weaken adhesives and cause shoes to lose their shape.
However, if your shoes are particularly dirty, you may try washing them on a cold, gentle cycle. Remove the insoles and laces and place them in a laundry bag. Put the shoes in a separate mesh bag and wash them with old towels to cushion impact and balance the load. Always air dry thoroughly — never use a dryer.
Canvas, nylon and polyester shoes are typically safe for machine washing but always check the manufacturer’s care instructions to confirm. Avoid machine washing leather, suede, satin or embellished shoes, as these materials can be permanently damaged.
Even with precautions, machine washing can shorten a shoe’s lifespan, so treat it as a last resort.
Can I use perfume or body spray inside my shoes?
Fragrance can temporarily mask odor, but it does not address the underlying cause and may sometimes worsen the issue by mixing with existing smells. Hence, it is generally not recommended as a solution.
Instead, invest in deodorizing or antibacterial sprays specifically formulated for shoes. These are designed to neutralize odor and target odor-causing bacteria at the source, providing longer-lasting results.
At the end of the day, the best approach is consistency. Maintaining good foot hygiene and caring for your shoes regularly will help prevent odor from building up and lingering. Even when odor does occur — which is perfectly common — there are plenty of effective solutions available, from dry deodorizing powders to simple at-home remedies that can refresh your shoes.
We hope these tips leave you feeling more confident about caring for your next pair of shoes. Start fresh by shopping for new footwear and putting your newfound knowledge into practice as soon as they arrive.
