Foot Facts: How to Stop Foot Odour
Foot odour is one of those everyday problems most people deal with but few people talk about. It affects people of all ages, all fitness levels, and all footwear types, and it’s almost always caused by the same thing: the warm, moist environment inside closed shoes that allows odour-causing bacteria to thrive. The good news is that with the right routine and the right products, it’s very manageable.
What causes foot odor?
The feet contain approximately 250,000 sweat glands, the highest concentration anywhere on the body. Inside closed shoes and socks, moisture has nowhere to go, creating the perfect warm, damp conditions for odour-causing bacteria to grow and multiply. The smell itself doesn’t come from sweat (sweat is virtually odourless). It comes from the bacteria breaking down the sweat and dead skin cells on your feet. The more bacteria present, and the warmer and damper the environment, the stronger the odour.
How do I stop foot odor?
Preventing and managing foot odour comes down to two things: controlling moisture and reducing the bacteria that cause the smell. Here’s what helps: Wash feet daily with soap and water, paying attention to between the toes where moisture and bacteria build up most. Dry feet thoroughly after washing, particularly between the toes, before putting on socks or shoes. Choose socks made from natural fibres where possible, as synthetic materials trap more moisture. Rotate your shoes so each pair has time to dry out between wears. Use a foot odour control product (a deodorising powder, antiperspirant spray, or deodorising insoles) as part of your daily routine to help manage moisture and bacteria throughout the day.
Does foot powder really work?
Yes, foot powder is one of the most effective formats for managing foot odour, particularly for people who spend long periods in closed footwear. Unlike sprays, which are applied to the surface of the foot and shoe, powder gets into the spaces where odour-causing bacteria live: between the toes, inside the sock, and deep into the shoe.
A good foot powder like Odor-Eaters Foot & Shoe Powder works in three ways: absorbing excess moisture, destroys odour, and helping to reduce the bacteria that cause the smell. For best results, apply to clean, dry feet and inside shoes and socks each morning. Use daily for ongoing protection.
What is the best product for sweaty feet?
For sweaty feet, the best approach is to use a combination of products that address both moisture and odour. For daily powder protection, Odor-Eaters Foot & Shoe Powder absorbs moisture and destroys odour throughout the day.
For spray-on protection before activity, Odor-Eaters Foot & Shoe Spray Sport provides 24-hour odour protection for active footwear. For everyday freshness, Odor-Eaters Foot & Shoe Spray Cool Confidence is designed for work and casual shoes.
For all-day insole protection that works while you walk, Odor-Eaters deodorising insoles are available in Everyday Wear, Work Wear, and Active Wear styles, each with a 4-month protection guarantee.
Ready to tackle foot odour? Browse the Odor-Eaters range to find the right product for your feet, your shoes, and your lifestyle. Available at Woolworths, Coles, Chemist Warehouse and pharmacies
nationwide.
Foot Facts & Tips
Our Products
Sprays
Odor-Eaters Sprays instantly fight
odour for 24 hour control.
Sprays
Odor-Eaters Sprays instantly fight odour for 24 hour control.
POWDER
Formulated with three powerful odour-destroying ingredients, plus an antibacterial.
Insoles
Specially designed for sneakers
and sport shoes.
Sprays
Odor-Eaters Sprays instantly fight odour for 24 hour control.
Sprays
Odor-Eaters Sprays instantly fight
odour for 24 hour control.
Insoles
Specially designed for sneakers
and sport shoes.
POWDER
Formulated with three powerful odour-destroying ingredients, plus an antibacterial.
FAQ's on How to Stop Foot Odour
How do I use foot powder?
Use Odor-Eaters Foot & Shoe Powder daily after a bath or shower, or any time you want to refresh your feet. Sprinkle liberally on tops and soles of feet, between toes, and inside shoes and socks. For maximum results, use with Odor-Eaters deodorising insoles.
Can insoles help with foot odor?
Yes. Odor-Eaters deodorising insoles are designed to destroy foot odour and absorb moisture from inside the shoe all day long. Each insole features activated charcoal and a powerful antibacterial agent, and comes with a 4-month protection guarantee. Available in Everyday Wear, Work Wear, and Active Wear styles.
How long do Odor-Eaters insoles last?
Odor-Eaters deodorising insoles come with a 4-month protection guarantee. Use one pair of insoles per pair of shoes. Trim to fit using the printed guidelines on the insoles.
How long does foot deodorant spray last?
Odor-Eaters Foot & Shoe Sprays provide up to 24-hour odour control. For active use, apply before sport and reapply inside shoes after use for continued freshness.
What is the best product for smelly feet?
For most people, a combination of formats works best. Odor-Eaters Foot & Shoe Powder provides daily moisture absorption and destroys odour. Odor-Eaters sprays provide 24-hour odour control and long-lasting sweat protection before activity. Odor-Eaters deodorising insoles provide continuous in-shoe protection for up to 4 months.
How do I get rid of foot odor permanently?
Foot odour is an ongoing condition rather than something that can be permanently eliminated, as it’s a natural result of sweat and bacteria. However, with a consistent daily routine washing and drying feet thoroughly, using foot powder or spray, and wearing deodorising insoles foot odour can be very effectively managed.