Sweaty and smelly feet are often the topic of many jokes; however, for people who suffer from smelly feet, it is not a joke but a real problem that can make some people very self-conscious. While most smelly feet are due to poor hygiene, some people have a problem that still occurs even with meticulous hygiene. We all have bacteria resident on our feet. Some people have extra bacteria that live in the sweat ducts, which become more active when the feet begin to perspire, leading to the odor. The perspiration will be absorbed into the socks and shoe lining, which will make the shoes and socks smell as well. Foot odor is generally related to sweaty feet.

If you have a foul foot odor, there is not a single cure, but it is possible to minimize the problem. As shoes and socks absorb perspiration and odor, they must also be considered part of managing foot odor. The way to manage foot odor is to start with

Meticulous hygiene. Few people bend over while in the shower and wash their feet, usually just letting the water run over them. Wash your feet daily with soap, as you do other body parts, and even consider using a loofer-type sponge to exfoliate the dead skin layers where the bacteria live. You may also consider using an antibacterial soap such as Sapoderm.

Reduce perspiration. Foot powders available over the counter from pharmacies can help. They need to be massaged into the feet daily. An old-fashioned treatment is to soak your feet for 5 – 10 minutes daily in Mentholated spirits.

Antiperspirant deodorant contains 5% Aluminum chloride. You can purchase a product called Drichlor, which contains 25% Aluminum chloride and can be applied to your feet. Deofresh is another strong antiperspirant deodorant that does not contain any aluminum but can be hard to find.

Foot deodorant products are available, but unless they control perspiration, they only cover up the smell with perfume and do not address the actual cause of the problem.

Change socks daily. In some occupations where you are very active or in hot environments, socks may need changing twice a day. Socks that contain predominantly natural fibers such as cotton and wool seem to cause fewer odor problems. Shoes need socks. Wearing shoes without socks is like sleeping in a bed without sheets. OK, for a few times, but after a while, the mattress will get quite smelly, and you will probably need to throw it away.  Perspiration will first be absorbed into the socks before the shoe and socks can be more easily laundered, but the shoes will absorb some perspiration and odor.

Alternate shoes each day Leather shoes are preferable. Leather breathes, which means that while it absorbs moisture, it can evaporate back out. Be careful, as some shoes have leather uppers but have a synthetic lining, which can defeat the benefit. To assist this process, it is best to have several pairs so that they can have a chance to dry out. Sneakers can be a problem as we tend to wear them when we are most active and, therefore, sweat more. If you have a problem, alternate sneakers and look for shoes with a mesh upper, which assists moisture transfer.