Do your feet stink? Important tips & remedies!

Why do my feet smell so bad? What can I do about it? Read our new blog post about the problem of smelly feet and the options available to combat them.

Are you afraid to take off your shoes every time? If you have problems with smelly feet, you've come to the right place! Smelly feet are embarrassing and unpleasant for many who suffer from them. This doesn't have to be, as there are good remedies and tips for dealing with them.

Smelly feet - a very common problem

Why do feet smell? Before we get to the bottom of the causes and give you some tips, you should know that you are far from alone. Foot odor is a very common problem because feet sweat more than other parts of the body. If sweat accumulates in shoes or socks, it can cause bad odor and make your feet smell. This is known as bromodosis or, more commonly, "cheesy feet."

Feet and socks stink?

In addition to sweat, bacteria are also responsible for smelly feet. Many types of bacteria live on the bottom of your feet. These bacteria thrive on the sweat your feet constantly produce. When they feed on the sweat, the bacteria produce an acid, causing your feet to smell. Besides bacteria, fungi can also cause smelly feet. Fungi grow and thrive in warm, moist places. When your feet sweat in your shoes and socks, an environment is created where fungi can grow. These foul-smelling fungi are commonly known as athlete's foot.

Causes of smelly feet - Why do feet smell?:

• Excessive sweating
• Bacteria and fungi
• Poor hygiene
• Wearing the same shoes frequently
• Illnesses

Sweat and bacteria go hand in hand, creating an unpleasant odor that lingers in shoes and on feet. Therefore, breathable shoes and the right socks are very important to prevent smelly feet. More on that in a moment.

Why do feet and shoes smell?

Sweat usually comes from the source.

Feet sweat, which causes bacteria, and then the feet smell. This is a brief summary of why smelly feet exist. People who sweat more than others are therefore more likely to suffer from smelly feet.

Women and adolescents can also sweat more due to hormonal changes in their bodies. People with hyperhidrosis are also more likely to have smelly feet, as this condition leads to excessive sweating. Furthermore, we all sweat more in the summer, at higher temperatures, or during exercise. Here are some things that can lead to increased foot sweat:

• People with hyperhidrosis and other conditions
• Hormonal changes
• High temperatures
• Feet sweat and smell more during exercise
• Wearing shoes that are too small
• Under a lot of stress

Treatment and remedies for smelly feet

Odor-prone feet are usually easy to treat at home. Here are a few things you can try to reduce foot sweat and smelly feet.

• Wear breathable shoes with a good insole and/or use odor-inhibiting or antibacterial insoles, such as a pair of cinnamon insoles. Check out our breathable shoes made of cork and/or cactus leather.

Very good against smelly feet, our cinnamon insoles:


Your feet won't stink anymore with our cinnamon soles.

• Avoid wearing shoes that are too tight, and avoid wearing the same shoes two days in a row to allow them to air out. You can also wash the insoles of your shoes to make them smell better.

• Treat yourself to a foot soak every now and then. Mix half a cup of Epsom salts in warm water. If you don't have Epsom salts, you can mix two parts warm water with one part white vinegar or apple cider vinegar. Soak your feet in the water for up to 20 minutes. Epsom salts help draw moisture from the skin, making it harder for bacteria to take hold. Vinegar also helps remove bacteria from your feet. Avoid soaking your feet if you have cracked skin or open wounds.

• Keep your feet dry. Bacteria thrive in moist areas. Keeping your feet dry can help reduce foot odor. You can apply talcum powder to your feet to absorb moisture or sweat. If your feet are very sweaty, you can also try applying an antiperspirant (deodorant) to the soles of your feet.

• Let your feet breathe: Give your feet some fresh air at home by removing your shoes and socks. Try wearing slippers, if possible, to reduce sweating. Seagrass slippers with integrated cinnamon are a great option:

• Change your socks regularly: If your socks get sweaty throughout the day, consider carrying an extra pair or two so you can change them when your feet start to smell.

• Use moisture-absorbing socks: Bamboo socks are very breathable and excellent against sweat:

• Practice good hygiene. Wash your feet daily. You can wash them in the shower or scrub them in a tub of warm water. Dry your feet thoroughly, including between the toes.

• Also, keep your toenails clean and trimmed, and file away dead skin on your feet. This can also help reduce the areas where bacteria like to colonize on your feet.

If the bad odor doesn't go away despite all the tips above, you should consult a podiatrist. They will be able to offer you more potent treatment options to resolve your foot problem.