I have a confession to make, and it’s not one I like to speak about because it’s kind of embarrassing; my feet stink. Like, they smell truly bad. So bad that I never take my shoes off in the presence of anyone.
I’ve had stinky feet ever since I can remember and learned a long time ago never to take off my sneakers when other people are around. It’s much worse at the end of the day after I’ve been in dress shoes for hours at a time. And don’t even come near me after I’ve had a good workout, because my sneakers smell so bad they can kill small animals.
So, yeah, I’ve got a problem with foot odor. The good news, at least for you, dear reader, is that my problem was bad enough to force me to find a solution to my stinky tootsies.
I’ve found several of them, actually, and wanted to share them with you in this article. So if your feet smell, stink, or have an odor that reminds people of dead fish, read on to find out How To Get Rid of Embarrassing Foor Odors. Enjoy.
What Causes Foot Odor?
Before I tell you what to do to get rid of your mortifying foot odor I think it’s a good idea that you know what causes it to begin with. For most people, the primary cause of foot odor is simply that your feet don’t get enough ventilation when they’re stuck inside socks and shoes. It goes a little further than that, however.
See, just like your underarms (and the rest of your body) your feet sweat. In fact, feet have thousands of sweat glands and sweat quite a bit every day, especially due to those aforementioned socks and shoes (and sneakers too). Then there’s the fact that fungi love hot, sweaty feet, and bacteria do too.
When sweat and bacteria get together, they produce an acid that smells pretty rank. Most types of fungus smell stinky on their own and, if you get athlete’s feet, they’ll stink up your feet like Limburger cheese. Poor hygiene adds to the mix and so do unkempt toenails and wearing the same shoes every day.
How To Stop Your Feet From Getting Stinky
OK, finally we’re getting to the good stuff, the solutions you can use to toss that foot odor to the curb (and end the embarrassment of taking off your shoes in front of other people). Let’s get started!
Dry Your Feet Very Well
Before I found out about what causes foot odor, I used to throw my socks on before drying my feet completely. Sometimes they were soaking wet! That’s a huge no-no. I already talked about how bacteria and fungus thrive in a warm, wet environment and, if your feet start the day already wet, it’s like inviting fungi and bacteria to go nuts.
Wash Your Feet With a Cloth
If you’re like me you don’t pay a whole lot of attention to cleaning your feet. At least, I never used to. These days, however, I use a soapy cloth to get in there and scrub, not just my feet but in between my toes too. This gets rid of all of the dead skin which takes away the food bacteria and fungi thrive on. (Yeah, pretty gross.)
Exfoliate Your Feet (Especially the Heels)
Using a washcloth is a great way to exfoliate your feet but you should also get yourself a pumice stone or a foot brush to do the same. I use a pumice stone once a week, especially on my heels. It not only removes the dead skin but makes them feel great and also super-smooth. I do it dry but some people like to soak their feet in warm water first and then use their pumice stone.
Use Better Socks
Here’s the thing; I’m no clothes horse. I hate shopping for clothes and, when I do, I usually pick the easiest, most comfortable choices. (Or I have my GF shop for me. She knows exactly what I like.)
When it comes to socks, however, I always buy the best. Lightweight, moisture-wicking socks infused with copper are my favorite, hands down, and do a great job keeping foot odor to a minimum
Keep Your Toenails Short and Neat
Fungus and bacteria, as we talked about, love warmer, sweaty feet. However, I think they love big, nasty toenails even more! If yours are like mine used to be, they’re way too long, cracked, have some sort of crud under them, and look like heck. That’s not good.
To keep odors down they need to always be short and you need to get under the nail, especially the big toe, and clean it out regularly. (Don’t give that bacteria anything to survive on!)
Use A Foot Deodorant
There are plenty of spray-on foot deodorant brands on the market these days that will keep your feet drier and reduce odors. Frankly, I’m not a huge fan because most are loaded with harmful chemicals and I hate putting chemicals anywhere on my body, even my feet. But, if you’ve got a bad foot odor problem, many of them will help. Try a few until you find one that works best for you.
Use Burt’s Bees Coconut Foot Creme
OK, so Burt’s Bees does not pay me to say this. but I have to share it with you. Their Coconut Foot Creme is hands down the best foot product I’ve ever used, bar none! It gets rid of fungi, helps loosen dead skin so it’s easier to exfoliate, and leaves my feet feeling and looking amazing. I highly recommend it!
Clean, Dry, Exfoliated Feet are Odor-Free Feet!
I’m glad to say that, today, I have no problems with foot odor whatsoever. In fact, my feet smell great and look great, and I can keep my sneakers inside the house again! (Long story.)
If you follow the tips and advice I’ve given above 99% of you suffering from stinky foot odors will get the relief you seek, I promise! It’s not a lot of work and, when that embarrassing foot odor is finally gone, it will be well worth your time.
