How to get rid of smelly shoes

Overnight. Costs a few cents.

Try this first (costs nothing): pull the insoles out and leave shoes and insoles to dry by an open window. Shoe odor is caused by bacteria that grow in damp, warm shoes. The fix is to clean, dry and stop moisture building up again.

Step 1: Take the insoles out

Pull out the insoles and the laces. Most of the smell lives in the insole. Let both air out.

Step 2: Wash what you can

• Insoles: wipe or scrub with warm water and a little mild soap, then let them dry completely.
• Laces: wash them with your regular laundry.
• The shoes: check the label. Many canvas and cloth shoes can go in the washing machine on a gentle cycle. Leather and suede usually cannot, so wipe them by hand.

Step 3: Dry them properly

Dry shoes fully, away from direct heat. Stuff them with paper to pull out moisture, and put them somewhere with airflow. This step matters most. Damp shoes smell again within a day.

Step 4: Absorb the odor

Sprinkle a spoonful of baking soda inside each shoe and leave it overnight. Tip it out in the morning. Repeat for a few nights if the smell is strong.

Step 5: Stop it coming back

• Rotate your shoes. Give each pair a full day to dry before you wear it again.
• Wear socks that wick moisture, and change them if your feet get wet.
• Air them out after each wear. Loosen the laces and pull the tongue forward.
• Keep your feet clean and dry, especially between the toes.

When to give up

If the smell stays after cleaning and drying, or the insoles have broken down, replace the insoles. If the shoe itself is worn out and still smells, it may be time for a new pair.

Wet or sweaty shoes can also come from the trainers you wash. See wash trainers by hand or in the machine before you put a pair in the drum.

When to see someone

If your feet smell strongly all the time, itch or peel, ask a doctor or pharmacist. It may be a skin issue that needs treatment.