Dear Ask Debonair,
Since it is the summer, I would like to wear some of my shoes without socks. The problem is every time I wear shoes without socks, my feet begin to smell. How can I stop my feet from smelling?
It is important to first, understand the reason for the odor. This will make trying to solve the problem much easier. Body odor is mainly caused by bacteria. Bacteria thrive in moist areas of the body.
For this reason, the first step in eliminating this odor problem is to combat the bacteria which cause it. To do this, begin by washing your feet with an anti-bacterial soap. This does means actually wash and exfoliate your feet (don’t just let the water run on them), including in-between your toes. Also, make sure that your toenails are kept short and clean, as underneath the toenails are a wonderful place for bacteria to grow.
Once you have combated the bacteria itself, the next step is to inhibit the environment in which it could grow. This means, keep your feet dry. Again, wet feet will create a moist environment conducive for the growth of odor causing bacteria. So, when you get out of the shower, pool, ocean (or any other situation where your feet would get wet), be sure to dry your feet thoroughly before you put your shoes back on your feet.
As for the shoes themselves, place a moisture absorbent powder inside your shoes. Sodium Bicarbonate (baking soda) should do the trick. It will absorb the sweat you foot will secrete and will create a more hostile environment for odor causing bacteria. Also, try not to wear the same shoes every day. Allow for the shoes to breathe and naturally dry. Finally, on those days when you would not wear those shoes, you may want to use some cedar wood shoe trees. The wood will absorb the excess moisture left behind in the shoe.
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