How to Make Feet Not Smell

a woman sitting on a couch holding a pair of socks and grimacing

Stinky Feet: Causes & Solutions

Could your foot odor clear out a room? Smelly feet, or bromodosis, are caused by excess sweat and bacteria. While the condition is common, some people have feet that sweat and stink more than others. FLAT SOCKS® anti-odor socks are here to help you beat the stink for good with the following tips on getting rid of foot odor.

a person wearing a white sneaker standing beside three pairs of anti-odor shoe inserts

Why do my feet smell so bad?

Feet smell bad when bacteria on your skin breaks down the acids in sweat. Foot odor can often be traced back to your socks and shoes. When your feet sweat, you need to give your shoes time to air out. Otherwise, bacteria will build up and produce a lingering smell.

Foot odor is normal, but if taking your shoes off at the door is a biohazard waiting to happen then you might have smellier feet than most.

Causes of Smelly Feet

People with overactive sweat glands from hyperhidrosis are more prone to smelly feet. Chronic foot odor might be diagnosed as bromhidrosis when it affects your social life or self-esteem. Other factors that might cause sweaty, stinky feet include:

  • Fungal infections like athlete’s foot
  • Hormonal changes that increase sweat production
  • Medications, including antidepressants
  • Wearing socks and shoes that aren’t breathable
  • Not changing your socks frequently
  • Being on your feet all day
  • Stress or anxiety
  • Poor personal hygiene

Another reason why your feet might stink is wearing shoes without socks. Going sockless leaves you without moisture-wicking benefits of socks, which is why anti-odor socks can help deodorize your shoes and protect your feet from unpleasant smells.

How to Avoid Smelly Feet with FLAT SOCKS

With moisture-wicking fabric and plush cushioning, FLAT SOCKS are a smelly feet remedy that keeps your feet dry, comfy and fresh. These odor resistant socks help limit the amount of moisture from sweat in your shoes while odor-control tech absorbs gross smells.

top view of a woman sitting on a bench placing leopard print insoles into white shoes

Washer and dryer safe, FLAT SOCKS can be worn to replace your normal socks or as a cushy anti-odor insole. Cozy up cold, sweaty feet in winter with faux fur and keep your summer shoes chill with bk mesh socks. Fun patterns introduce funky fresh style to your no-show look while solid colors make the best anti-odor dress socks.

Whether your feet smell like a swamp, or your kids keep sticking their smelly feet in your face, FLAT SOCKS and FLAT SOCKS Kids are the ultimate socks for stinky feet.

close up of a kid placing a dinosaur shoe insert into a kid's shoe

Other Ways to Treat the Stink

Adding anti-odor socks like FLAT SOCKS to your shoes can help reduce odors, but you’ll also need to pay close attention to your hygiene habits if you want to get rid of smelly feet. Here are some simple treatments for foot odor that just won’t go away:

  • Wash your feet with antibacterial soap and a scrub brush to remove dead skin, dirt and sweat.
  • Dry your feet after washing, especially between your toes where moisture can become trapped.
  • Rotate your shoes so you aren’t wearing the same pair two days in a row.
  • Avoid wearing tight shoes or socks that prevent airflow.
  • Add an anti-odor shoe insert to control sweat and absorb odors.
  • Change your socks at least once a day or whenever you have sweaty feet.
  • Wash your shoes in a washing machine semi frequently to cut down on built-up bacteria.
  • Remove your shoe insoles to help your shoes dry out faster.
  • Use foot deodorant, medicated soaps or powders that help mitigate sweat and odors.

The key to getting rid of unwanted foot odor is keeping your shoes and feet dry and clean. In some cases, smelly feet can be a sign of a problem such as an infection. Talk to your doctor if you have persistent foot odor or symptoms like irritation or swelling.

a pair of brown boots on foliage with blue shoe inserts sticking out

FLAT SOCKS: The Best Socks for Smelly Feet

Foot odor is no joke. When feet smell so bad you need to step out, step into FLAT SOCKS instead. Along with proper foot hygiene, FLAT SOCKS anti-odor inserts can help mitigate unwanted odors that might linger in your shoes and on your feet.

References:

Blanton, K. (2024, January 22) Why Do My Feet Smell So Bad? Doctors Explain. Prevention. 

Cirino, E. (2017, July 26) How to Get Rid of Smelly Feet (Bromodosis). Healthline.

Smelly feet. (2022, February 3). National Health Service.