How To Get Rid Of Smelly Feet Permanently

Smelly feet (foot odor) usually come from bacteria breaking down sweat on the skin. To get rid of smelly feet permanently, you need to reduce sweat, control bacteria and fungus, and keep shoes and socks clean and dry. Below is a step‑by‑step, evidence‑based guide.

1. Understand What Causes Smelly Feet

Why feet smell

According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), foot odor is typically caused when sweat from the feet mixes with bacteria on the skin; the bacteria break down sweat and dead skin cells, releasing unpleasant smells. Wearing the same shoes daily, synthetic socks, and having sweaty feet (hyperhidrosis) make the problem worse (American Academy of Dermatology).

Key contributors:

Excessive sweating of the feet
Bacteria and sometimes fungus (athlete’s foot)
Tight, non‑breathable shoes and synthetic socks
Poor foot hygiene or not changing socks/shoes often

2. Daily Foot Hygiene Routine

Wash feet properly

The AAD recommends washing feet at least once a day with soap and water, paying attention to between the toes, then drying thoroughly, especially in the toe spaces (AAD – smelly feet care).

Daily routine:

Use warm (not hot) water and mild soap
Gently scrub soles and between toes
Rinse all soap off
Pat dry carefully, including between toes

Dry thoroughly

Trapped moisture encourages bacteria and fungus. The U.S. National Library of Medicine’s MedlinePlus notes that keeping the feet clean and dry helps control both foot odor and athlete’s foot (MedlinePlus – Foot odor).

Tips:

Use a clean towel; dry between toes last
If needed, use a hair dryer on cool setting to dry toe spaces

3. Control Sweat and Moisture

Use antiperspirant on feet

The AAD states that antiperspirants used for underarms can also be used on the feet to reduce sweating and odor (AAD – smelly feet treatment).

How to use:

Apply a thin layer of antiperspirant (not just deodorant) to clean, dry feet before bed
Focus on soles and between toes (if not irritated)
In the morning, wash your feet; as sweating improves, you may reduce frequency

Foot powders and moisture‑wicking socks

MedlinePlus recommends using absorbent foot powders and changing socks often to help keep feet dry and reduce odor (MedlinePlus – Foot odor).

Helpful options:

Use non‑medicated talc‑based or cornstarch‑based powders on feet and shoes
Choose moisture‑wicking socks (often labeled for sports or running)
Avoid 100% nylon; pick cotton blends or wool blends that breathe

4. Choose the Right Shoes and Sock Habits

Rotate and air out shoes

The AAD advises not wearing the same shoes every day and allowing shoes at least 24 hours to dry out between uses (AAD – smelly feet prevention).

Shoes strategy:

Rotate between at least two pairs of shoes
Remove insoles after wearing and let them air dry
If shoes are very damp, place them in a dry, ventilated area; use newspaper or shoe‑drying products if needed

Prefer breathable footwear

MedlinePlus notes that wearing shoes that allow the feet to breathe helps reduce moisture and odor (MedlinePlus – Foot odor).

Look for:

Shoes made of leather or mesh rather than rubber or plastic
Open‑toed sandals when appropriate to allow ventilation
Avoid very tight shoes that trap sweat

5. Manage Bacteria and Fungus

Treat possible athlete’s foot

Fungal infections can worsen odor. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describes athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) as a common fungal infection causing itching, scaling, and sometimes odor between toes and on soles (CDC – Athlete’s foot).

If you have:

Itching, burning, or stinging between toes
Red, scaly, or cracked skin
Peeling or blistering

then an over‑the‑counter antifungal cream, spray, or powder (containing clotrimazole, terbinafine, etc.) used as directed can help. Continue treatment for the full recommended duration even if symptoms improve.

Keep toenails and skin trimmed

Long nails and calluses can hold sweat and odor‑causing debris. The AAD recommends trimming toenails straight across and keeping them short, and removing thick calluses carefully or with professional help (AAD – foot care basics).

Basic care:

Cut nails straight, not too short
Gently file rough skin; don’t over‑shave calluses
See a podiatrist for thick, painful calluses or nail problems

6. Deep‑Clean Shoes and Insoles

Wash or disinfect shoes when possible

MedlinePlus suggests washing shoes that are washable and keeping footwear clean to manage odor (MedlinePlus – Foot odor).

Ideas:

Machine‑washable sneakers: wash and completely air dry before wearing
Non‑washable shoes:
- Use antibacterial sprays made for shoes
- Replace insoles periodically, especially if they remain damp or smelly

Use odor‑controlling inserts

Insoles designed to reduce odor can help keep conditions under control long‑term, especially if you sweat heavily. Choose products specifically labeled for odor control or moisture absorption and replace them as directed.

7. When Smelly Feet Keep Coming Back

Consider excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)

If your feet sweat excessively even when you’re not warm or active, you may have plantar hyperhidrosis. The AAD notes that in such cases, a dermatologist can offer stronger treatments such as prescription‑strength antiperspirants or procedures like iontophoresis and, in some cases, botulinum toxin (Botox) injections (AAD – hyperhidrosis treatment).

These medical treatments aim for longer‑term control of sweating, which can significantly reduce persistent odor.

See a doctor or podiatrist if:

Odor does not improve after 2–4 weeks of consistent hygiene and shoe care
You have signs of infection: redness, swelling, pain, pus, or bleeding
You have diabetes or poor circulation and develop any foot skin changes or sores
The sweating and odor cause major embarrassment or affect daily life

A health professional can check for fungal or bacterial infection, skin conditions, or systemic issues and recommend tailored treatment.

8. Long‑Term Strategy: Combining Measures for “Permanent” Results

“Permanent” relief from smelly feet usually comes from consistently addressing all major causes:

Daily hygiene – wash and thoroughly dry feet at least once daily
Sweat control – use antiperspirant, powders, and moisture‑wicking socks
Footwear management – rotate shoes, air them out, clean or replace insoles
Treat infections promptly – manage athlete’s foot and nail problems early
Medical help for severe sweating – consider dermatologist‑guided treatments if needed

By making these habits part of your routine, you can keep foot odor under control and, for many people, effectively get rid of smelly feet on a long‑term or “permanent” basis.

How To Get Rid Of Smelly Feet Permanently