Unpleasant odor from work boots: causes, prevention and remedies

Stinky work boots – a problem that can cause a lot of trouble. The fact is that when you wear closed shoes for a long time during intensive work, your feet sweat and bacteria multiply inside, which leads to the appearance of unpleasant odor. Fortunately, with us you can get rid of the bad smell! All you need to know are a few secrets of proper care and prevention of protective footwear.

Causes of unpleasant odor

First, it is important to find the cause of the odor when wearing work boots for a long time. This is often caused by a combination of sweat and bacteria inside the shoe. During prolonged work, feet sweat, moisture is absorbed by the lining and insoles, and the heat and lack of ventilation create ideal conditions for the proliferation of microorganisms and the formation of a pungent odor.

Synthetic, “non-breathable” materials used in shoes exacerbate the problem: sweat does not evaporate, and bacteria multiply more actively. In addition, infrequent drying and cleaning of shoes and wearing the same socks for a long time leads to a persistent musty smell and even mold. It is also recommended to periodically remove and wash the insoles.

Unpleasant odor is a signal of hygiene problems: constant moisture inside the shoes can lead to the development of foot fungus. Therefore, it is important to eliminate not only the odor itself, but also its cause – excessive moisture and microorganisms. You should also pay attention to your health, diet and bad habits.

Prevention: daily foot care and hygiene

Preventing odor is easier than fighting it later. Daily hygiene and proper footwear care can significantly reduce the risk:

• Foot hygiene. Wash your feet daily with soap and water and dry them thoroughly. If you have excessive sweating, use special foot antiperspirants (sprays or talcum powder) to reduce sweating and inhibit bacterial growth. Periodic foot baths with salt or antiseptic to reduce sweating and disinfect the skin are helpful.
• Socks and insoles. Wear socks made of natural, breathable fabrics (cotton, fine wool) and change them daily. Avoid synthetic socks, which retain moisture. Keep the insoles clean and dry. If the insoles become soaked with sweat and odor, they can be washed or replaced.
• Drying shoes. Always dry shoes thoroughly after finishing work. Do not store wet shoes in a closed cabinet. Take out the insoles and dry them separately, then leave them in a warm, dry place (preferably outside). To speed up the drying process, you can stuff them with newspaper, which absorbs moisture.

By following these rules, you will prevent or at least delay the appearance of odor for a long time, even if the shoes are worn intensively.

Home remedies for removing unpleasant odors

If your shoes have already started to smell, simple home remedies to neutralize the odor can help.

Baking soda

Sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of baking soda on the insoles inside each shoe, spreading it evenly over the entire surface. Leave the shoes with baking soda overnight: the powder will absorb moisture and odors and inhibit the growth of bacteria. In the morning, vacuum or remove the powder residue, and your shoes will be much fresher.

Vinegar spray

Mix table vinegar with water in a 1:1 ratio and spray the inside of the shoe with this solution. Let the shoes dry at room temperature. The acetic acid will kill bacteria and fungi, eliminating the source of the odor. After drying, the pungent vinegar smell will be completely eliminated.

Freezing

Place dry shoes in a plastic bag and put them in the freezer overnight. The low temperature will kill the odor-causing germs. In the morning, remove the shoes and let them thaw at room temperature.

These methods are inexpensive, safe for shoe materials and quite effective. In addition, dry tea bags should be placed in the shoes to absorb moisture and odor. These remedies can be used regularly and in combination with each other. If the unpleasant odor cannot be eliminated or is related to a fungal infection, specialized products are required.

Specialized products and disinfection

To enhance the effect and remove stubborn odors, use specialized products:

• Deodorizing products for shoes. Sprays and aerosols designed for shoes contain antibacterial ingredients and fragrances. Spray such deodorant inside your shoes after work – it will kill germs and eliminate odor, and you will smell fresh.
• Antibacterial insoles. Replacement insoles with activated charcoal or silver ions absorb sweat and prevent bacterial growth. They are worth using if your shoes are constantly smelly. These insoles reduce moisture and add freshness, and can be easily replaced when worn out.
• Moisture and odor absorbers. There are odor and moisture absorbers – small insoles or balls with activated carbon or silica gel, which are inserted into shoes overnight. They absorb residual moisture and unpleasant odors. Electric shoe dryers (some of which are equipped with an ultraviolet lamp) are also useful: they completely dry shoes in a few hours and disinfect them at the same time.
• Disinfection. Periodically disinfect the inside of the shoe completely. Wipe the insoles and lining with a cotton swab soaked in alcohol or chlorhexidine, then let the shoe dry and air out completely. This treatment destroys the source of the odor and prevents the growth of fungi.

Tips for choosing work boots

When buying new work boots, pay attention to features that will help you avoid odor:

• Breathable materials. Choose shoes made of genuine leather or modern membrane materials that allow good airflow. Good ventilation allows moisture to evaporate without creating a greenhouse effect inside.
• Removable insoles. Insoles should be removable, and even better if they have an antibacterial coating or a layer of activated carbon. Removable insoles are easier to dry, clean or replace when they wear out, which helps keep the inside of the shoe fresh.
• Proper fit. Make sure your shoes fit properly and are not too tight. Tight shoes cause feet to sweat more due to friction and overheating, while a small space improves air circulation and reduces sweating.
• Quality workmanship. High-quality work boots usually have antibacterial lining and materials that prevent odor. However, cheap shoes made of low-quality synthetic materials can start to smell after just a few weeks of active wear.

We recommend that you do not ignore the odor from your work boots, but take a comprehensive approach to solving it.  Observe personal hygiene, regularly dry and clean shoes, use household and specialized products, and take a responsible approach to footwear selection. In addition, pay attention to your health, lifestyle and diet. With this approach, your work boots will stay clean and fresh for a long time, even with daily use.

On our site you can choose and buy TALAN work boots directly from the manufacturer. Protective footwear made of high-quality materials using modern technologies will keep your feet comfortable and fresh throughout the working day.