How to Stop Shoes Smelling: Causes, Cleaning & Shoe Fresheners

Smelly shoes are a common problem, particularly with trainers, work boots, school shoes and footwear worn for long periods.

The smell usually develops because moisture from perspiration remains inside the footwear. Warm, damp shoes provide the conditions in which odour can build up, especially when the same pair is worn repeatedly without enough time to dry.

Simply covering the smell with fragrance may provide a temporary improvement, but a better routine deals with the moisture, cleanliness and odour together.

If you are looking for a quick footwear-care solution, browse our range of shoe fresheners and deodorisers.

Why Do Shoes Start to Smell?

Feet naturally perspire, particularly during exercise, warm weather or long periods in enclosed footwear.

That moisture can be absorbed by:

• Insoles

• Linings

• Fabric uppers

• Foam padding

• Socks

• The inside of boots and trainers

When moisture remains trapped inside the shoe, bacteria can contribute to the familiar unpleasant smell associated with sweaty footwear.

This is why trainers, sports shoes and work boots often develop stronger odours than footwear that is worn only occasionally.

The problem can become worse when shoes are worn again before they have completely dried.

How to Stop Shoes Smelling

The most effective routine is usually:

Dry → Clean → Deodorise → Absorb moisture → Rotate footwear

You do not necessarily need to perform every step after every wear, but persistent odour usually requires more than simply spraying fragrance inside the shoe.

Step 1: Let the Shoes Air Out

After wearing shoes for a long period, avoid immediately placing them in a closed cupboard, gym bag or storage box.

Open the footwear as much as possible.

Loosen the laces and pull the tongue forward to increase airflow.

If the insoles are removable, take them out so both the shoe and insole can dry separately.

Allow footwear to air-dry naturally away from strong direct heat.

Placing wet trainers or leather shoes against a radiator may seem faster, but excessive heat can affect adhesives, leather, foam and other footwear materials.

Step 2: Don't Wear the Same Shoes Every Day

One of the simplest ways to reduce odour is to give footwear enough time to dry between wears.

Alternating between two pairs is particularly useful for:

• Work shoes

• School shoes

• Gym trainers

• Running shoes

• Safety boots

• Walking boots

If the inside of the shoe is still damp when you put it back on, the odour-producing cycle starts again immediately.

Whenever practical, allow a pair to dry thoroughly before wearing it again.

Step 3: Clean Dirty Footwear

A shoe freshener cannot replace cleaning when the footwear itself is genuinely dirty.

Mud, sweat, dust and residue can accumulate inside and outside shoes over time.

Clean each material using an appropriate method rather than washing every pair in the same way.

Our complete guide to cleaning shoes covers leather, suede, fabric and trainers in more detail.

You can also browse our range of shoe and leather cleaners.

Once cleaned, allow the footwear to dry fully before using it again.

Step 4: Check the Insoles

Insoles absorb a significant amount of moisture because they sit directly underneath the foot.

If your shoes still smell after the rest of the footwear has been cleaned and dried, the insoles may be part of the problem.

Remove detachable insoles and check their condition.

Depending on their construction and the manufacturer's care instructions, they may be suitable for cleaning or may simply need replacing once they are heavily worn.

Our range of shoe insoles includes replacement options for different types of footwear.

Do not automatically soak or machine-wash an insole without checking that the material is suitable.

Step 5: Use a Shoe Deodoriser Spray

A dedicated shoe deodoriser is convenient when you want to freshen the inside of footwear between wears.

TRG Shoe Deo Aerosol is specifically designed for use inside footwear.

The manufacturer describes it as an antimicrobial shoe deodorant suitable for all types of footwear, designed to freshen the inside and provide a pleasant smell.

Use the product according to the manufacturer's instructions and allow the footwear to air before wearing it again.

A spray is particularly convenient for:

• Trainers

• Everyday shoes

• Work footwear

• Boots

• Shoes that cannot easily be washed

It is useful as part of a regular footwear-care routine, but remember that heavily soiled or permanently damp shoes still need the underlying problem dealt with.

Step 6: Use Moisture-Absorbing Freshener Inserts

Another approach is to place freshener inserts inside the shoes while they are not being worn.

SmellWell Freshener Inserts are designed to absorb moisture and help control unwanted odours inside footwear.

Unlike a quick spray, inserts remain inside the footwear between wears and continue working while the shoes rest.

They are particularly useful for:

• Gym trainers

• Football boots

• Running shoes

• Work boots

• School shoes

• Walking boots

• Frequently worn footwear

SmellWell uses absorbent minerals and bamboo charcoal to deal with moisture and odour rather than relying only on fragrance.

The standard inserts fit most footwear, while larger XL versions are available for bigger shoes and boots.

Browse the complete SmellWell shoe freshener range if you want a reusable insert-based option.

Shoe Freshener Spray vs Freshener Inserts: Which Is Better?

They do slightly different jobs.

Shoe deodoriser spray

A spray such as TRG Shoe Deo is useful when you want:

• Fast interior freshening

• Easy application

• Coverage throughout the inside of the shoe

• Something suitable for several different pairs

It is a convenient everyday solution.

Freshener inserts

Moisture-absorbing inserts are useful when you want:

• Something left inside the footwear between wears

• Help absorbing moisture as well as odour

• A reusable solution

• Freshening for sports footwear or boots that regularly become damp

For particularly sweaty trainers or boots, using good drying habits together with moisture-absorbing inserts often makes more sense than simply applying more fragrance.

How to Stop Trainers Smelling

Trainers are particularly prone to odour because many designs contain foam, textile linings and padded areas capable of retaining perspiration.

After wearing them:

1. Remove them from your sports or gym bag.

2. Loosen the laces.

3. Remove detachable insoles if appropriate.

4. Let everything dry separately.

5. Clean the trainers when they become dirty.

6. Use a shoe deodoriser or freshener inserts between wears.

Do not leave damp trainers sealed inside a bag overnight.

If they are suitable for machine washing, follow the footwear manufacturer's care instructions. Do not assume every trainer can safely go into a washing machine.

How to Stop Work Boots Smelling

Work boots can be difficult because they may be worn for eight or more hours at a time and often have thick padded linings.

The same basic principles apply, but drying becomes particularly important.

After work:

• Open the boots fully.

• Remove detachable insoles.

• Allow them to dry naturally.

• Avoid storing them immediately in a closed locker or bag.

• Use a deodoriser or moisture-absorbing inserts.

For larger footwear, SmellWell XL Freshener Inserts provide a larger-format option designed for boots and bigger shoes.

Rotating between two pairs of work footwear where practical can also give each pair more time to dry.

How to Stop School Shoes Smelling

School shoes may be worn for five days in a row, often with very little drying time overnight.

The simplest routine is:

• Open them up when your child gets home.

• Remove damp insoles where appropriate.

• Allow the shoes to dry overnight.

• Use freshener inserts between wears.

• Clean the footwear regularly.

• Replace heavily worn insoles when necessary.

Do not simply leave school shoes inside a sports bag or closed cupboard immediately after use.

Does Baking Soda Remove Shoe Odour?

Baking soda is commonly suggested as a household method for absorbing smells.

It can absorb some moisture and odour, but loose powder is not always convenient inside footwear and can leave residue behind.

It is also not a substitute for drying and cleaning.

For regular shoe care, a purpose-made spray or reusable freshener insert is generally cleaner and easier to manage.

Can You Wash Smelly Shoes?

Sometimes, but it depends entirely on the footwear.

Some textile trainers may be washable, while leather, suede, glued footwear and structured shoes may require completely different care.

Never put a pair in the washing machine simply because it smells.

Check the manufacturer's instructions first.

If washing is suitable, make sure the shoes dry thoroughly afterwards. Leaving washed footwear damp for an extended period can simply create another odour problem.

Should You Spray Deodoriser into Wet Shoes?

It is better to deal with excess moisture first.

If shoes are genuinely wet, open them up and let them dry appropriately.

A freshener or deodoriser works best as part of a clean, dry footwear routine rather than being used to disguise the smell of persistently damp shoes.

Can You Use Perfume or Air Freshener in Shoes?

Ordinary perfume or household air freshener may temporarily cover an unpleasant smell, but it does not address why the shoe smells.

It may also contain ingredients that were never intended for use inside footwear.

A product specifically designed as a shoe deodoriser is the more appropriate option.

How Often Should You Use Shoe Freshener?

There is no single schedule.

It depends on:

• How often the shoes are worn

• How much your feet perspire

• Whether they are sports or work footwear

• How quickly they dry

• The type of freshener being used

A spray may be used as required according to its directions.

Reusable inserts can usually remain inside footwear whenever the shoes are not being worn.

Follow the individual product instructions rather than applying more product simply because the footwear has a strong smell.

What If the Smell Keeps Coming Back?

If footwear is repeatedly becoming unpleasant, look at the entire routine rather than just the freshener.

Ask:

• Are the shoes fully drying between wears?

• Are the same shoes being worn every day?

• Are the insoles damp or worn?

• Do the shoes need cleaning?

• Are socks being changed regularly?

• Is moisture remaining trapped inside the footwear?

Persistent foot odour can also be associated with excessive sweating or conditions such as athlete's foot.

If there is persistent strong odour together with itching, soreness, cracking or other changes to the feet, seek advice from a pharmacist or appropriate healthcare professional rather than relying only on footwear products.

How Can You Prevent Shoes Smelling?

Prevention is easier than trying to recover footwear after odour has become deeply established.

A useful routine is:

Wear → Air → Dry → Freshen → Rotate

Try to:

• Wear clean socks.

• Let shoes dry fully.

• Rotate footwear where possible.

• Remove damp insoles.

• Keep the interior clean.

• Use a suitable deodoriser or freshener insert.

• Avoid leaving sweaty shoes in closed bags.

These small habits can make a significant difference, particularly with trainers and boots worn frequently.

What Is the Best Shoe Freshener?

The best option depends on how you use your footwear.

If you want a convenient spray for the inside of different shoes, TRG Shoe Deo Aerosol provides a straightforward option for all types of footwear.

If moisture is a major part of the problem, SmellWell Freshener Inserts provide a reusable solution that remains inside the shoe between wears.

For larger boots and footwear, SmellWell also offers XL inserts.

You can compare all the available options in our shoe fresheners and deodorisers collection.

Final Advice

The best way to stop shoes smelling is not simply to overpower the odour with a stronger fragrance.

Deal with the conditions that allow it to develop.

Let footwear dry completely, clean it when necessary, check the insoles and give frequently worn shoes time to rest between uses.

Then use a dedicated shoe deodoriser or moisture-absorbing freshener to help maintain freshness between wears.

For sports shoes, everyday footwear, school shoes and work boots, a simple routine of drying, cleaning and freshening can keep odour under control and make footwear far more pleasant to wear.