How To Keep Gym Shoes From Smelling? (5 Proven Tips)


Gym shoes are a necessity for anyone who enjoys working out, but they can also be a source of unwanted odors.

Not only can this be embarrassing, but it can also indicate poor hygiene.

Luckily, there are some proven tips that can help keep your gym shoes from smelling.

In this article, we’ll provide five of them, along with advice on why and how to follow each tip for the best results.

Read on to learn how you can keep your gym shoes from smelling and maintain good hygiene in the process.

Short Answer

There are a few things you can do to keep gym shoes from smelling.

Firstly, regularly remove the insoles and air out the shoes to allow them to dry completely.

Secondly, sprinkle baking soda or an odor-eliminating powder into the shoes after use to absorb any moisture.

Thirdly, regularly clean the shoes with a damp cloth to remove sweat and dirt.

Finally, consider using deodorizing shoe sprays to keep your shoes smelling fresh.

Importance of Good Hygiene

Good hygiene is essential when it comes to keeping your gym shoes from smelling.

When you work out, your feet sweat and create moisture that can lead to smelly shoes.

Wearing socks will help keep your feet dry and absorb sweat, which will help keep your shoes smelling fresh.

Taking your shoes off as soon as you get home will also help them to air out, which will eliminate any smells.

Additionally, it is important to clean your shoes regularly.

Wipe down the inside and outside of your shoes with a damp cloth and remove any dirt and debris that has collected.

Doing this on a regular basis will help to ensure that your gym shoes stay smelling fresh.

Wear Socks When Working Out

One of the best ways to keep your gym shoes from smelling is to always wear socks when working out.

This will help keep your feet dry and prevent sweat from getting trapped in the shoe, which can lead to bacteria growth and unpleasant odors.

It is also important to choose the right kind of socks.

Cotton or wool socks are usually the best choice since they will help to absorb moisture and keep your feet dry.

Additionally, when you are done with your workout, try to take off your shoes as soon as possible and never wear them for extended periods of time.

This will help keep your shoes fresh and free of any odors.

Remove Shoes As Soon As You Get Home

Removing your gym shoes as soon as you get home is an important step in keeping your gym shoes from smelling.

Doing this will allow your shoes to air out and release any built-up sweat and odor.

This is especially important if you have been working out indoors on a treadmill or in a gym, as sweat can accumulate quickly and cause your shoes to smell.

To get the most out of this step, take off your shoes as soon as you get home and leave them in an area with good air circulation, such as a balcony or window.

Additionally, if your shoes are still damp from sweat, make sure to let them dry completely before putting them away.

Sprinkle Baking Soda Inside Shoes

Sprinkling baking soda inside your gym shoes is a great way to help keep them smelling fresh.

Baking soda is a natural deodorizer that helps to absorb any odors and keep your shoes smelling clean.

It’s important to sprinkle it liberally inside the shoes, and make sure to get it in all the nooks and crannies.

You can also leave a few small sachets of baking soda in your gym bag, and whenever you come home from the gym, put the sachets inside your shoes to help neutralize any odors.

Additionally, be sure to shake the baking soda out of your shoes before each use so it doesnt irritate your feet.

With a few simple steps, you can keep your gym shoes smelling fresh with baking soda.

Use Essential Oils

Using essential oils is a great way to keep your gym shoes from smelling.

Essential oils are natural plant extracts that have been used for centuries for their healing and therapeutic benefits.

Not only do they smell great and help with relaxation, but they can also help get rid of unwanted odors in your gym shoes.

Before you use essential oils, be sure to do a patch test on the inside of your shoe to make sure it wont cause any damage.

To use essential oils, simply put a few drops inside your clean and dry shoes, and let them sit overnight.

The essential oils will help neutralize any odors by breaking down the molecules and absorbing them.

When youre done, simply take out the insoles and shake out any excess oils.

You can also put a few drops of essential oils on a cotton ball and stuff it in your shoe to keep it smelling fresh.

Be sure to use only natural essential oils, and avoid using synthetic scents, as these can be toxic to your health.

With a few drops of essential oils, you can keep your gym shoes smelling fresh and clean.

Alternate Shoes Regularly

One of the best ways to keep your gym shoes from smelling is to alternate which pair you wear.

By rotating your shoes, you give them a chance to air out in between workouts.

If you wear the same pair of shoes every day, the sweat and bacteria build-up will be too much for them to handle.

Even if you dont have multiple pairs of gym shoes, you can still switch up which shoe you wear on each foot.

This will give each shoe a chance to dry out before you wear them again.

Additionally, if you have more than one pair of shoes, you can alternate wearing them, which will give each pair of shoes a longer lifespan.

Not only will this keep your gym shoes from smelling, but it will also help them last longer.

Clean Shoes Inside and Out

No matter how often you wear your gym shoes, it’s important to keep them clean inside and out.

This will help them last longer and reduce the risk of bad smells.

For starters, make sure to wipe down the outer surface of your shoes with a damp cloth or a shoe cleaner after each use.

This will help remove sweat and dirt and prevent bacteria from accumulating.

Additionally, you can remove the laces and put them in the washing machine to give them a thorough clean.

Inside your shoes, you can also reduce odor by sprinkling some baking soda inside.

Baking soda is a natural deodorizer and will help absorb any odors from sweaty feet.

You can also put a few drops of essential oils inside your shoes to give them a pleasant scent.

Be sure to use a non-toxic oil like lavender or tea tree oil, and make sure to replace the oils every few weeks to keep the scent fresh.

Finally, make sure to take your shoes off as soon as you get home to let them air out.

This will help reduce any lingering odors and keep your shoes smelling fresh.

Final Thoughts

With a few simple steps, you can keep your gym shoes smelling fresh and extend the life of your shoes.

Good hygiene, wearing socks, taking off your shoes right away, adding baking soda and essential oils, alternating shoes, and cleaning inside and out are all great ways to do this.

So make sure to start implementing these tips today, and you’ll be able to keep your gym shoes smelling fresh for years to come!

James Dylan

James is a journalist who specializes in sports journalism. In addition to his passion for writing, he also loves running. He knows which shoes are best for running and which are ideal for sports. He is happy to offer valuable advice on shoe-related matters.

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