The game is in two days, and these bad boys smell like they've been marinating in a locker room sauna for weeks. Time for a deodorizer, right? But wait – do those things really work, or are they just masking the funk?
You may have heard that shoe deodorizers are the answer. But do they actually work? We're here to spill the beans on shoe odor and share the real secret to fresh kicks.
What are Shoe Deodorizers?
Shoe deodorizers are products designed to eliminate or mask unpleasant odors in footwear. These unsung heroes of the footwear world transform smelly sneakers back into the comfortable companions they were meant to be. These discreet foot odor eliminators slip right into your shoes, working tirelessly to neutralize odors and restore freshness, so you can step out with confidence (and without holding your nose!)
Shoe and sneaker deodorizers come in various forms, including:
- Powders: Sometimes messy, but super effective at absorbing moisture and odors.
- Insoles: Reach throughout the entire shoe, including the tight, hard-to-reach corners where bacteria thrive, like KickDry’s.
- Balls or Sachets: Filled with absorbent or odor-neutralizing materials to be placed inside shoes between uses.
Caption: KickDry shoe deodorizers come in the form of insoles that thoroughly fit the shoe, absorbing moisture and staving off odor buildup from every crevice.
How Do Shoe Deodorizers Work?
Shoe deodorizers are designed to combat the unpleasant odors that can build up in footwear. They typically work in one or a combination of the following ways:
Masking Odors
Some deodorizers simply cover up bad smells with stronger, more pleasant fragrances. Ideally, they should be called shoe fresheners. They’re a temporary fix, but they do make shoes smell more appealing.
Absorbing odors
Many deodorizers contain absorbent materials like activated charcoal, baking soda, or clay (like we do at KickDry) that work by trapping and neutralizing odor molecules, effectively removing them from the air inside your shoes.
Neutralizing Odors
Some deodorizers contain ingredients that neutralize odors chemically. For example, baking soda is a natural odor neutralizer that works by reacting with acidic odor molecules. This method aims to eliminate the odor rather than just mask it.
Killing Odor-causing Bacteria
Certain shoe deodorizers contain antimicrobial agents or antifungal ingredients that target and kill the bacteria and fungi that thrive in warm, moist environments like shoes and contribute significantly to unpleasant odors.
The Origins: Why and When Did They Enter the Market?
The concept of deodorizing footwear isn't new. In fact, it’s as old as smelly shoes!
The origins of shoe deodorizers can be traced back to ancient times when people used natural materials like cedarwood, herbs, spices and even garlic! to keep their bodies smelling fresh and fight fungal infections.
Coming to the 20th century, well-known companies specializing in foot powders, like Dr. Scholl's (founded in 1906), likely played a role in early shoe deodorizing solutions. Foot deodorizer powders often contain ingredients like talc and baking soda, which absorb moisture and neutralize odor.
However, the modern shoe deodorizer market began to take shape in the mid-20th century, coinciding with the rise of synthetic materials and more active lifestyles, and an increased awareness and panic around athlete’s foot.
Over the decades, shoe deodorizers have evolved significantly. Early products were mainly powders and sprays, but technological advancements have brought us sophisticated solutions like UV light devices and advanced moisture-absorbing inserts.
Benefits of Shoe Deodorizers
Shoe deodorizers offer a range of benefits that go beyond just making your shoes smell better. Here are some key advantages:
- Bacteria control: Many shoe deodorizers contain antimicrobial agents that kill odor-causing bacteria, helping to maintain a more hygienic environment inside your shoes.
- Foot health support: By creating a cleaner and drier environment inside shoes, deodorizers can contribute to overall foot health and hygiene, preventing nasty conditions like athlete’s foot.
- Shoe longevity: By inhibiting the growth of damaging bacteria, and in some cases, mold and mildew, shoe deodorizers protect the materials from wearing too quickly.
- Convenience and ease of use: Most shoe deodorizers are quick and easy to apply, whether you prefer sprays, powders, or insoles. They are also compact and travel-friendly, allowing you to freshen up your shoes on the go.
How Do You Permanently Get the Smell Out of Shoes?
Washing shoes sometimes doesn't completely eliminate stubborn odors, as bacteria can be quite resilient if the shoes aren’t properly dried after. Here are two methods to try to permanently banish the smell:
Reach into your kitchen cabinet
Baking soda and vinegar aren’t perfect, but they can work when you’re in a pinch.
Baking soda can be a natural shoe deodorizer. Sprinkle a generous amount of inside each shoe and let it sit overnight (or for at least 8 hours). Discard the baking soda afterward. Vinegar can also work. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and lightly spritz the inside of your shoes while avoiding delicate materials. Watch out for the odor though. It can be pungent.
A word of caution:
Although baking soda and vinegar can work, we wouldn’t recommend using them regularly. Prolonged contact with baking soda can irritate the skin and the residue can be quite abrasive. Vinegar is acidic and mildly corrosive. Do not use either of these methods on leather.
Odor absorption
Place fresh dryer sheets inside your shoes when you're not wearing them. Dryer sheets contain liquid softeners, fragrances and lubricants that can temporarily mask the smell of sweaty shoes. Newspapers may also work. Crumple up newspaper and stuff it tightly inside your shoes, and leave overnight. Although their absorption capacity is limited, newspapers can work if you’re traveling and your options are limited.Use KickDry’s Deodorizing Shoe Inserts
Conventional deodorizers containing activated charcoal, baking soda, or other absorbent materials work by trapping and neutralizing odor molecules, but KickDry’s clay formula goes one step further and absorbs moisture itself—the very thing that keeps odor-causing bacteria alive. Although simple, it’s not just a quick fix. It’s a lasting solution, because it cuts the problem off at the root rather than just covering it up for a few hours.
Simply slip them into the shoes after every game (or sweaty adventure), and leave them in overnight! If you’re in a hurry, shoot for at least four hours. No matter how damp and stinky they are, KickDrys will take care of them while you sleep.
Yes, Shoe Deodorizers Absolutely Work!
Shoe deodorizers can indeed be effective in combating shoe odor, but beware, they’re not created equal. Look for products that go beyond battling the smell, and actually win the war against stinky shoes, like KickDry. Specially designed to fit all kinds of shoes, even sneakers. KickDrys are tougher on odor, safer for your family, and gentler for the planet. Check out our store! We have some great discounts!FAQs
How do you fix smelly shoes when traveling?
- Toss a pair of KickDry deodorizing shoe inserts into your shoes before you pack them – keeps things fresh! If you’re caught without them, newspapers aren’t ideal, but they can work.
How long do shoe deodorizers last?
- It depends. Sprays may last a few days, while charcoal bags can last several weeks to months with regular sun exposure for reactivation.
Are shoe deodorizers safe?
- Largely, yes. However, you should read the fine print on every product. KickDry shoe deodorizers are safe and non-toxic.