10 Ways to Make Your Stinky Shoes Smell Good

Living with boys means constantly finding new ways to tackle the smelly shoe problem that seems to follow them around. It’s like a never-ending cycle of soccer practice, puddle jumping, and “Oops, I forgot to take my shoes off!” moments.

As a mom always in the thick of it, I’ve had to get pretty creative to keep our home from turning into a sneaker-scented sauna.

From DIY deodorizers to sun-soaked remedies, here are 10 practical ways I’ve found to help those well-loved shoes smell fresh again.

Sunlight

Using the power of the sun is one of my favorite tricks for battling those all-too-familiar shoe odors. Ultraviolet rays are natural bacteria killers, which is great news for anyone dealing with damp, smelly athletic shoes. After giving the shoes a wash, pop them open as wide as they can go and let them bask in direct sunlight for a few hours.

Refresh with New Insoles

It’s easy to forget, but those insoles in your shoes work hard every day and can turn into odor factories over time. If you’re noticing a persistent smell, it might just be time to swap out the old insoles for new ones.

This simple change can make a world of difference, almost like magic, transforming stinky shoes back to their fresher, more pleasant selves. Plus, it’s a quick fix that can extend the life of your favorite sneakers or boots.

Vinegar

Vinegar is a powerhouse when it comes to neutralizing odors at home, including those gross shoe smells. Whip up a quick mix of equal parts distilled white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. After the boys kick off their shoes, give the insides a quick spritz.

Just be careful to keep the spray on the inside to avoid any potential discoloration. Set the shoes somewhere airy to dry, maybe with a fan nearby to speed things along.

Sanitize Your Non-Washable Shoes

We all have those favorite non-washable shoes, like boots or slippers with cozy shearling lining, that just can’t take a spin in the washer. But don’t worry, you can still freshen them up.

Mix a bit of water with pine oil or a phenolic disinfectant, as per the directions on the label. Dip a microfiber cloth into the solution, wring it out until it’s just damp, and then gently scrub the insides of the shoes. Let them air out in a breezy spot for about 24 hours.

Use Steam

Let’s face it, having boys means dealing with some seriously stinky shoes now and then. If you’ve got a steam cleaner or a dryer with a steam cycle, you’re in luck. A quick blast of steam can work wonders on those smelly shoes, killing off odor-causing bacteria without a fuss.

Just make sure the shoes can handle a bit of moisture, and always let them dry out fully. Believe me, it’s like pressing the reset button on those smelly sneakers after a long week of sports and play.

Essential Oils

Essential oils aren’t just for diffusers; they can be a game changer for smelly shoes too. If you’re already a fan of these natural wonders, try whipping up a homemade deodorizing spray.

Grab a small spray bottle and fill it halfway with unscented witch hazel, then top it up with distilled water. Add a few drops of your favorite essential oils—peppermint for freshness, tea tree for its antibacterial properties, eucalyptus for a cool touch, and thyme for a bit of herbal zest.

Shake it all up and spritz the inside of each shoe, especially around the toe box where odors tend to linger. Pop them in a plastic bag to ramp up the effectiveness.

Slip in a Dryer Sheet

Dryer sheets are not just for laundry—they’re also sneaky little odor fighters for shoes. If the kids’ tennis shoes are smelling less than fresh after a day of adventures, grab a dryer sheet, rip it in half, and tuck each piece into a shoe. Let them sit like this overnight, and by morning, the change in scent will be noticeable.

For an added bonus, if you stash your sneakers in a gym bag, drop a whole dryer sheet in there. It’ll keep both your shoes and workout gear smelling cleaner.

Try Cat Litter or Wood Chips

Yes, you read that right—cat litter can be your secret weapon against stubborn shoe odors. Grab a pair of old socks (make sure they’re clean!), and fill them up with either cat litter or cedar wood chips.

These materials are excellent at absorbing smells. Just stuff the socks into each shoe and leave them overnight. By morning, they’ll have worked their magic, pulling out all that nasty odor.

And if you want a little extra freshness, throw in some citrus peels for a burst of clean scent.

Wash Away the Odor

When it comes to getting rid of that funky smell in shoes, tossing them in the wash can do wonders. Use warm water mixed with a gentle detergent and give both the insides and outsides a good scrub. Make sure they’re thoroughly rinsed to avoid soap buildup, which can sneakily contribute to more stink.

The key is letting them air dry completely. Nobody wants damp shoes that end up smelling even worse!

Baking Soda

Baking soda is a real lifesaver for de-stinking those well-loved sneakers. Just sprinkle a good amount inside each shoe and let it sit overnight. The next morning, tap out the powder and you’ll notice a big difference.

If you’ve got leather shoes in the mix, go easy on the baking soda. It’s great for a quick refresh but using it too often can dry out leather and lead to cracks, and we definitely don’t want that!