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Over time, your shoes can develop unpleasant odors that are difficult to get rid of. Instead of tossing a perfectly fine pair of shoes, try cleaning them. “Investing in a shoe deodorizer is beneficial because it helps eliminate unpleasant odors from shoes, keeping them fresh and preventing the growth of odor-causing bacteria,” says Suzanne C. Fuchs, podiatric foot and ankle physician, surgeon, and founder of Luxe Podiatry in Jupiter, Florida.
With so many sprays and powders out there, it can be difficult to figure out which products are as effective as they claim. After researching tons of products, we’ve determined that the best shoe deodorizers work quickly, are easy to use, and contain antimicrobial ingredients that do more than simply mask unpleasant odors. With those factors in mind, Clean Sweep Antimicrobial Shoe Shield is our overall top pick. But we have plenty of other options too. Read on for our full list of the best shoe deodorizers in several categories.
Our picks for the best shoe deodorizers
The best shoe deodorizers
From deodorizing balls to antibacterial sprays, these are the best shoe deodorizers we’ve found.
Best shoe deodorizer overall: Clean Sweep Antimicrobial Shoe Shield
Buy it now at Tetra Corp
Why we like it: When it comes to shoe deodorizers, Mireille Blanchette, owner and triple board-certified podiatrist at Comprehensive Foot and Ankle Care, recommends Tetra Clean’s Clean Sweep Antimicrobial Shoe Shield overall because it contains nanosilver, an antimicrobial and antifungal that helps prevent the growth of odor-causing bacteria and fungus. Tetra Corp claims the spray starts neutralizing odors on contact with sweat, making it a great treatment when used as directed.
The company also says Shoe Shield lasts for about four-to-six months. We appreciate that the bottle is recyclable and that the product doesn’t give off a strong fragrance.
Keep in mind: This shoe deodorizer can only be purchased at a physician’s office. Check the website for a list of offices where it is sold.
Product details: Type: Spray | Scent: No fragrance | Time to eliminate odor: Immediately
Best shoe deodorizer spray: Dr. Scholl’s Odor-X Ultra Fighting Spray
Photograph courtesy Amazon
Buy it now on Amazon
Why we like it: Online reviewers say that Dr. Scholl’s Odor-X Ultra Fighting spray eliminates shoe odors instantly all day. Because it’s a spray, it’s easy to use—simply shake and spray about six inches from your shoes (and feet). We also appreciate the fresh scent, which many reviewers note is effective without being overpowering.
Keep in mind: Some reviewers said they had to use two hands to dispense the shoe deodorizing formula.
Product details: Type: Spray | Scent: Yes (fresh) | Time to eliminate odor: Immediately
Best shoe deodorizer balls: Arm & Hammer Odor Busterz Balls
Photograph courtesy Amazon
Buy it now on Amazon
Why we like it: Arm & Hammer’s shoe deodorizer balls are a great no-mess option. Filled with baking soda, these capsules sit inside shoes when you’re not wearing them, helping to strip odors with the brand’s “Clean Burst” proprietary scent. Kept this way, the company says these shoe deodorizer balls can help keep shoes fresh for up to 60 days.
Keep in mind: Reviewers have noted that the three-pack option isn’t as practical as a six- or 10-pack, especially if you want to freshen more than one pair of shoes at a time.
Product details: Type: Balls | Scent: Yes (“Clean Burst”) | Time to eliminate odor: Not listed, but reviewers noted that they work immediately
Best shoe deodorizer and disinfectant: Lysol Fabric Disinfectant Spray
Photograph courtesy Amazon
Buy it now on Amazon
Why we like it: Lysol’s reputation for disinfecting around the house makes it an effective shoe deodorizer and disinfectant too, says Bruce Pinker, a foot and ankle surgeon at New York-based Progressive Foot Care. Because Lysol claims to kill 99.9 percent of viruses and bacteria, it targets the cause of odors rather than simply hiding them. We appreciate that the spray is gentle on shoe fabric and dries quickly without leaving residue.
Keep in mind: Some customers found the scent too strong, causing them to leave treated shoes outside overnight.
Product details: Type: Spray | Scent: Yes (“Sundrenched Linen”) | Time to eliminate odor: Not listed (instantly)
Best natural shoe deodorizer: Lumi Outdoors Natural Shoe Deodorizer Spray
Photograph courtesy Amazon
Buy it now on Amazon
Why we like it: Stephen Bui, a board-certified sports medicine and podiatric surgeon and CEO of Active Life Solutions recommends Lumi Outdoors for people interested in natural formulations. Ingredients such as witch hazel and natural oils (tea tree, eucalyptus, and lemongrass) start working in one to five sprays, with each four-ounce sized bottle providing more than 700 sprays, says Lumi.
Keep in mind: Some reviewers said this product required more sprays daily than recommended to maintain the lemongrass scent.
Product details: Type: Spray | Scent: Yes (lemongrass) | Time to eliminate odor: Not listed
Best foot deodorizing powder: Foot Sense Natural Foot and Shoe Odor Eliminator
Photograph courtesy Amazon
Buy it now on Amazon
Why we like it: This talc-free shoe deodorizer contains arrowroot powder and zinc oxide, which can be sprinkled on both shoes and feet.
Keep in mind: It takes longer to work (about one week), compared to other shoe deodorizers. The company says one application lasts up to six months, but recommends occasional touch-ups.
Product details: Type: Powder | Scent: Yes (lemon and lavender) | Time to eliminate odor: One week (and then as needed)
Best shoe deodorizer inserts: Dr. Scholl’s Odor-X Odor Fighting Insoles
Photograph courtesy Amazon
Buy it now on Amazon
Why we like it: Our choice for the best shoe deodorizer inserts is Dr. Scholl’s Odor-X Odor Fighting Insoles. These foam insoles are made with baking soda and charcoal that help absorb sweat while you wear your shoes, so they’re proactively fighting odor. You can trim to fit your shoes and replace removable insoles.
Keep in mind: These insoles fit shoes up to size 10 (women’s) and size 12 (men’s).
Product details: Type: Insoles | Scent: Not listed | Time to eliminate odor: Instantly
Best shoe deodorizer machine: Everlasting Comfort Boot Dryer and Deodorizer
Photograph courtesy Amazon
Buy it now on Amazon
Why we like it: This freestanding machine claims to dry shoes in 80 minutes and deodorize them using an ozone function. We love that it’s built with a handle for portability and four drying tubes for cleaning several shoes at the same time. Drip trays help keep deodorizing shoes a mess-free task too.
Keep in mind: This machine does not come with a storage bag or anything else to for accessories.
Product details: Type: Freestanding machine | Scent: “Fresh” | Time to eliminate odor: Less than 80 minutes (drying)
How we chose the best deodorizer for shoes
We considered the following attributes while compiling this list of the best shoe deodorizers:
Third-party reviews: In addition to information from manufacturers, we took insights from real customers who reviewed these shoe deodorizers after using them. Pleasant scents: We opted for shoe deodorizers with pleasant or neutral scents, keeping in mind that most people don’t want to replace odors with an equally unpleasant scent.Brand reputation: Well-known brands tend to produce high-quality products. With that in mind, most of the shoe deodorizers we added to this list come from reputable brands. Expert recommendations: We turned to practicing podiatrists and foot surgeons for their recommendations in compiling this list.
Tips for buying shoe deodorizers
Antibacterial ingredients
Mereille Blanchette notes that many shoe deodorizers can successfully remove odors, but advises consumers to shop for products with antibacterial properties. Antibacterial ingredients are key to providing a longer-term solution to unpleasant shoe odors because they target the cause—bacteria.
Scent
Shoe deodorizers come in a myriad of scents that may be too harsh for some people. “Look for scents that are both pleasant and known to have antimicrobial properties such as tea tree oil [antibacterial and antifungal], lavender oil [antibacterial and antifungal], and eucalyptus [strong anti-bacterial, antifungal, and antiviral],” says Anne M. Sharkey, a podiatrist at North Austin Foot & Ankle Institute.
Price
Disinfecting sprays tend to be more affordable at less than $10, whereas packs of insoles can cost as much as $25. That said, most insoles are designed to withstand multiple washes. Shoe deodorizing machines are typically the most expensive shoe deodorizers. They feature advanced shoe deodorizing technology and often have additional features that can dry shoes—at a high price.
Ingredients
In addition to antimicrobial ingredients, consider high-quality components when shopping for the best shoe deodorizers. “Look for odor-neutralizing agents such as baking soda, activated charcoal or natural essential oils, as these ingredients help absorb and eliminate odors rather than just masking them,” says Miguel Cunha, podiatrist and founder of Gotham Footcare. “Also, look for antimicrobial ingredients such as tea tree oil and eucalyptus oil as these ingredients help inhibit the growth of odor-causing bacteria, fungus, and other microorganisms promoting a healthier shoe environment.” Cunha also recommends staying away from shoe deodorizers made with ingredients such as parabens and formaldehyde that can be harmful to your health.
Type
From sprays to powders, shoe deodorizers come in many mediums. It’s best to know the pros and cons of each. Pinker notes that spray deodorizers tend to be the easiest to use. Cunha says inserts or capsules that can be transferred from shoe to shoe can be the most seamless.
Sharkey emphasizes the importance of knowing your feet, shoes, and what you’re looking for before hitting that “buy now” button. She recommends shoe deodorizing pods because they can be used overnight and an insole-type deodorizer that works dynamically when in contact with sweat for a continuous or around-the-clock solution.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the best way to deodorize shoes?
Fuchs recommends a multifaceted approach. “The best way to deodorize shoes is by using a combination of methods, such as using shoe deodorizers, sprinkling baking soda inside shoes overnight, and allowing them to air out in a well-ventilated area,” says Fuchs. It’s important to note that the best way to deodorize shoes will also depend on the shoes and manufacturer instructions.
How does baking soda remove odor from shoes?
Baking soda removes odor from shoes via absorption. “Baking soda acts as a natural odor absorber by neutralizing acids and absorbing moisture, which helps eliminate unpleasant smells from shoes,” says Fuchs. Cunha advises using baking soda for mild odors. Sprinkle some into your shoes and let the powder sit for a couple of minutes before removing any excess.
Do shoe deodorizers actually work?
Whether or not shoe deodorizers actually work will depend on the type you’re using. “Some [shoe deodorizers] just hide odor, while others kill fungus or bacteria that are living in the shoes,” says Blanchette. Cunha adds that it depends on the cause of the odor and its severity.
Jenna Clark is a freelance writer specializing in commerce, travel, and lifestyle content. Her work has been featured in AP, Time, The Knot, Tripadvisor, Business Insider, and others.
*Although we are sharing our personal opinions of these experiences or products with you, National Geographic is not endorsing these experiences or products on behalf of anyone. It has not performed product safety testing on any of these products, did not manufacture them, and is not selling, or distributing them and is not making any representations about the safety or caliber of these products or experiences for individual consumers. Prices and availability are subject to change from the date of publication.
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