Smelly Feet? No Problem!

Sweaty feet are relatively common in runners and sports people due to exercise-induced sweating and the number of sweat glands in the feet.


RW Editors |

Sweaty feet are relatively common in runners and sports people due to exercise-induced sweating and the number of sweat glands in the feet.

Barefoots

This shouldn’t be a problem if general foot and shoe hygiene is practiced.

When Is It A Problem?

Pathologically sweaty feet are abnormal and can be embarrassing because of the smell.

Causes can be:
– stress
– the heat build-up in the running shoe
– the type of socks
– hot weather

Some people have a condition called hyperidrosis (increased sweating) or bromidrosis (increased sweating with smell).

Wash Those Toetsies!

Foot hygiene is key. Wash your feet daily and after your training. Dry them carefully, especially between the toes.

Au Naturale

Alternatively, soak your feet daily in black tea, which contains tannic acid. Boil two tea bags in half a litre of water for 15 minutes. Add this to two litres of cool water and soak your feet for 20 – 30 minutes, Dry thoroughly. (Ed’s note: rooibos and other herbal teas don’t contain tannins, so it’s best that you use normal tea.)

Use a cleanser, talcum powder or baby powder on your feet every morning after your shower.

Socks

Socks should be made of cotton or wool, which absorbs moisture. Throw out those nylon socks right now. Most sports socks have a bit of nylon in for strength but a much higher cotton content for the moisture management. The more cotton or wool content, the better.

Bin ’em

If your shoes smell too bad: chuck ’em. Have a fresh start: get new ones.

Itchy Feet?

If you have Athlete’s foot (a fungal infection), get treatment for it or the smell will not get better. Itchy feet are a sign of Athlete’s foot.

Reader’s Tips

RW Reader Alan McConnochie says: Put your shoes in a plastic bag and put in freezer overnight. The cold kills the bacteria. Some people might say the cold will harm the shoes cushioning – well your remedy was to throw them away so at least you will get more use out of them first.

Have any of your own home remedies? Let us know by commenting below.

READ MORE ON: feet foot health how-to shoes

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