Save Your Smelly Shoes With These Editor-Approved Odor Eliminators

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ELIMINATING SHOE ODOR starts with a trusted shoe deodorizer. A shoe deodorizer is usually enough to eliminate that nasty funk that hits as soon as you peel your shoes off, but sometimes more steps need to be taken in order to rid yourself of that odor for good. Don't fret, we understand how hard it can be to solve this problem, which is why we are bringing you all the best shoe deodorizers we've tried and reviewed so far this year.

Best Shoe Deodorizers in 2024

Why Do We Get Smelly Feet?

Before we get started though, it's important to know sweat is the main culprit behind smelly feet and smelly shoes. When our feet start sweating, the bacteria that exist on our skin are drawn to feed on that sweat, which results in the bacteria getting trapped in our shoe and then turning into a foul smelling odor. "Brohmhydrosis is the technical name for sweaty and smelly feet," says Dr Mark Mendeszoon, a board-certified podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon at Precision Orthopaedic Specialties in Chardon, Ohio "This is a very difficult condition to treat, because most people are typically in socks and shoes all day long and that is not usually the best environment for a feet," says Dr. Mendeszoon.

To curb sweaty feet, Dr. Mendeszoon recommends solutions like opting for moisture-wicking socks (not cotton), applying antiperspirant spray to help reduce sweating on your feet, and applying anti-fungal spray in your shoes each day after use.

Foot Deodorizers vs. Shoe Deodorizers

Another important detail to understand here is the difference between a foot deodorizer and a shoe deodorizer. A foot deodorizer is meant for application directly to your feet and will help absorb sweat and provide a cooling relief. "I recommend Certain-Dri in the roller form, even though it's designed for under the arms," says Dr. Brad Schaeffer, a foot and ankle surgeon and owner of Central Park SOLE. "I used this every other night before bed and it solved my sweaty foot issue. If foot smell gets stuck in the shoes then I always recommend a spray after each wear," says Dr. Schaeffer.

What to Look for in a Shoe Deodorizer

Not all shoe deodorizers are one in the same. Here are some details to consider before you pull the trigger on a pack.

Type of Application

Whether it be sprays, powders, pods, or bags, the type of shoe deodorizer essentially depends on personal preferences. Sprays are great because they can be used for a wide array of other applications. Powders are great because the are super absorbent and sometimes good for actual application to your own feet. Pods and bags are great because they are made to take in and absorb odor, so you know there's at least no scent masking going on with something as tangible as an actual pod or bag.

Versatility

Sometimes it's easier to buy a shoe deodorizer that can also be used for many other applications. A good spray can be a do-it-all option to remove odor from your shoes to your fitness equipment. The only caveat to opting for versatility is you might sacrifice some effectiveness. There are a few dedicated shoe deodorizers out there that are excellent at tackling heavy odors, and so if you're dealing with a powerful funk it might be best to focus on a deodorizer that only attacks shoes (and feet).

Natural Ingredients

There are a few shoe deodorizers out there that are made with natural ingredients and essential oils. These products are great because they are safe for skin contact and can give buyers a peace of mind if they leave the deodorizer sitting around in a house—this is especially important for parents and pet owners. Another thing to consider about shoe deodorizers made from natural ingredients is the product can sometimes work as a foot deodorizer and be used for direct contact to your feet.

How We Selected

For the past two years, Men's Health gear editors and writers, including our Senior Gear and Commerce Editor, John Thompson, have been testing shoe deodorizers in order to find the most effective ones at eliminating shoe odor. To narrow down our favorites, we evaluated shoe deodorizers based on type, versatility, and effectiveness. We also considered the formulated ingredients used in shoe deodorizers, as some are more friendly to skin-to-skin contact than others. Lastly, we spoke with two foot doctors to help steer us in the right direction on medical terms that relate to smelly feet.

Lock Laces Odor Drops (Fresh Linen)

If you're looking for a classic set of odor balls, then you can't go wrong with the ones from Lock Laces. They come in several fresh scents (Citrus, Pine, and Linen) and can be activated by a simple twist. Lock Laces notes each ball lasts up to a full year. While we haven't tested the product for that long, we can say the balls last for several months at a time. The best part about this product is you can toss them in a gym bag, a backpack, a suitcase—whatever you desire—and zap odors that build-up over time. Versatile, simple, and good smells. What more can you ask for?

FunkAway Odor Eliminating Spray for Shoes

A good aerosol spray can effectively help eliminate and remove odors that permeate your shoes. FunkAway is equal parts shoe deodorizer as it is a do-it-all odor elimination spray. FunkAway is perfect not only for spraying in your shoes, but also on sports gear, fitness equipment, work clothes, and more. The strength of scent here is strong, so if you live in a tight space it's best you apply FunkAway inside a garage or outside on a patio. We ultimately love the versatility FunkAway provides, as it makes shopping for a shoe deodorizer easy. Start here if you're looking for a quick and easy shoe deodorizer.

Read more: Best Deodorants

Odor-X Ultra Fighting Spray

This odor-fighter does double duty thanks to its ability to apply directly to your feet or inside your shoes. It's a spray, but it does come out looking and feeling like a powder. There's a potential downside to that if you're caking that spray inside your shoes over time, as you might build up a layer of residue. However, this neutral-smelling spray is just $5 and it works. If you're looking to stifle foot and shoe odor and you don't want to think too hard or overpay, then you will probably love this choice.

12 Pack Charcoal Shoe Deodorizer Bags

Charcoal is great at absorbing odor, so it's no wonder why it's become a popular choice in shoe deodorizer products. These bags from Marsheepy are the best 100% charcoal deodorizers you can find. There's zero added ingredients or scents, and the charcoal can naturally be recharged be placing in direct sunlight for six to eight hours once every few months. Doing so activates the charcoal and preps it to be more absorbent, optimizing the Marsheepy bags to draw out all that funky odor.

Read more: Best Body Wipes

Boot Bananas Original Shoe Deodorizer

If you're looking to drop a hint to your friend or loved one about their smelly shoes, Boot Bananas are the perfect gift that will be the least likely to create offense. The deodorizer is in the shape of a banana for crying out loud, and it actually has a pleasant fruity smell we throughly enjoyed upon opening.

The deodorizer itself is formulated with a compound that includes activated charcoal, volcanic minerals, and natural plant extracts in efforts to absorb foul odor and keep your shoe nice and dry. Boot Bananas can last anywhere from six to 12 months, with some even lasting beyond a year depending on how much work the deodorizer is putting in. Our favorite feature of all? That would be the ripeness indicator, where the banana starts to gradually turn brown over time as it absorbs moisture and odor. Once the banana is fully brown, then you know it's too "ripe" to keep around.

Natural Foot and Shoe Odor Eliminator, Talc-Free

Powder is another form of shoe deodorizer you can buy. This one from Foot Sense is made form all-natural zinc oxide, arrowroot powder, and soothing botanicals to help absorb and eliminate sweaty odors. Foot Sense also works as a foot and shoe deodorizer, so you can dust some of this inside your shoes after wearing and then pop off your socks and apply some of the powder directly to skin, according to the brand.

One common issue with powder deodorizers is they can get gummy after absorbing sweat, but the Foot Sense powder here works exceptionally well at making sure this isn't an issue. Use this bad boy in your garage or outside so you don't get extra powder dust everywhere and you should be golden.

Read more: Best Body Washes

Natural Shoe Deodorizer Spray and Foot Spray Odor Eliminator

Shoe deodorizers in spray form are a popular solution for easy application and provide the ability to save on waste—there are no bags or pods that need to be tossed out, after all. This spray from Rocket Pure is made with peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil, and other natural ingredients. The spray is non-toxic, making it safe enough you can use it for direct application on your feet as a foot deodorizer, according to Rocket Pure.

Rocket Pure provides a cooling and soothing affect on the feet and inside a shoe, and it works to absorb out sweat to help remove foot odor from the source.

Shoe Deodorizer & Odor Eliminator Spray, Lemongrass

Formulated with natural ingredients, Lumi's shoe deodorizer spray provides an extra strength solution that eliminates shoe odor like a champ. It's a lot like the Rocket Pure spray we mention on this list too, except Lumi has a more lemon-y scent as opposed to Rocket Pure's mint-y scent. Upon opening, we noticed Lumi is a more high-powered spray than the Rocket Pure. The Lumi lasted well beyond a day in covering shoe odor while the Rocket Spray usually needed another spritz the next morning. Lumi advertises this spray can be used for other applications like garbage cans, bathrooms, and cars—so it makes sense this is the stronger spray of the two on this list. Lumi does not advertise this as a foot deodorizer, so we do not recommend applying the spray directly to your feet.

NonScents Shoe Deodorizer Pods (2-Pack)

These two-pack odor bags from NonScents are made from a non-toxic formula that absorbs and eliminates odor for up to six months at a time. We liked how the bags are much larger in person than the online listing leads them to be—the bags take up the entire inside of your shoe. NonScents are also made in the USA and can be used for other applications like placement in a locker or gym bag.

Deodorizer Odor Busterz, 3-Pack, Orange

Baking soda is a good ol' fashioned method of going about odor removal. You've probably heard of placing baking soda in a refrigerator to mitigate funk, and really baking soda will do the same for shoe odor. Arm & Hammer makes several neat products to make baking soda placement easier, and these Odor Busterz pods are the perfect size to pop inside a shoe. The pods here include a nice orange scent, and you will be able to notice if the pods need replacement if the scent starts to get weak.

Arm & Hammer says Odor Busterz can last up to 60 days. We'd trust them for at least a month when trying to eliminate mild odors in shoes—any shoe smell that's moderate to strong will probably need something more high-powered than these. The Odor Busterz are super affordable and applicable in many different scenarios, so there's a level of versatility here other shoe deodorizers on this list do not have.

Odor Eliminating Shoe Inserts, Two Pairs

As seen on Shark Tank, Zorpads are a shoe deodorizer that functions as a shoe insert. The adhesive square pads can be placed inside any shoe; and thanks to a moisture-wicking liner and absorbing carbon layer you can help attack foot odor before it permeates. The inserts are effective at stopping odor, but based on reviews we read it's best to treat Zorpads as a solution for light to moderate shoe odor. If you are combatting stronger foot odor, then you'll want to look at the more powerful sprays and powders on this list.

Mycomist 4oz Bottle

Sometimes prescription grade solutions are required for smelly feet. Mycomist is a foot odor spray that's about as close as you can get without needing an actual signature to procure. The spray is also a long-time favorite for Dr. Schaeffer, "If the food odor smell gets stuck in your shoes then I always recommend a spray after each wear," says Dr. Shaeffer. "I like Mycomist because it is fungicidal and deodorizing. This is a great product and works!"

Keep in mind this spray is as about as powerful as deodorizers can get. Mycomist recommends placing your shoes or boots inside a zip-lock bag for 24 hours to let the product do its thing, followed by an airing out process between 24-48 hours before you start wearing them again.

Meet the Experts

• Dr Mark Mendeszoon is a board-certified podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon at Precision Orthopaedic Specialties in Chardon, Ohio. Dr. Mendeszoon also is the owner of Achilles Running Shops in Willoughby, Ohio and Erie, Pa. He is an avid runner and enjoys coaching runners of all ages.

• Dr. Brad Schaeffer is a foot and ankle surgeon and owner of Central Park SOLE. Dr. Schaffer was also cast on TLC's My Feet Are Killing Me, where he showcased his expertise as a foot surgeon. Lastly, Dr. Schaffer was runner-up in the 2023 Men's Health Ultimate Guy Search.

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