If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, you know I go to the gym. A lot. I run a lot, I train a lot, and therefore I sweat a lot. Although this is great for my overall health, sometimes the consequences come out in places that I don’t expect.
Such as, well, how I smell. I actually used to think my trail gaiters would keep out the smell. Ha!
It’s quite embarrassing to admit that you have bad odor in places due to your constant sweating, but it’s a necessary conversation! Keeping this topic taboo merely keeps you smelling bad. One part that gets quite smelly, in particular, are your feet.
Bad-smelling feet and shoes are more common than people like to let on. Foot health is especially important if you go to the gym a lot, as fungi and bacteria grow in gym showers and other warm and moist places. You might have even heard of athlete’s foot, a fungal infection that happens when you keep your feet sweaty all the time.
Certain shoe deodorizers can actually help you treat this by keeping your shoes clean and free of fungi and bacteria. Not only will you be able to get rid of smelly feet, but you’ll also prevent the onset of certain foot infections.
If you’ve been reading around for a while about shoe deodorizers, you’ll know that there are a lot of types out there. Forms such as sprays, powders, and bags are on the market, and it can get quite confusing. As you read on, I urge you to remember your lifestyle and your preferences.
Do you have extra smelly shoes that need deeper cleaning than most? Or do you just need something on the go to put on before and after your gym sessions? These are things to consider as you decide which one is for you among the best shoe deodorizers out there.
Best Shoe Deodorizer Compared and Reviewed
| Image | Name | Brand | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Top | 10 Seconds Shoe Disinfectant and Deodorizer | 10 Seconds | Check Price on Amazon |
 | MOSO NATURAL: The Original Air Purifying Bag | MOSO Natural | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Lumi Outdoors Natural Shoe Deodorizer Spray | Lumi | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Rocket Pure Natural Mint Shoe Deodorizer | Rocket Pure | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Dr. Scholl's Odorx Odor Fighting Spray Powder | Dr Scholl's | Check Price on Amazon |
#1 - 10 Seconds Shoe Disinfectant and Deodorizer
This deodorizer brings power to the table as it not only masks the scent but also kills bacteria and germs that cause the odor. It is hospital-grade, meaning that it is great for disinfecting surfaces and medical devices.
If it isn’t clear, this is a very powerful disinfectant, which is why you must keep this away from your skin as much as possible. It is EPA-approved, meaning you can use this without being worried about how it’ll affect you or the environment.
It can even kill MRSA bacteria, which is usually the cause of many bacterial skin infections. It is also anti-fungal. This might be an issue for you, especially if you have athlete’s foot. The warm and moist environment inside your shoes can definitely promote this growth, so using this disinfectant can help prevent that.
A lot of users have comments about the toxicity of this disinfectant. A lot of warnings on the side of the can have brought worry to those who have used this product. Just be sure to check the labels and follow the instructions given.
PROS
- Fast-acting
- Hospital grade, EPA-approved
- Anti-bacterial and anti-fungal
CONS
- Some users complaining of toxicity
#2 - MOSO NATURAL: The Original Air Purifying Bag
This air purifier absorbs both odor and moisture, which is great if you get sweaty feet. The ingredient is bamboo charcoal, which is a very porous material. These tiny pores are what’s going to trap the bacteria, moisture, and other things that cause the odor. You won’t have to replace this any time soon, too; it is effective for up to 2 years.
The great thing about this product is how convenient it is to use. There are really no instructions needed; all you have to do is leave the bag where the odor is, and it’ll do the dirty work for you. This is also great for your gym bag!
These are great especially if you’re wary of the toxic chemicals that some other deodorizers bring. These air purifying bags also come in different sizes, so you can use them wherever you want.
Although users rave about how easy this is to use and how effective they are, some also complained that these aren’t powerful enough for their stinky shoes. You might have to toe the line between natural but ineffective and toxic but effective.
PROS
- Natural and non-toxic
- Lasts up to 2 years
- Easy to use
CONS
- Not as strong as deodorizers with chemicals
#3 - Lumi Outdoors Natural Shoe Deodorizer Spray
Their spray can instantly mask the odors of your shoes because of the refreshing ingredients included. Some of these include peppermint oil, tea tree oil, lemongrass oil, and apple cider vinegar. Because of these ingredients that tend to be a bit more acidic, it will eventually weaken the bacteria that causes these odors.
This is a great product if you need instant results, unlike others that have you dry them off in the sun and wait. A lot of users have praised this product for its great scent. Some don’t like it, though, saying that it smells medicinal and quite artificial despite the natural ingredients.
That really comes down to preference, but I don’t think they can deny that it does a great job of covering up and removing the odor. If you’re someone who just needs a quick fix for their shoes, especially after a tiring gym session, this product is for you.
PROS
- Natural ingredients
- Refreshing scent
- Quickly masks odors
CONS
- Some do not like the medicinal scent
#4 - Rocket Pure Natural Mint Shoe Deodorizer
Because of its natural ingredients, there is no issue about using this on your own feet. If your shoes are affecting your feet hygiene, this might be a great product for you.
Don’t be deceived by its natural ingredients, though; this product is a powerful deodorizer that will fight the odor that bacteria give off. It’s great for athletes like me who regularly put on their running shoes and go.
Its fragrance selection includes lemon, eucalyptus, and cedarwood. Some users have thought that these fragrances are a bit overwhelming, especially if you can still smell the sweat on your feet.
It’s recommended that you use this sparingly and give it some time to settle into your shoes so that it doesn’t mix with the sweaty smell. This might not be the best deodorizer in terms of quickness as you have to let it absorb and wait. You might also want to try their powder version.
PROS
- Can be used on your feet too
- Non-toxic
- Natural
CONS
- Doesn’t mask the odor as well as other products
#5 - Dr. Scholl's Odorx Odor Fighting Spray Powder
This product instantly masks the odor on your shoes. So, if you’re someone who is always on the go, this will be great for you. Not only can you use this on your shoes, but you can also use this on your feet like normal foot powder.
Don’t underestimate it for being any kind of foot powder, though; this product is very powerful despite how stinky your shoes are. You might want to know that this gives off a scent once you spray this, which might bother you as it did with other users. It goes away eventually, though.
With this being a powder, you should also expect some white residue to be left on your feet and shoes. Despite these setbacks, it still works very well, as most users say. Some parts of it are just not preferable to some people.
PROS
- Convenient spray powder
- Instantly masks odor
- Powerful
CONS
- White residue due to powder
- Has a smell that might bother you, but it goes away eventually
My Number One Pick
- Powerful hospital-grade disinfectant and deodorizer in a convenient spray
- Great spray for all kinds of shoes - kills the germs that causes odor
- Acts quickly on hard surfaces after they have been cleaned
- Kills many hard-to-kill germs, including MRSA
- Use to sanitize athletic mats, bags, athletic shoes, and other similar athletic equipment
What To Look Out For When Buying Shoe Deodorizers
Although buying shoe deodorizers seem like a simple feat, it’s best to find a product that suits your personal life. Are you always in a rush? Are natural products important to you? Do you need something powerful for your year-long stinky shoes? Hopefully, this list will help you realize which features you need the most.
Type
- Spray –
The spray is, arguably, the most convenient means of removing the odor from your shoes. All you have to do is press a button, and you’re good to go! Most sprays are instant in giving results. They mask the odor instantly. Because it is a mist, it can easily reach the corners of your shoes.
The great thing about sprays is that it has a large coverage, depending really on how far you spray it. It also dries quickly, so you can put your shoes on almost right after you spray it. Usually, sprays have essential oils in them, like the Lumi Outdoors Natural Shoe Deodorizer Spray.
If they aren’t toxic, you can even use them on your feet and other athletic gear. The good deodorizing sprays are made not only with a great fragrance to mask the odor but also with the ability to kill fungi and bacteria.
- Bags –
Bags are different from sprays and powders in the way that it absorbs the odor and bacteria instead of focusing on coverage. These are the features of activated charcoal, which is usually what bags are made from. Sometimes, they have a fragrance to them, but they can also just simply “clean” the air around where you put the bag.
You can use air purifying bags for your shoes, your gym bag, and even your room, although it’s best to use this in small spaces only. This is also great if you want to use this overnight instead of a quick fix. Think of it as a “deep clean.”
You might find also that these bags will last you a long time. The MOSO NATURAL Original Air Purifying Bag lasts up to 2 years, and maybe even more. To reset these bags, you simply have to dry them out in the sun. This won’t be great for those on the go, though, since bags usually need some time for it to work its absorbing magic.
- Powder –
Powders are a great way to both mask the scent and target the bacteria that cause the odor. Just like sprays, powders have great coverage as their fine particles can get into the corners of your shoes. Just be sure to be careful in spreading the powder as it can definitely leave some sort of residue.
You also don’t have to worry about waiting for it to dry, unlike sprays. In fact, it can help a lot with the moisture inside your shoes. Since most powders are also quite gentle, you can also use them on your feet to get rid of the odor.
Some powders also bring some fragrance to them. For convenience, the Dr. Scholl’s Odorx Odor Fighting Spray Powder is, going by its name, a powder you can simply spray, so you get the best of both worlds.
Effectiveness
This is definitely a huge part when it comes to buying shoe deodorizers! Effectiveness does not lie merely in how it can mask the odor. Your shoe deodorizer must also be able to target fungi and bacteria and get rid of them so that you don’t have to constantly use your shoe deodorizer.
Going with a shoe deodorizer that simply masks the odor is similar to using perfume for your shoes. The fragrance will continue to fade away and you’ll be left with a weird mixture of sweet and sweaty.
A lot of natural ingredients, such as lemongrass and apple cider vinegar, can destroy these bacteria quite well. The Rocket Pure Natural Mint Shoe Deodorizer contains natural ingredients similar to these.
Speed
People on the go will love products that promise quick and easy cleaning, such as the 10 Seconds Shoe Disinfectant and Deodorizer. You’ll usually see speedy results with sprays since they dry quickly and don’t cause a mess.
Unfortunately, bags take quite some time to work as you have to wait for it to absorb moisture and odor. Sprays and powders are quicker than bags as it covers up the smell and eventually seeps into the shoe to fight off bacteria and fungi.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shoe Deodorizers
Q: Why do my shoes get smelly?
A: Bacteria thrives in environments that are both warm and moist, which is exactly how your shoes are especially when you’re constantly in the gym sweating your feet off. Bacteria give off that odor, which is why it’s great to find shoe deodorizers that are antibacterial.
Q: How do I prevent smelly shoes?
A: If your shoes are not sweat-wicking, you must use socks to prevent that sweat from absorbing into your shoe. Socks act as a buffer, and they are relatively easier to wash compared to shoes. Using shoe deodorizers regularly can also prevent smelly shoes. Prevention is better than cure, after all.
Q: I have sensitive skin. Can I use shoe deodorizers?
A: Yes! A lot of shoe deodorizers have natural essential oils that are strong enough to kill off bacteria but gentle enough to be okay on your skin. Make sure to check labels and warnings, though, before putting anything on your skin. Stay away from deodorizers that contain toxic chemicals and are disinfectants; these are powerful but can be harmful.
Conclusion
Shoe deodorizers are a necessary part of your gym gear, but it is rarely talked about. Those bad odors are totally natural, and it seems awkward to talk about. This is why researching on your own can be a great way to avoid those awkward conversations.
Reading the reviews will help you understand that a lot of people are trying to get rid of this problem and that you’re not alone in this! Reviews also tell you real-life experiences with the product, which is really the best way you can find out if the product is great or not. I wish you the best of luck and the best of smells!
For me I always had a problem with sweaty feet which I feel like adds to my smell, but not only that I’ve also had a problem with chafing – if you’re the same check out a post I did on anti chafe cream for us fellow runners.
Sources:
https://www.tga.gov.au/sites/default/files/consult-disinfectants-050731-att4.pdf
http://mosonatural.com/what-is-a-moso-bag/
Marko Rakic is a trail runner and fitness enthusiast from Sydney, Australia. He is the lead writer for The Ultimate Primate and believes the best way to live a happy life is through constantly challenging yourself.