Reduce Foot Odor and Increase Comfort
Foot Odor11 Ideas to Keep Shoes Smelling "Fresh" and Increase Shoe Life Reducing Foot Odor and Increasing Comfort
Conditions inside shoes can be as hot and humid as a jungle. Feet release as much as 1/2 pint of perspiration per day and temperatures reach 110ยบ F. These conditions promote the growth of odor-causing bacteria and molds, contributing not just to odor - but foot disease. Here are 11 keys to increasing foot comfort while keeping your feet fresh**.
<>>1) WASH FEET DAILY thoroughly with soap. Key: scrubbing kills odor-causing bacteria.2) WEAR SOCK! CHANGE 'EM DAILY, washing them in a detergent to kill bacteria. (Socks protect a shoe's inner sole from dirt and the accumulation of old skin.)
3) ROUTINELY CLEAN, SCRUB AND BRUSH UNDER TOENAILS where soap scum and old skin compact, accumulate and allow odor-causing bacteria to hide and grow.
4) AVOID WEARING THE SAME PAIR OF SHOES TWO DAYS IN A ROW. Time is needed to allow perspiration to evaporate and shoes to recover. Shoe life will also increase.
5) For leather shoes INSTALL CEDAR SHOE TREES IMMEDIATELY AFTER WEARING. Not only keeping the front (vamp) of your shoe smooth, but they'll soak up excess moisture. (When Shoe Trees lose freshness, their scent can be rejuvenated by sanding lightly with very fine sandpaper.)
6) PURCHASE SHOES WITH LEATHER LININGS rather than less costly fabric. Leather "wicks" away moisture better. Leather-lined shoes cost a little more, but are well worth it. When inner soles lose their freshness, purchase new inner soles.
7) LOOK FOR SHOES WITH VENT HOLES ON THE INNER SOLE allowing perspiration to drain. Some inner soles have anti-bacterial composition on the underside to keep odor in check.
8) FOR PERSISTENT ODOR - TRY A FOOT SPRAY OR POWDER WITH THE ACTIVE INGREDIENT 1% TOLNAFTATE commonly found in drug stores, pharmacies, supermarkets and discount department stores. Also look for Lotrimin with a 1% solution of Clotrimazole for an effective "athlete's foot" treatment.
p>9) TRY ODOR-DESTROYING INSOLES such as "Dr. Scholl's Super Sports" or "Odor Eaters". To continue reducing bacteria, they should be changed at least every six months. These may be found in drug stores, drug departments of supermarkets and/or discount department stores.10) THICKENED TOENAILS USUALLY INDICATE PRESENCE OF A FUNGUS NEEDING TREATMENT. An over-the-counter product with 25% Undecylenic Acid may be chosen. Applying Tree-Tree Oil (available at many health-food and discount department stores) directly to the nails is less expensive. Finally, soaking feet for 15 minutes in a ยฝ cup peroxide, ยฝ cup Epson salts solution also kills the bacteria. (Nail become soft and pliable, so a great time to trim them.)p><>>11) Feet are sometimes called the "3rd kidney" so invite "yeast" infections. Stemming from stress and/or improper eating habits (over indulgence in sugar, white flour, alcoholic beverages, etc. TO RESTORE A BALANCE IN YOUR "GOOD BACTERIA" TAKE ACIDOPHILUS. It's available at health-food stores.
**While researched in depth, these ideas are meant as a guide only. Author accepts no responsibility for adverse effects, i.e. rashes, allergic reaction or other negative reaction. For proper solution or persistent foot odor problems - consult your physician.
Tips from Jim Edwards - Master Shoe Fitter
Jim Edwards has authored numerous articles for Everyday Christian Family, developed 2 extensive pamphlet series and written brochures and numerous sales training documents. He earned a BME from Illinois Wesleyan University and Master Degree from Northern Illinois University with post-graduate studies in strategic marketing and product planning.