10 Simple ways to get rid of smelly feet

Scented Soles: 10 Ways to keep your feet smelling fresh

Lim Han

29 Mar 2017

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Try a natural foot bath
Are you up for some feet pampering? Treat your odorous feet to a nice natural foot bath that will soothe them and diminish any unwanted fragrance.

Epsom salt bath

How: Dissolve half a cup of Epsom salt in 8 cups of warm water. Soak your feet for half an hour, one to two times daily.

Sage and rosemary bath

How: Add one teaspoon each of rosemary and sage to boiling water, allowing it to steep until it is just cool enough to put your feet in. Soak your feet for half an hour, one to two times daily.
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Wash your feet thoroughly every day (with anti-bacterial soap)
This step is such a no-brainer but unthinkably crucial. Scrub your feet with anti-bacterial every day, making sure to get in between the toes, which are highly prone to trapping dirt. Don’t forget to be meticulous in drying them as well, as damp feet make an ideal abode for bacteria and fungus.
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Anti-perspirant foot spray
If anyone should take the blame for your yucky smelling feet, it should be your perspiration. Chase away your perspiration and you’ve chased away the odour. Thankfully, this is as simple as getting a trusty foot spray, with the most effective ones containing aluminium chloride.
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Foot powder
Powder your feet like you would your nose, right before putting on your shoes. Natural powders like talcum, baking and baby powders soak up your feet sweat like a sponge, thus reducing odour.
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Wear moisture-wicking socks
These socks refer to the ones that rapidly absorb moisture and dry up, thereby preventing sweat from taking refuge in your otherwise sodden socks. Such socks include those made of wool, Coolmax and Drymax materials.
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Wash your socks and shoes regularly
What’s the point of a meticulous feet wash routine if you don’t do the same for your footwear? That’s like taking a thorough bath in luxurious scents and then throwing on a muddy filthy shirt. Wash your socks every day and your shoes at least once a week to maintain hygienic footwear, which eliminates the likelihood of bacteria and sweat taking residence in them.
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Rotate your shoes
Be adventurous in your footwear choices and instead of sticking to one. Not only will this give your shoes sufficient time to air and dry, it will also allow you to explore different styles and ensembles.
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Use replaceable insoles
Insoles are like shoe lingerie - you shouldn’t wear them for more than a day. I mean, do you really want to be stepping into soggy beds of sweat and odour every single day?
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Alter your diet
That’s right, what enters your mouth affects your what feet emits. Alcohol and refined carbs are a major no-no when it comes to curing smelly feet. Alcohol causes your feet to sweat more easily while refined carbs are bacteria and fungus’ favourite cuisine. It’s time to bid farewell to your night-time beers or mid-day drinks and opt for a less inflammatory diet if you want to welcome fresh-scented feet.
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Foot scrub
Exfoliating your soles gets rid of dead skin cells and stubborn dirt particles, leaving your feet smooth and clean. The good news is that you don’t have to head to the store to get a pricey foot scrub – you can easily create your own.

Peppermint scrub

How: Mix a quarter cup of granulated sugar with an equal portion of olive or coconut oil together, before adding in a few drops of peppermint oil. Scrub it all over your feet for five minutes before taking a bath.

Baking Soda scrub

How: Mix a tablespoon each of baking soda, brown sugar and olive oil together. Scrub it all over your feet for five minutes before taking a bath.

Are you a victim of Hong Kong feet? Don’t worry, here are 10 ways to knock that odour out. Even a kung fu master can’t compare.

Perpetually embarrassed to take off your shoes in front of others? Having rotten eggs for feet and inexorably soggy socks isn’t the most attractive quality to have, especially when you’re forced to confront it during social gatherings and at large parties. The emitting aroma reminiscent of skunk spray is a handy tool to make others steer clear when you’re not in the mood for social interaction, but proves to be your worst nightmare when you’re up for a great night of socialising. If you constantly wear covered shoes, you’ve probably been a victim of Athlete’s Foot at some point. Engendered by a build-up of bacteria and sweat, the condition is further exacerbated by a lack of hygienic practices and proper washing rituals.

Thankfully, Athlete’s Foot isn’t an invincible condition. By forging alliances with home remedies and good hygiene rites, you’ll be on your way to clean and fresh-smelling soles. Head over to our gallery where we’ve compiled 10 simple yet effective tips to combatting your smelly socks. No more getting cold feet about removing your shoes.

Lim Han

Photos: Getty Images

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