In short: shoes that still smell after washing have bacteria in the insole and foam cushioning, so they need deodorising at the source, not just surface washing.
Washed thoroughly, dried, sprayed with deodoriser, and two days later the shoes smell again. If this is you, the problem is not that you did not wash them well enough. It is that the smell does not live on the surface of the shoe.
This article explains where the smell really comes from, how to get rid of it for good at home, and when it has soaked in too deep to handle yourself. For an overview of other shoe conditions, see our shoe cleaning service.
Where the smell comes from
Sweat itself is almost odourless. The smell comes from bacteria breaking down sweat and dead skin cells. Shoes give them everything they need: warmth, moisture, darkness and a ready food supply.
The place bacteria live most is not the upper but the insole and the foam cushioning under the insole. This foam soaks up moisture like a sponge and holds it for a long time.
Why they still smell after washing
The three most common reasons:
- Water does not reach the cushioning. Washing only cleans the outside and the top of the insole, while the foam core still holds bacteria.
- They are not dried to the core. The surface is bone dry but the cushioning inside is still damp. The bacteria multiply again with the moisture, so many pairs smell worse after washing, with a sourer, stronger odour.
- Deodorisers only mask the smell. A fragrance spray covers the smell for a few hours, while the bacteria underneath stay put.
Find the source of the smell first
Take the insole out and smell each part separately: the insole, the inside of the shoe, the toe and the heel. If the smell is mostly in the insole, you are lucky, as it is quick to fix. If the inside of the shoe still smells strong with the insole out, the odour has soaked into the cushioning and needs more work.
And do not forget to check your socks. Nylon socks, or socks worn for days without washing, can make even a clean pair smell again after a single outing.
Deodorising at home, in the right order
- Remove the laces and take out the insoles. Wash the insoles separately with a neutral soap, squeezing gently without wringing.
- Clean the inside of the shoe with a damp cloth and a little soap, wiping the toe and heel thoroughly.
- Let everything dry completely for 24 to 48 hours somewhere airy, in the shade. Stuff newspaper inside and replace it after a few hours to absorb moisture faster.
- Sprinkle baking soda inside overnight once the shoes are dry. The next morning, tip it out and dust off. Baking soda absorbs moisture and neutralises odour, and is safe for most materials.
- Put the insoles back only when both are fully dry. If you are not sure, wait another day.
By type of shoe
Running and sports shoes
They take the most sweat and have the thickest cushioning. Take the insoles out to dry after every session and do not leave them in a gym bag overnight. If you train daily, rotate two pairs so each gets a full day to dry.
Leather and dress shoes
Leather linings absorb sweat and cannot be soaked. Wipe the lining with a well wrung-out damp cloth, let it dry naturally, and use wooden shoe trees to draw out moisture. Do not pour baking soda directly onto light-coloured leather linings.
Shoes worn without socks
Loafers, slip-ons and low-top sneakers worn barefoot are the quickest to smell. Wear no-show socks, or accept cleaning the insoles more often than your other pairs.
Methods that work less well than you think
- Putting shoes in the freezer. Cold only pauses the bacteria; once the shoes warm up they are active again. Keeping shoes next to food is not hygienic either.
- Heat drying to speed things up. Heat shrinks the foam, weakens the sole glue and cracks leather.
- Spraying perfume. It mixes a pleasant smell with a bad one, which is often even more unpleasant.
- Machine washing again and again. Every machine wash weakens the glue and the shape of the shoe a little more.
When the smell is too deep
If you have done all of the above and the smell comes back a few days later, the bacteria have almost certainly soaked into the cushioning and midsole. At this point, surface cleaning will not solve it.
Foxpro offers deodorising and sanitising, 300,000d: sanitising the lining and deodorising deep inside the sole, not just making the surface smell nice. If the shoes also need cleaning outside, our technician will quote both together after seeing them. We only start once you agree.
Keeping shoes from smelling again
- Take the insoles out to air after long days or heavy sweating.
- Rotate at least two pairs rather than wearing one for days on end.
- Wear cotton socks or breathable sports socks.
- Store shoes somewhere airy rather than shutting them in a closed cabinet right after taking them off.
Tried everything and the smell still comes back?
Once the odour has soaked into the cushioning and midsole, it needs deep deodorising. Book a slot and tell us when you usually wear the pair; our technician will check it and quote before starting.
Frequently asked questions
Why do they still smell after washing?
Because the odour sits in the insole and the foam, not on the surface. Washing the upper never reaches it, and shoes that are not fully dry smell worse afterwards.
What does deodorising at the shop involve and cost?
Deodorising and sanitising at 300,000d: sanitising the insole, treating the odour deep inside the sole unit, then drying completely. See shoe cleaning.
Do shop-bought deodorising sprays work?
They mask the smell for a few hours. Removing it means dealing with the bacteria in the insole and keeping the shoes dry, plus a new insole if the old one is saturated.
How do I stop shoes smelling again?
Rotate two or three pairs instead of wearing one daily, take the insoles out to air after training, and let shoes dry fully before putting them away.