How to cure smelly feet
There are few things more tragic than losing a pair of designer ballet flats to the lingering stench of smelly feet – not to mention that moment of panic when you're asked to remove them at the door. Let's not tip toe around the issue here. Though embarrassing, fear of foot odour ('FOFO'!) is a problem that plagues the best of us. Sweat happens, people, but there are ways to fix it.
There are two main culprits behind funky feet – bacteria and fungal infections – and both thrive when there's a build-up of moisture. Just imagine the foot parties those bastards throw when they stumble upon a warm and clammy sneaker to call home!
You can prevent the build-up by always wearing socks. Your feet have more sweat glands than any other part of the body and when you wear any type of closed-toe shoe, even the thinnest of cotton socks can act as sponges, soaking up the moisture and preventing your tootsies from becoming literal germ colonies. And yes, they can be super cute and artfully styled and still do the job.
Happen to think the no-sock look is cooler with your normcore trainers? Slip a pair of Footcare Dry Comfort Insoles into the bottom of your steppers. These help to absorb moisture, keeping your feet cool, dry, cushioned and sweat-free, so you will never be that person on the airplane again.
Got feet so sweaty they leave a darkened imprint on your sandals? A powder-based deodorant will absorb any moisture to keep them bone dry, preventing sweat stains in the future. We swear by T For Toes by Lush for optimum pong prevention from the ankles down. The formula is packed with natural essential oils, including tea tree and lime, which banish odour-causing bacteria and release a clean, botanical, citrusy scent. Apply directly onto bare soles (before socks) and ensconce your feet in leather or canvas with newfound confidence! Alternatively, sprinkle it into your shoes before putting them in the cupboard or under the bed. This one's an absolute must for your locker and gym bag.
Are you a sucker for home remedies? A dusting of baking soda works as an odour-busting foot powder, too. Go that extra mile by swabbing your toes with cotton wool or baby wipes soaked with tea tree oil or apple cider vinegar. Vinegar has the ability to balance the pH of our skin, working against the bacteria and preventing it from breaking out. At the end of the day, treat your toes to a cold tea sink soak for 20 minutes, using four teabags per every litre of water. The acid in black tea eliminates microbes and closes up pores, ensuring feet stay drier for longer.
Do you suspect the problem is fungal? (A few telltale signs include chalky and flaky skin with whitish markings around the toenails.) A few spritzes of an anti-fungal spray should keep the funk at bay.
Change your shoes regularly so you never wear the same pair two days in a row. (Martha Stewart swears by this trick!). Alternating footwear allows the sweat to dry completely between wears so there's no build-up of moisture – plus, your heels won't wear down quite so quickly from being constantly pounded against the pavement.
Whenever possible, allow your feet to breathe so oxygen can circulate and prevent bacterial nasties from breeding. Go barefoot under your desk if you can – so long as doing so doesn't disrupt your co-workers. FOFO has no place in the office!
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