Save Your Smelly Shoes With These Editor-Approved Odor Eliminators (2024)

Save Your Smelly Shoes With These Editor-Approved Odor Eliminators (1)

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ELIMINATING SHOE ODOR starts with a trusted shoe deodorizer. A shoe deodorizer is usually enough to eliminate that nasty funk that hits as soon as you peel your shoes off, but sometimes more steps need to be taken in order to rid yourself of that odor for good. Don't fret, we understand how hard it can be to solve this problem, which is why we are bringing you all the best shoe deodorizers we've tried and reviewed so far this year.

Best Shoe Deodorizers in 2024

Why Do We Get Smelly Feet?

Before we get started though, it's important to know sweat is the main culprit behind smelly feet and smelly shoes. When our feet start sweating, the bacteria that exist on our skin are drawn to feed on that sweat, which results in the bacteria getting trapped in our shoe and then turning into a foul smelling odor. "Brohmhydrosis is the technical name for sweaty and smelly feet," says Dr Mark Mendeszoon, a board-certified podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon at Precision Orthopaedic Specialties in Chardon, Ohio "This is a very difficult condition to treat, because most people are typically in socks and shoes all day long and that is not usually the best environment for a feet," says Dr. Mendeszoon.

To curb sweaty feet, Dr. Mendeszoon recommends solutions like opting for moisture-wicking socks (not cotton), applying antiperspirant spray to help reduce sweating on your feet, and applying anti-fungal spray in your shoes each day after use.

Foot Deodorizers vs. Shoe Deodorizers

Another important detail to understand here is the difference between a foot deodorizer and a shoe deodorizer. A foot deodorizer is meant for application directly to your feet and will help absorb sweat and provide a cooling relief. "I recommend Certain-Dri in the roller form, even though it's designed for under the arms," says Dr. Brad Schaeffer, a foot and ankle surgeon and owner of Central Park SOLE. "I used this every other night before bed and it solved my sweaty foot issue. If foot smell gets stuck in the shoes then I always recommend a spray after each wear," says Dr. Schaeffer.

What to Look for in a Shoe Deodorizer

Not all shoe deodorizers are one in the same. Here are some details to consider before you pull the trigger on a pack.

Type of Application

Whether it be sprays, powders, pods, or bags, the type of shoe deodorizer essentially depends on personal preferences. Sprays are great because they can be used for a wide array of other applications. Powders are great because the are super absorbent and sometimes good for actual application to your own feet. Pods and bags are great because they are made to take in and absorb odor, so you know there's at least no scent masking going on with something as tangible as an actual pod or bag.

Versatility

Sometimes it's easier to buy a shoe deodorizer that can also be used for many other applications. A good spray can be a do-it-all option to remove odor from your shoes to your fitness equipment. The only caveat to opting for versatility is you might sacrifice some effectiveness. There are a few dedicated shoe deodorizers out there that are excellent at tackling heavy odors, and so if you're dealing with a powerful funk it might be best to focus on a deodorizer that only attacks shoes (and feet).

Natural Ingredients

There are a few shoe deodorizers out there that are made with natural ingredients and essential oils. These products are great because they are safe for skin contact and can give buyers a peace of mind if they leave the deodorizer sitting around in a house—this is especially important for parents and pet owners. Another thing to consider about shoe deodorizers made from natural ingredients is the product can sometimes work as a foot deodorizer and be used for direct contact to your feet.

How We Selected

For the past two years, Men's Health gear editors and writers, including our Senior Gear and Commerce Editor, John Thompson, have been testing shoe deodorizers in order to find the most effective ones at eliminating shoe odor. To narrow down our favorites, we evaluated shoe deodorizers based on type, versatility, and effectiveness. We also considered the formulated ingredients used in shoe deodorizers, as some are more friendly to skin-to-skin contact than others. Lastly, we spoke with two foot doctors to help steer us in the right direction on medical terms that relate to smelly feet.

Best Shoe Deodorizer Overall

Lock Laces Odor Drops

Pros
  • Save Your Smelly Shoes With These Editor-Approved Odor Eliminators (10)Excellent value for the price
  • Save Your Smelly Shoes With These Editor-Approved Odor Eliminators (11)Pods activate via twist
  • Save Your Smelly Shoes With These Editor-Approved Odor Eliminators (12)Scent lasts for months
  • Save Your Smelly Shoes With These Editor-Approved Odor Eliminators (13)Multiple uses outside of just footwear
  • Save Your Smelly Shoes With These Editor-Approved Odor Eliminators (14)Several pleasant scents to choose from
  • Save Your Smelly Shoes With These Editor-Approved Odor Eliminators (15)Pack of 6 means you can deodorizer 3 pairs of shoes at once
Cons
  • Save Your Smelly Shoes With These Editor-Approved Odor Eliminators (16)Not as high powered as some powders and sprays on this list

If you're looking for a classic set of odor balls, then you can't go wrong with the ones from Lock Laces. They come in several fresh scents (Citrus, Pine, and Linen) and can be activated by a simple twist. Lock Laces notes each ball lasts up to a full year. While we haven't tested the product for that long, we can say the balls last for several months at a time. The best part about this product is you can toss them in a gym bag, a backpack, a suitcase—whatever you desire—to zap all kinds of odors that build-up over time. Versatile, simple, and good smells. What more can you ask for?

Typex
Scentx

Most Innovative Shoe Deodorizer

Boot Bananas Boot Bananas Original Shoe Deodorizer

Save Your Smelly Shoes With These Editor-Approved Odor Eliminators (17)

Pros
  • Save Your Smelly Shoes With These Editor-Approved Odor Eliminators (18)Fun and smart design
  • Save Your Smelly Shoes With These Editor-Approved Odor Eliminators (19)Can fit in bigger shoes like boots
  • Save Your Smelly Shoes With These Editor-Approved Odor Eliminators (20)Ripeness indicator lets you know when to change
  • Save Your Smelly Shoes With These Editor-Approved Odor Eliminators (21)Unique fruity smell
Cons
  • Save Your Smelly Shoes With These Editor-Approved Odor Eliminators (22)Scent can be overpowering for some

If you're looking to drop a hint to your friend or loved one about their smelly shoes, Boot Bananas are the perfect gift that will be the least likely to create offense. The deodorizer is in the shape of a banana for crying out loud, and it actually has a pleasant fruity smell we throughly enjoyed upon opening.

The deodorizer itself is formulated with a compound that includes activated charcoal, volcanic minerals, and natural plant extracts in efforts to absorb foul odor and keep your shoe nice and dry. Boot Bananas can last anywhere from six to 12 months, with some even lasting beyond a year depending on how much work the deodorizer is putting in. Our favorite feature of all? That would be the ripeness indicator, where the banana starts to gradually turn brown over time as it absorbs moisture and odor. Once the banana is fully brown, then you know it's too "ripe" to keep around.

TypeBags
ScentFruity

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Pros
  • Save Your Smelly Shoes With These Editor-Approved Odor Eliminators (24)Can be used for other anti-odor applications
  • Save Your Smelly Shoes With These Editor-Approved Odor Eliminators (25)Eliminates bad odor from shoes in a flash
  • Save Your Smelly Shoes With These Editor-Approved Odor Eliminators (26)Spray lasts for well over a day after application
Cons
  • Save Your Smelly Shoes With These Editor-Approved Odor Eliminators (27)Scent is too strong for some

A good aerosol spray can effectively help eliminate and remove odors that permeate your shoes. FunkAway is equal parts shoe deodorizer as it is a do-it-all odor elimination spray. FunkAway is perfect not only for spraying in your shoes, but also on sports gear, fitness equipment, work clothes, and more. The strength of scent here is strong, so if you live in a tight space it's best you apply FunkAway inside a garage or outside on a patio. We ultimately love the versatility FunkAway provides, as it makes shopping for a shoe deodorizer easy. Start here if you're looking for a quick and easy shoe deodorizer.

Read more: Best Deodorants

TypeSpray
ScentNone

Best Shoe Deodorizer Deal

Dr. Scholl's Odor-X Ultra Fighting Spray

Save Your Smelly Shoes With These Editor-Approved Odor Eliminators (28)

Pros
  • Save Your Smelly Shoes With These Editor-Approved Odor Eliminators (29)Just $5
  • Save Your Smelly Shoes With These Editor-Approved Odor Eliminators (30)Can be applied directly to the foot if needed
  • Save Your Smelly Shoes With These Editor-Approved Odor Eliminators (31)Neutralizes odor quick
Cons
  • Save Your Smelly Shoes With These Editor-Approved Odor Eliminators (32)Spray comes out in a powder texture that can buildup on shoes over time

This odor-fighter does double duty thanks to its ability to apply directly to your feet or inside your shoes. It's a spray, but it does come out looking and feeling like a powder. The powder has a relieving feel on the skin, but there's a potential downside to the powder building a residue inside your shoes over time. However, this neutral-smelling spray is just $5 and works. If you're looking to stifle foot and shoe odor and you don't want to think too hard or overpay, then you will probably love this choice.

TypeSpray/Powder
ScentNone

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Best Charcoal Shoe Deodorizer

Marsheepy 12 Pack Charcoal Shoe Deodorizer Bags

Save Your Smelly Shoes With These Editor-Approved Odor Eliminators (33)

Pros
  • Save Your Smelly Shoes With These Editor-Approved Odor Eliminators (34)Can be reactivated every few months by placing in sunlight
  • Save Your Smelly Shoes With These Editor-Approved Odor Eliminators (35)Natural charcoal is effective at absorbing odor
  • Save Your Smelly Shoes With These Editor-Approved Odor Eliminators (36)Great price point for a 12-pack of bags
Cons
  • Save Your Smelly Shoes With These Editor-Approved Odor Eliminators (37)Not ideal if you're looking for a deodorizer to tackle heavy odor

Charcoal is great at absorbing odor, so it's no wonder why it's become a popular choice in shoe deodorizer products. These bags from Marsheepy are the best 100% charcoal deodorizers you can find. There's zero added ingredients or scents, and the charcoal can naturally be recharged be placing in direct sunlight for six to eight hours once every few months. Doing so activates the charcoal and preps it to be more absorbent, optimizing the Marsheepy bags to draw out all that funky odor.

Read more: Best Body Wipes

TypeBags
ScentNone

Best Shoe Deodorizer Powder

Foot Sense Natural Foot and Shoe Odor Eliminator, Talc-Free

Save Your Smelly Shoes With These Editor-Approved Odor Eliminators (38)

Pros
  • Save Your Smelly Shoes With These Editor-Approved Odor Eliminators (39)Can be used as a foot deodorizer, according to the brand
  • Save Your Smelly Shoes With These Editor-Approved Odor Eliminators (40)Works great at drying out shows and absorbing odor
  • Save Your Smelly Shoes With These Editor-Approved Odor Eliminators (41)No gummy residue left over
Cons
  • Save Your Smelly Shoes With These Editor-Approved Odor Eliminators (42)Powder can be a bit messy at times

Powder is another form of shoe deodorizer you can buy. This one from Foot Sense is made form all-natural zinc oxide, arrowroot powder, and soothing botanicals to help absorb and eliminate sweaty odors. Foot Sense also works as a foot and shoe deodorizer, so you can dust some of this inside your shoes after wearing and then pop off your socks and apply some of the powder directly to skin, according to the brand.

One common issue with powder deodorizers is they can get gummy after absorbing sweat, but the Foot Sense powder here works exceptionally well at making sure this isn't an issue. Use this bad boy in your garage or outside so you don't get extra powder dust everywhere and you should be golden.

Read more: Best Body Washes

TypePowder
ScentLemon and lavender

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Best Shoe Deodorizer Pods

Arm & Hammer Deodorizer Odor Busterz, 3-Pack, Orange

Save Your Smelly Shoes With These Editor-Approved Odor Eliminators (43)

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Pros
  • Save Your Smelly Shoes With These Editor-Approved Odor Eliminators (44)Super affordable
  • Save Your Smelly Shoes With These Editor-Approved Odor Eliminators (45)Compact pod shape that's easy to store
  • Save Your Smelly Shoes With These Editor-Approved Odor Eliminators (46)Only baking soda and added ingredients for scent
Cons
  • Save Your Smelly Shoes With These Editor-Approved Odor Eliminators (47)Only ideal for eliminating mild odors

Baking soda is a good ol' fashioned method of going about odor removal. You've probably heard of placing baking soda in a refrigerator to mitigate funk, and really baking soda will do the same for shoe odor. Arm & Hammer makes several neat products to make baking soda placement easier, and these Odor Busterz pods are the perfect size to pop inside a shoe. The pods here include a nice orange scent, and you will be able to notice if the pods need replacement if the scent starts to get weak.

Arm & Hammer says Odor Busterz can last up to 60 days. We'd trust them for at least a month when trying to eliminate mild odors in shoes—any shoe smell that's moderate to strong will probably need something more high-powered than these. The Odor Busterz are super affordable and applicable in many different scenarios, so there's a level of versatility here other shoe deodorizers on this list do not have.

TypePods
ScentOrange

Best All-Natural Shoe Deodorizer Spray

Rocket Pure Natural Shoe Deodorizer Spray and Foot Spray Odor Eliminator

Save Your Smelly Shoes With These Editor-Approved Odor Eliminators (48)

Pros
  • Save Your Smelly Shoes With These Editor-Approved Odor Eliminators (49)Can be used as a foot deodorizer, according to the brand
  • Save Your Smelly Shoes With These Editor-Approved Odor Eliminators (50)Formulate with essential oils and natural ingredients
  • Save Your Smelly Shoes With These Editor-Approved Odor Eliminators (51)Pleasant peppermint scent
Cons
  • Save Your Smelly Shoes With These Editor-Approved Odor Eliminators (52)Spray needs to be reapplied daily. Not as strong as others on this list

Shoe deodorizers in spray form are a popular solution for easy application and provide the ability to save on waste—there are no bags or pods that need to be tossed out, after all. This spray from Rocket Pure is made with peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil, and other natural ingredients. The spray is non-toxic, making it safe enough you can use it for direct application on your feet as a foot deodorizer, according to Rocket Pure.

Rocket Pure provides a cooling and soothing affect on the feet and inside a shoe, and it works to absorb out sweat to help remove foot odor from the source.

TypeSpray
ScentPeppermint and eucalyptus

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Most Powerful Shoe Deodorizer Spray

Lumi Outdoors Shoe Deodorizer & Odor Eliminator Spray, Lemongrass

Save Your Smelly Shoes With These Editor-Approved Odor Eliminators (53)

Pros
  • Save Your Smelly Shoes With These Editor-Approved Odor Eliminators (54)Pleasant lemon scent
  • Save Your Smelly Shoes With These Editor-Approved Odor Eliminators (55)Works well for other home applications
  • Save Your Smelly Shoes With These Editor-Approved Odor Eliminators (56)Effective at eliminating shoe odor for well over a day per application
Cons
  • Save Your Smelly Shoes With These Editor-Approved Odor Eliminators (57)Scent can be overpowering for some
  • Save Your Smelly Shoes With These Editor-Approved Odor Eliminators (58)Some reviews said bottle is prone to leaking

Formulated with natural ingredients, Lumi's shoe deodorizer spray provides an extra strength solution that eliminates shoe odor like a champ. It's a lot like the Rocket Pure spray we mention on this list too, except Lumi has a more lemon-y scent as opposed to Rocket Pure's mint-y scent. Upon opening, we noticed Lumi is a more high-powered spray than the Rocket Pure. The Lumi lasted well beyond a day in covering shoe odor while the Rocket Spray usually needed another spritz the next morning. Lumi advertises this spray can be used for other applications like garbage cans, bathrooms, and cars—so it makes sense this is the stronger spray of the two on this list. Lumi does not advertise this as a foot deodorizer, so we do not recommend applying the spray directly to your feet.

TypeSpray
ScentLemon

Best Shoe Deodorizer Bags

NonScents NonScents Shoe Deodorizer Pods (2-Pack)

Save Your Smelly Shoes With These Editor-Approved Odor Eliminators (59)

Pros
  • Save Your Smelly Shoes With These Editor-Approved Odor Eliminators (60)Can be placed in gym bags and lockers too
  • Save Your Smelly Shoes With These Editor-Approved Odor Eliminators (61)Insert takes up entirety of shoe
  • Save Your Smelly Shoes With These Editor-Approved Odor Eliminators (62)Can alternate the bags between different pairs of shoes
Cons
  • Save Your Smelly Shoes With These Editor-Approved Odor Eliminators (63)Bags have a slight chemical smell

These two-pack odor bags from NonScents are made from a non-toxic formula that absorbs and eliminates odor for up to six months at a time. We liked how the bags are much larger in person than the online listing leads them to be—the bags take up the entire inside of your shoe. NonScents are also made in the USA and can be used for other applications like placement in a locker or gym bag.

TypeBags
ScentNone

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Best Shoe Deodorizer Inserts

Zorpads Odor Eliminating Shoe Inserts, Two Pairs

Save Your Smelly Shoes With These Editor-Approved Odor Eliminators (64)

Pros
  • Save Your Smelly Shoes With These Editor-Approved Odor Eliminators (65)Compact design that doesn't bother feet
  • Save Your Smelly Shoes With These Editor-Approved Odor Eliminators (66)Helps eliminate odor while wearing your shoes
  • Save Your Smelly Shoes With These Editor-Approved Odor Eliminators (67)Effective at keeping odor out
Cons
  • Save Your Smelly Shoes With These Editor-Approved Odor Eliminators (68)Adhesive can come undone inside shoe

As seen on Shark Tank, Zorpads are a shoe deodorizer that functions as a shoe insert. The adhesive square pads can be placed inside any shoe; and thanks to a moisture-wicking liner and absorbing carbon layer you can help attack foot odor before it permeates. The inserts are effective at stopping odor, but based on reviews we read it's best to treat Zorpads as a solution for light to moderate shoe odor. If you are combatting stronger foot odor, then you'll want to look at the more powerful sprays and powders on this list.

TypeInserts
ScentNone

Best High-Grade Shoe Deodorizer

Gordon Laboratories Incorporated Mycomist 4oz Bottle

Save Your Smelly Shoes With These Editor-Approved Odor Eliminators (69)

Pros
  • Save Your Smelly Shoes With These Editor-Approved Odor Eliminators (70)Triple action ingredients of Chlorophyll, Formalin, and Benzalkonium Chloride
  • Save Your Smelly Shoes With These Editor-Approved Odor Eliminators (71)Fungicidal properites could help with those who battle heavy foot odor
Cons
  • Save Your Smelly Shoes With These Editor-Approved Odor Eliminators (72)Spray is hard to find at times when it sells out
  • Save Your Smelly Shoes With These Editor-Approved Odor Eliminators (73)Recommended to place shoes or boots in an enclosed bag for 24 hours

Sometimes prescription grade solutions are required for smelly feet. Mycomist is a foot odor spray that's about as close as you can get without needing an actual signature to procure. The spray is also a long-time favorite for Dr. Schaeffer, "If the food odor smell gets stuck in your shoes then I always recommend a spray after each wear," says Dr. Shaeffer. "I like Mycomist because it is fungicidal and deodorizing. This is a great product and works!"

Keep in mind this spray is as about as powerful as deodorizers can get. Mycomist recommends placing your shoes or boots inside a zip-lock bag for 24 hours to let the product do its thing, followed by an airing out process between 24-48 hours before you start wearing them again.

TypeSpray
ScentNone

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Save Your Smelly Shoes With These Editor-Approved Odor Eliminators (74)

Meet the Experts

  • Dr Mark Mendeszoon is a board-certified podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon at Precision Orthopaedic Specialties in Chardon, Ohio. Dr. Mendeszoon also is the owner of Achilles Running Shops in Willoughby, Ohio and Erie, Pa. He is an avid runner and enjoys coaching runners of all ages.
  • Dr. Brad Schaeffer is a foot and ankle surgeon and owner of Central Park SOLE. Dr. Schaffer was also cast on TLC's My Feet Are Killing Me, where he showcased his expertise as a foot surgeon. Lastly, Dr. Schaffer was runner-up in the 2023 Men's Health Ultimate Guy Search.

Save Your Smelly Shoes With These Editor-Approved Odor Eliminators (75)

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