Flats, Summer and Stinky Feet

Updated on April 23, 2013
R.N. asks from Nashville, TN
18 answers

Am I the only one on the planet with this issue? I love the look of flats without socks etc but my feet get hot, sticky and smelly if they don't breathe. I've tried those no show socks/shoe liners but they don't stay on my feet (size 10) albeit I haven't tried many different brands.

I need some footwear fashion advice!

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A.M.

answers from Kansas City on

after some experimentation i have found that a sprinkle of baking soda in the shoes works best. i have also tried baby powder and baby powder with cornstarch - the baking soda works amazing, MUCH better.

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A.L.

answers from Las Vegas on

I find that drinking lots of water helps in that when you do perspire, it doesn't smell if you've drank enough..

funny you mention stinky.. There was an Ob/Gyn on one of the doctor's shows who said women will take the time bathe before a visit (which they appreciate) but then the women will wear their flats barefoot and the women's feet stink like crazy... it's especially tough because the feet are closest to the doctor's face and on either side..

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L.F.

answers from San Francisco on

Teabags!!!!! Soak your feet each night in tub of warm water with dark teabags. It will draw out the stink and balance your feet again! Before you wear the flats, dust in a little cornstarch, and or baby powder. There are deodorizing foot sprays that help and if you make your own, its cool too! (Peppermint oil).

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A.L.

answers from Charleston on

I had a friend in college (athlete) who SWORE by using deodorant on her feet to keep them from smelling. She said if she didn't, her feet would stink up a room.

Good luck!

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S.K.

answers from Houston on

Lots of women have this issue and sadly (for those around them) many don't realize it. LOL!!

I like Dr. Scholls deodorizing foot powder. The deodorizing shoe inserts work, too but I still rarely go with flats. The ped socks that don't show will not stay on my size 9 1/2 feet either and without them they just get too sweaty. Yuck!! I stick with sandals and flip flops.

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L.A.

answers from Austin on

This is not unusual..

Things that will help.. Make sure your feet are clean. use deodorant soap on your feet each night. . Spray your feet with Antiperspirant before putting on your shoes. .

Try not to wear the shoes 2 days in a row.. Purchase 2 or 3 different pairs of flats so you can allow the shoes to dry completely out. (good excuse to shoe shop!)

At night, soak your feet in Tea.. Black Tea..

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S.J.

answers from Des Moines on

I agree with baking soda, also put some rolled up newpaper in the shoes when you're not wearing them, it absorbs the moisture which grows the bacteria.

You should also wash your feet frequently (even if it's just in the sink - use mild soap and make sure you dry them completely, You can also use a sprinkle of gold bond powder or any other powder to dry them completely.

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O.O.

answers from Kansas City on

Unless they're sandals, I've gotta use a foot liner/ped.
I have different brands. Try the ones that only cover the toe area, maybe?
If your shoes are not leather, your feet won't breathe & will sweat for sure.

1 mom found this helpful

A.C.

answers from Salt Lake City on

R., you can buy these little lightweight socks to go with flats, that hide really well under the shoes. They barely wrap around the front and back of your foot. I ordered a 3 pack off Amazon.com for about 15.00 but I would imagine you could find them in most sock departments. They help quite a bit. Look for "no-show socks" "footies" or "cotton liner socks".

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T.N.

answers from Albany on

I just sprinkle some baking soda in all the smelly shoes.

:)

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D.C.

answers from Pittsburgh on

Wash your feet with antibacterial soap in the evening, and put deodorant on them after you wash them, and again in the morning if you get a shower in the morning.

1 mom found this helpful

K.M.

answers from Chicago on

The key is shoes that are not plastic, or fake leather. As well airing them out at night and not allowing them to get wet at all (like a summer rain). Once they get that feet ick smell it's hard to get out.

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J.B.

answers from Boston on

So glad you asked this! I just started wearing flats for the first time in years and noticed that my feet stink! It doesn't happen with my pumps at work, just my flats. I'll try the baking soda.

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S.B.

answers from Kansas City on

A podiatrist recommended spraying both feet & shoes with spray deodorant. He said just to buy the cheap stuff, but spray your feet so they don't sweat...that's what causes the odor. I have done this and it works.

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L.M.

answers from Chicago on

I use an aerosol deodorant on my feet before wearing the shoes and it works great. In fact, I just realized I'm out from last year and put it on my shopping list :)

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J.C.

answers from New York on

Put a little foot powder in your shoes at night when you get home. They will be ready to go the next morning and will keep your feet fresh all day.

You can get the powder in the foot aisle.

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M.P.

answers from Portland on

Over the years I've tried several different brands of liners, including Hue's as mentioned by Wee12adopt. None stay on my heel. I buy toe socks. They cover just the toe and work to absorb moisture if the shoe isn't cut too low in the front.

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