My Son's Stinky Sandals

Updated on June 25, 2011
J.C. asks from San Rafael, CA
11 answers

My son has a new pair of Keen sandals for summer. The sandals already smell terrible. I've tried airing them outside and even spraying them with shoe spray, but nothing seems to help. They're comfortable for him and fit great...not to mention pretty expensive. I just wish they hadn't gotten stinky so quickly. Do you think putting them in the washing machine or dishwasher would help? They're pretty much like a water type sandal. Any suggestions would be great. Thanks!

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K.P.

answers from New York on

Try the washer or dishwasher, but not the dryer!

Have you tried wiping them down with a Clorox wipe and then putting them in the sun to dry? May not work, but the "stink" usually comes from bacteria and Clorox kills bacteria. Worth a try!

2 moms found this helpful

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A.G.

answers from San Francisco on

Pure ayre spray. It works on the worst smells and is not just a cover up scent. I highly recommend it for children and pets. Even gets out urine scent and its all natural. You can also use vinegar for a quick fix and air dry in the sun.

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S.G.

answers from Dallas on

Ewww! My son's too w/ the Kohls brand jumping beans. Holy cow those smell TERRIBLE. I've just started washing them like a pair of underware: every time he wears them.

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A.S.

answers from Sacramento on

wash them and if you want stick dryer softener sheets in them

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S.C.

answers from Milwaukee on

My daughter gets stinky feet from her sandals. Last year I was washing them in the sink w/ dishsoap every few days. This year, I bought two pair so I could wash them and not worry about them drying. I just washed one pair tonight actually cause they stink!

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B.F.

answers from San Francisco on

Try disolving baking soda in water and soak them for a bit in the water.

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I.S.

answers from San Francisco on

I regularly machine wash and air dry Keens for both my active boys... no problems whatsoever. If you're dying to use a spray between washings there are a few great foot sprays with tea tree oil. Also be sure your son hasn't developed a case of athlete's foot... keeping his feet clean and dry is imperative to cutting the cycle of infecting and reinfecting via the shoes.

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K.R.

answers from San Francisco on

Definitley put them in the washing machine. My son's Keens (and all of his sandals for that matter!) have the same problem and they hold up beautifully in the wash.

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L.D.

answers from Modesto on

I'm pretty sure Keene's are washable, if I remember correctly. Throw them in the washer with mild detergent/ cool water and air dry!

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S.L.

answers from Dallas on

Haha my 2 year old wears the Jumping Beans sandals from Kohls too. They fit fantastic and are so comfy on his feet but BOY DO THEY STINK after a couple days of wear! I think I will try throwing them in the washer or rubbing down with alcohol too.

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V.R.

answers from Sacramento on

I second the rubbing alcohol or the antibacterial soap. Here's how Keen says to care for the shoes:
http://www.keenfootwear.com/us/en/custserv_usecare.aspx?s...

That's the #1 reason I didn't choose Keen's for kids - I hear that complaint about those shoes from other moms all the time. I found Merrell WaterPro Skip sandals in a similar pricerange & DS has been wearing them for several weeks now; they've gotten wet & absolutely no stink from them. They seem just as comfortable & similar in quality to Keen's. Just a suggestion if you can't get the Keen stink out!

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