Amanda Knapp
Boat shoes are a popular choice for men in the summer, but they can often be the culprit of offensive odours. The cause of this is the sweat that gets trapped inside the shoes, which bacteria then feed on and excrete waste. This waste is what causes the unpleasant smell. To prevent this, it is recommended to wear no-show socks to create a barrier between the foot and the shoe, reducing the amount of sweat that is absorbed into the shoe. Other methods to prevent the smell include using foot antiperspirant, foot powder, deodorant, and letting the shoes dry out properly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason for smell | Bacteria in shoes feed on sweat and excrete waste |
| Cause of bacteria | Shoes are made of leather or canvas, a dense substance that doesn't allow feet to breathe |
| How to prevent smell | Wash feet after each wear, use foot antiperspirant, wear no-show socks, use powders, swap insoles for odour-fighting ones, alternate shoes, use deodorising charcoal sachets |
| How to treat smell | Wash insides with vinegar and water, use baking soda, freeze shoes, use dryer sheets, use essential oils, use odour-fighting insoles, clean feet |
What You'll Learn
How to prevent boat shoes from smelling
Boat shoes are a popular choice for men in the summer, but they can often be the cause of unpleasant odours. The cause of the smell is bacteria that thrive in sweaty shoes and feed on dead skin cells. This bacteria is called brevibacteria, and it's the same type used in the production of cheese.
To prevent boat shoes from smelling, here are some tips:
Wear No-Show Socks
No-show socks act as a buffer between your foot and the shoe, absorbing sweat and giving your foot breathing room. This prevents the shoe's material from absorbing sweat, which bacteria feed on. No-show socks are preferable to going barefoot, as they will help keep your shoes smelling fresh.
Wash Your Feet
Scrub your feet regularly, especially between your toes, and wash them properly after each wear. Keeping your feet clean will reduce the amount of bacteria present.
Use Foot Powder
Foot powder, such as Gold Bond or Dr. Scholl's Soothing Foot Powder, will help keep your feet dry and reduce odour.
Alternate Between Two Pairs of Shoes
Allowing your shoes to dry completely between wears will help prevent the growth of bacteria. Alternating between two pairs of shoes will give each pair ample time to dry.
Freeze Your Shoes
Throwing your shoes in the freezer overnight can help kill off the bacteria that cause odours. However, this is only a temporary solution, as the smell will eventually return.
Use Deodorant or Antiperspirant
Spray deodorant or antiperspirant can be applied to your feet before wearing shoes to block your sweat glands and reduce odour.
Use Charcoal Sachets
Placing deodorizing charcoal sachets in your shoes overnight can help absorb odours and keep your shoes smelling fresh.
Other Tips:
- Use insoles or cedar shoe trees to absorb moisture and odours.
- Wash your insoles regularly, especially if you don't wear socks.
- Vacuum beads can help remove odours.
- Soak your feet in a foot bath to keep them clean and free of bacteria.
- Keep your toenails trimmed and remove dead skin.
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Why do boat shoes smell?
Boat shoes are often made from leather or canvas and are usually worn without socks. This means that sweat from your feet is absorbed directly into the material of the shoes. Feet have a lot of sweat glands, and when out on the water in the sun, your feet can sweat a lot. This sweat provides a perfect breeding ground for bacteria, which multiply quickly in the damp conditions, causing an unpleasant smell.
The bacteria responsible for the smell are called "brevibacteria". They feed on the dead skin cells on your feet and in your shoes, and they excrete waste that causes the odour. This is the same type of bacteria used in the production of cheese.
To prevent boat shoes from smelling, you need to create an environment that is not conducive to bacterial growth. This can be done by wearing socks, which provide a barrier between your feet and the shoes, absorbing sweat and giving your feet room to breathe. No-show socks can be worn with boat shoes to avoid any fashion faux pas.
Other methods to prevent boat shoes from smelling include:
- Using foot antiperspirant or powder
- Wearing insoles that fight odour
- Alternating between two pairs of shoes to allow each pair to dry completely between wears
- Placing shoes in the freezer to kill bacteria
- Using deodorant or deodorising charcoal sachets in your shoes
- Washing your feet properly
- Scrubbing the insides of your shoes
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How to clean boat shoes
Boat shoes are a popular choice for many, but they can often be the cause of unwanted odours. To prevent this, it is important to keep your shoes and feet clean and dry. Here are some detailed tips on how to clean boat shoes:
Cleaning the Laces
If your boat shoes have laces, it is important to remove and clean them separately. For leather laces, simply place them in a bowl of cold water and dish soap. Swirl them around, rinse with cold water, and let them air dry for 24 hours.
Choosing a Cleaning Method
Genuine leather boat shoes require special care and cannot be machine washed. Using too much water can degrade the leather and strip away its natural oils, so it is best to use a leather cleaner or, if unavailable, a mixture of soap and water. For canvas shoes, a mixture of warm water and laundry detergent can be used.
Cleaning the Shoes
Use a damp cloth, preferably microfiber, to wipe down your boat shoes and remove any surface marks or dirt. Be careful not to soak the shoes, as this can damage the leather. For stubborn stains, such as salt stains, a mixture of two parts water and one part vinegar can be used. Alternatively, a small amount of dish soap and a brush can be used to scrub away scuffs. Allow the shoes to air dry before cleaning the leather again if necessary.
Cleaning the Insoles
If your boat shoes have insoles, they can be removed and wiped down with a clean cloth and some water. Avoid putting insoles in the washing machine, as they may include leather or memory foam. A small amount of dish soap can be used if there are stains. Allow the insoles to air dry separately.
Drying Your Boat Shoes
When your boat shoes get wet, it is important to let them dry thoroughly for 24 hours. Keep the laces separate during this time. Avoid drying them in direct sunlight, as it can cause the leather to crack and fade. Stuffing your shoes with newspaper can help absorb moisture and maintain their shape during the drying process.
Deodorising Your Boat Shoes
Leather and water can sometimes lead to unpleasant odours. To combat this, sprinkle baking soda on the insoles to help reduce odours. Leave it for 24 hours, then shake out the excess baking soda before wearing the shoes again.
Keeping Your Boat Shoes Dry
Always allow your boat shoes to air dry for 24 hours after each use. Avoid sunlight or heat during the drying process. Stuffing them with newspaper can also help absorb moisture.
Polishing Your Boat Shoes
Polishing your boat shoes is optional but can help maintain their appearance. Use a soft cloth to apply polish in a circular motion. Once the polish is evenly applied, use a clean cloth to buff the shoes.
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How to neutralise existing odours
Boat shoes are often worn without socks, which can lead to a build-up of sweat and bacteria, resulting in an unpleasant odour. Here are some methods to neutralise existing odours in your boat shoes:
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a natural deodoriser that absorbs smells and bacteria. Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda inside your shoes and leave it for at least 24 hours. You can also mix it with baking powder and cornstarch for a more potent deodoriser. Add a few drops of your favourite essential oil for an extra scent boost.
White Vinegar
White vinegar is an effective odour neutraliser and bacteria fighter. Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and generously apply the solution to the insides of your shoes. Make sure to clean your shoes thoroughly inside and out before applying the solution. Allow them to dry completely before wearing them again.
Soap
Place a dry bar of soap into each shoe and leave it overnight. Soap is porous and will absorb the odour while replacing it with a clean, soapy scent. Ensure the soap is completely dry before placing it in your shoes, as moisture will encourage bacteria growth.
Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol is another effective odour neutraliser and bacteria eliminator. Spritz it directly into your shoes and let them air out so that the alcohol can evaporate.
Freezing
Place your shoes in a plastic bag and put them in the freezer overnight. Freezing temperatures will kill the bacteria that cause odours. However, this method may only provide a temporary solution, as the bacteria can become active again once the shoes are removed from the freezer.
Essential Oils
Tea tree, clove, and cedarwood essential oils are natural deodorisers with antifungal properties. Put a few drops of essential oil directly into your shoes and let them air out. You can also mix essential oils with other home remedies like baking soda or vinegar.
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How to prevent foot odour
Boat shoes are a popular choice for men in the summer, but they can often lead to a problem known as "Sperry Stink". This occurs when sweat gets trapped inside the shoes, creating a breeding ground for bacteria, which in turn leads to an unpleasant odour.
Wash your feet
It is important to wash your feet regularly, especially if they tend to sweat a lot. Use a mild soap and scrub brush to wash your feet at least once a day, paying special attention to the areas between your toes. Make sure to dry your feet thoroughly after washing, as bacteria thrive in moist environments.
Wear socks
Wearing socks can help absorb sweat and create a barrier between your feet and your shoes. Opt for socks made of natural fibres or sports socks that are designed to absorb moisture. If you don't like the look of socks with boat shoes, you can choose no-show socks that are specifically designed for this type of footwear.
Alternate your shoes
Allow your shoes to dry out completely between wears. It is recommended to have at least two pairs of shoes that you can alternate every other day. This gives each pair enough time to air out and dry before being worn again.
Use foot powder or antiperspirant
Applying talcum powder or corn starch to your feet can help absorb moisture and keep them dry. You can also use an over-the-counter foot antiperspirant or a regular underarm antiperspirant to control moisture.
Soak your feet
Soaking your feet in a mixture of vinegar and water or Epsom salt and water can help remove bacteria and moisture from your skin. For a salt soak, dissolve half a cup of Epsom salt in warm water and soak your feet for 10 to 20 minutes. For a vinegar soak, combine two parts water with one part vinegar and soak your feet for 15 to 20 minutes once a week.
Disinfect your shoes
If your shoes have a strong odour, you can use a disinfectant spray to kill the bacteria. Remove the insoles and lightly spray them with a kitchen spray that contains ethanol and other sanitizing ingredients. Let the insoles dry for 24 hours before putting them back in your shoes.
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Frequently asked questions
Boat shoes are made from breathable leather, which makes them comfortable to wear without socks. However, they can start to smell if they are not cared for properly.
When sweat gets trapped inside your shoes, bacteria begin to form in the moist environment, which can result in an odour.
To prevent boat shoes from smelling, you should wash your feet properly after each wear, use an antiperspirant, and let your shoes dry properly after each wear.
To get rid of the smell in boat shoes, you can try using baking soda, freezing them, or washing them with a mixture of vinegar and water.
Other ways to prevent boat shoe odour include wearing no-show socks, using deodorizing charcoal sachets, and investing in a second pair of shoes to alternate between.
