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

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.