Wash and dry your feet
Wash your feet daily and dry them thoroughly, including between the toes. Put on clean, dry socks and change them as soon as they become damp.
Smelly feet: what can you do about foot odour?
- Understanding foot odour
- Practical care
- Feet and shoes
- A regular routine
What can you do about smelly feet? Wash and dry your feet daily, wear clean socks and alternate your shoes. If you suffer from recurring foot odour, treat both the skin on your feet and your shoes; if you suffer from excessive sweating, use an antiperspirant as directed on the label.
Why do feet start to smell?
Fresh sweat has hardly any smell. Foot odour occurs when bacteria break down sweat and skin debris on your feet. Heat and moisture accelerate this process. Washing helps temporarily, but odour can linger in socks, insoles and shoes. That is why a lasting solution requires attention to both your skin and your shoes.
How to treat smelly feet: three steps
Look after your feet every day and also include any shoes in which the odour persists.
Reduce excessive sweating on the skin
Do your feet get clammy or wet easily? PediSpray® helps to reduce perspiration on the treated skin of the feet. Apply the spray as directed on the label to clean, dry and intact skin.
Also tackle shoe odour
Use PediFris® Classic as directed on the packaging in your shoes to combat foot and shoe odour. Rotate your shoes and allow removable insoles to dry separately.
Customer experiences with PediFris®
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Ton
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07 Nov. 2026
"If you really want to get rid of unpleasant odours from your feet or shoes, there’s only one solutio..."
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Poppe
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04 Nov. 2026
"Good product, works exactly as described – I’m really very pleased with it!
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john bergman
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25 Oct. 2026
"Nooo"
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G
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23 Oct. 2026
"Good product, helps well against sweaty feet and prevents fungal infections"
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Arnold
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20 Oct. 2026
"It works well, but when I take my shoes off, I can still see traces of the powder "
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Edith
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20 Oct. 2026
"Very satisfied, particularly with the product for sweaty feet. However, you could also promote the p..."
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Wjm Gertsen
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16 Oct. 2026
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Anoniem
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15 Oct. 2026
"It takes a week to arrive!
This is rubbish when sent by standard post! The envelope
was completely..."
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Dennis Sluimer
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14 Oct. 2026
"Brilliant! Ideal for trainers. Everyone still looks happy when you take them off at the end of the d..."
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Martina Müller
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13 Oct. 2026
"Works a treat against foot odour in shoes. Highly recommended!"
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These reviews relate to the shopping experience and do not constitute evidence of treatment results.
Smelly feet or sweaty feet: what’s the difference?
In sweaty feet Excessive moisture on the skin is the main issue. With smelly feet, it is the odour that arises when bacteria break down sweat and skin debris. You can have both conditions at the same time. Does the odour mainly come from your shoes? If so, take a look at the separate explanation about smelly shoes.
When should you see your GP?
Contact your GP if you experience pain, open sores, redness, diabetes or persistent symptoms such as itching and cracks. The latter symptoms may also occur in athlete’s foot Apply.
Frequently asked questions about smelly feet
Practical advice on foot odour, washing, sweating, footwear and when it is advisable to seek medical advice.
How can I get rid of smelly feet?
Wash and dry your feet thoroughly, wear clean socks every day and change your shoes. If you suffer from excessive sweating, reduce moisture on the skin and also treat any shoes in which the odour lingers.
Why do my feet smell even though I’ve washed them?
Washing temporarily removes sweat and skin debris, but bacteria and moisture can remain in socks and shoes. As soon as you wear them again, the foot odour may return.
What really helps against smelly feet?
A consistent routine is most helpful: keep feet clean and dry, reduce excessive sweating on the skin, and treat and allow regularly worn shoes to dry.
What is the difference between smelly feet and sweaty feet?
Sweaty feet mainly refer to excessive moisture on the skin. Smelly feet refer to the odour caused when bacteria break down sweat and skin debris. These symptoms can occur simultaneously.
Does vinegar help with smelly feet?
Start by washing your feet daily, drying them thoroughly, wearing clean socks and alternating between pairs of shoes. A foot bath is no substitute for this routine. Ask a pharmacist for advice before using home remedies on sensitive or damaged skin.
When should I see my GP about smelly feet?
Contact your GP if you experience pain, open sores, redness, diabetes or persistent symptoms such as itching and cracks. These latter symptoms may also be indicative of athlete’s foot.
About the author & sources
Written by Judith de Jong (Content owner, PediFris®). Updated on 5 November 2026. We base our advice on foot care practice and on the medical sources listed below.
Worried about a persistent complaint, fungal nail, athlete’s foot or excessive sweating? Consult your GP, podiatrist or chiropodist.
Sources
- NHS: Smelly feet: www.nhs.uk
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