How to Get Sneakers to Stop Smelling

By: Kimbry Parker

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Your sneakers get a good workout as you walk around town, hit the gym or go bike riding. Over time, they may develop an odor from the sweat produced by your feet. This means it's time to deodorize your sneakers to get rid of the smell, then take steps to prevent them from smelling in the future.

Step 1

Pour baking soda directly into each sneaker. Use a liberal amount of the powder to effectively absorb moisture and eliminate the odor.

Step 2

Put the shoes into a plastic garbage bag and tie it up tightly. Put the bag into the freezer overnight.

Step 3

Remove the bag from the freezer the next day and take the shoes out of the bag. Empty the baking soda into the trash, then leave the shoes in a well-ventilated area for a few hours so any remaining moisture evaporates.

Step 4

Establish a routine so you let your sneakers rest for a day. Wearing them two days in a row doesn’t allow them adequate time to air out.

Step 5

Wash and dry your feet thoroughly every day. Preventing foot odor is key to preventing shoe odor, so making sure your feet are sweat-free before sticking them in your sneakers will help keep your shoes smelling fresh.

Step 6

Spray your feet with an antiperspirant before putting on your socks and shoes. This will help to keep sweat under control and prevent your sneakers from smelling.

Step 7

Sprinkle baking soda into your shoes after you wear them. While this may not be necessary to do each time you take off your shoes, doing so on a regular basis can help to prevent odor from forming.

Step 8

Let your sneakers dry out thoroughly if they become wet. After stepping in puddles or getting caught in the rain, take them off and put them in a well-ventilated area to dry completely.