A couple carry their shoes as they walk barefoot along the beach in Cardiff, California February 12, 2015.
A couple carry their shoes as they walk barefoot along the beach in Cardiff, California February 12, 2015. Reuters/Mike Blake

Smelly feet are just one of the many embarrassing problems people have to deal with. Our feet give off a foul odour because of the presence of sweat. We are likely to have this condition if we keep wearing the same shoes without giving enough time for sweat to dry. In order to deal with it, here are five ways to beat smelly feet.

  1. Saltwater foot soak

One of the easiest ways to prevent feet from smelling is by soaking it in saltwater. According to podiatrist, Al D’Angelantonio III, salt absorbs moisture from our skin to prevent bacteria from building up. Walking barefoot at the beach is an excellent idea while you can always fill a basin with warm water and sprinkle it with some salt. Soak your feet into the mixture for at least 20 minutes.

  1. Sprinkle with cornstarch

Your shoes give off stinky odour because of the moisture trapped in there. The best thing to do is sprinkle some cornstarch on the insides of your shoes to minimize bad odour and absorb moisture such as sweat. The best part is you can immediately put your shoes on again.

  1. Use the right socks

Feet can easily become sweaty depending on the material your socks are made of. For instance, nylon is hot and traps moisture in your feet which triggers the growth of bacteria. The solution is to wear cotton socks that allow your feet to breathe.

  1. Give your feet a break

Instead of wearing your usual shoes, wear something different for a change like a pair of flip flops or sandals. Doing so can make your feet feel cool and refresh after being trapped in your shoes for several days. You can even go barefoot around the house especially in the evening.

  1. Use an antiperspirant

Foot deodorants or antiperspirants are commonly found in the market today. For instance, you can get yourself an antibacterial soap you can use to wash your feet. Others prefer using a spray or powder which they can easily apply on their feet.

Don’t suffer from stinky feet by using these very easy and effective ways to beat smelly feet. They’re just what you need to do to eliminate bad odour and avoid embarrassing yourself.

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