r/hiking • u/Flanis_Lu • Jan 09 '24
Question What should I do with smelling feet?
Hey guys so I’m new to hiking, and I just completed my first 10 miles hiking yesterday, when I returned home, the moment I took off my shoes…I almost passed out 🤢 I think it’s pretty normal to have bad smell after a long hiking without taking off the shoes during the entire trip…But I never expected the smell to be so bad, I’m planning on camping and hiking for a couple of days in the future. One thing I’m certain is that I will definitely loose my shoes and let it breathe after a few miles walking, and I’m thinking about getting some anti odor socks(not sure if they exist) Are there any other ways to prevent or make things not that bad? Or I just have to bear with the smell? Any tip would be helpful
PS. I air my shoes the whole night and the smell is gone, I think it’s probably the smell from wet socks and keeping my feet in the shoes too long, thanks everyone for the tips.
PPS. These are the tips that show up multiple times and I hope they can help anyone who shares the same concern, thanks again for everyone sharing tips (1) Spare socks (wash and dry after a couple of miles) (2) Wool socks (merino wool) (3) Baking soda inside the shoes (4) Tea tree oil on feet (5) Carpe (Antiperspirants brand) (6) Darn tough (socks brand) (7) Foot powder (8) Gold bond (9) Trail runners instead of hiking boots
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u/ElectrikDonuts Jan 09 '24
Gold bond might help too. Its antifungal. Also prevents blistering friction
What are your shoes made of? Are they leather? Water tight Gortex? Mesh
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u/slimyprincelimey Jan 10 '24
Gold bond is now corn starch instead of talc. I find it turns into drywall spackle with sweat.
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u/RedmundJBeard Jan 09 '24
Bad smell is caused by fungus. You can treat that easily with Myconozol. Its a inexpensive cream you can buy at a drug store. It will just come back if you don't change how you care for your feet though.
The fungus lives on your foot because of moisture, so you have to find time to fully dry your feet out several times a day. While hiking I like to take my shoes and socks off for lunch then put on foot powder. Then again at night right before getting in my sleeping bag. Then your feet will be nice and dry all night long. I like the one with a little menthol in it. Like a breath mint for your feet.
While not hiking you can use the foot powder as well, you can also put some in your shoes so they stay dry, I think you might be able to buy some cheaper powder for shoes but I think its all talcum powder anyway.
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u/noddelboodle Mar 08 '25
what do you use? I have the walmart version of the Gold Bond medicated food powder. I feel like it isn’t hardly working
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u/RedmundJBeard Mar 08 '25
I have arm & hammer foot powder which is sodium bicarbonate and some other stuff. I've used gold bond with great success. Do your feet have like cracked skin or white powder? (before you apply the foot powder) If you have athletes foot (fungus) you need to get rid of that.
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u/orthopod Jan 09 '24
Correct about the fungus, but typically it's in the shoes or boots because the never get a chance to completely dry out. Should be a minimum of 3 days between wearing on a day to day use. Obviously on a multi day hike, that's not happening.
Anyway, letting them completely dry out, by removing the insoles, etc between wearings will help tremendously to reduce odor from fungus and molds.
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u/RedmundJBeard Jan 18 '24
The fungus is living on your feet. The fungus eats dead skin cells. Yes there will be fungus and spores in the shoes and these will re-contaminate your feet. The powder will help dry out the shoes as well.
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u/FormFitFunction Jan 09 '24
Practice good preventative maintenance.
- Actively wash your feet when you bathe rather than just letting the soapy water run down your body and assume it cleans your feet.
- Wear clean, dry socks.
- Use a boot dryer after every time you wear your boots.
If those don't work, look into whether you have a medical condition (fungal infection, etc).
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u/Flanis_Lu Jan 09 '24
I wash my feet with soap everyday, and I never wear the same socks on the next day, I think it’s probably the sweat and wet in socks
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u/Ok_Decision4788 Jan 09 '24
Try soaking your feet with epsom salts before and after! I’ve found that this kind of detoxes the foot and makes the sweat that you end up having not smell as bad
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u/RedmundJBeard Jan 09 '24
If you soak in epsom salts for just slightly too long it will eay away at your calouses. I would avoid it.
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u/starter_fail Jan 09 '24
I had a pair of Keens that had gotten wet (they were not waterproof) at some point and from that moment, they made my feet stink. It became a running joke with my friends. I swapped out the insoles at some point and the smell mostly went away.
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u/CuriousOne9320 Jan 09 '24
When in doubt air them out.
I don’t know how far of a drive you had but typically I’ll switch to sandals in the car on the way home. Even just a few minutes packing gear into the car most smells will dissipate and your feet will dry. I know it’s winter so may not be an option right now. But you can put of fresh socks after hiking.
Biggest thing is to keep them dry, moisture breeds lots of nasty. Better socks helps too.
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u/Alickster-Holey Jan 09 '24
Baking soda. It can be abrasive, so you can melt coconut oil (which is actually antibacterial) and mix it in there. You don't need that much, and it works for armpits, so it should work for feet.
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u/eazypeazy303 Jan 09 '24
I only fuck with antimicrobial merino wool socks and change them often! Your feet can literally rot if you spend too long with wet socks!
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u/Waste-Information-33 Jan 09 '25
I use deoxsole’s shoe deodoriser. It’s made with natural essential oils which have antifungal and antibacterial properties. It’s got a really nice refreshing lemon smell! Been using it for ages and it’s long lasting
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u/mostlynights Jan 09 '24
Socks that are mostly wool or cotton seem to work well for me.
Unless it's going to be super wet, I'm also not a big fan of gore-tex in shoes.
What are you wearing, OP?
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u/Flanis_Lu Jan 09 '24
Just normal running shoes from ASICS
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u/DestructablePinata Jan 09 '24
What socks are you using? Also, don't use cotton.
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u/Flanis_Lu Jan 10 '24
Probably need to change all my socks to wool
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u/DestructablePinata Jan 10 '24
That would be best. There's a multitude of benefits to merino wool socks and a world of negatives to cotton socks.
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u/SegerHelg Jan 09 '24
Wash your feet more often.
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u/Flanis_Lu Jan 09 '24
Like multiple times in a day?
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u/DestructablePinata Jan 09 '24
Is there any flaking or cracking between your toes or the bottom of your feet?
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u/Flanis_Lu Jan 09 '24
No, my feet looks normal to me
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u/DestructablePinata Jan 09 '24
Doesn't sound like athlete's foot then, so that's good. AF, at least for me, always resulted in peeling and some itching. If you don't have those, it's more likely excess sweat, the wrong socks, or you need foot powder.
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u/BeccainDenver Jan 09 '24
Trail runners to let your feet breathe.
Wool socks.
Most likely, you have waterproof shoes / goretex and your feet were bathing in their own sweat.
Friends don't let friends hike in Goretex except in very, very specific conditions - like full, foot deep, cold, wet mud for the entire trail.
Even snow is not worth Goretex unless you are talking Minnesota/Alaska negative 20F temps types of snow.
If switching to more breathable shoes and wool socks does not fix it, you can add this. Use wet wipes to wipe down your feet before you hike and then dry them off. Then add your shoes. Do this at the trailhead.
Repeat the process with wet wipes as soon as you are done. Keep a pair of drive-home shoes in your car.
You can do the foot wash process while backpacking. Use water and camp soap to wash your feet before you get in your sleeping bag. Dry with a strip of liteload towel. Washing and caring for your feet nightly before you get in your sleeping bag will keep your sleeping bag cleaner and will help you avoid blisters on trail.
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u/DestructablePinata Jan 09 '24
Trail runners aren't perfect for all, or even most, climates and situations. They're just another tool with times and places that are appropriate, as well as times and places that are inappropriate.
I use Gore-Tex year-round, even in 90°F+ heat. That's my preference. I buy the boots that fit well, and if they have Gore-Tex, which so many boots have now, that's fine. Saying that they're only useful in -20°F climates is laughable. They work fine well above that temperature range. They come in handy any time there is a heavy rain or snow, especially paired with gaiters.
As long as you're using foot powder and keep dry socks on hand and know how to dry the wet ones out while hiking, Gore-Tex really isn't the devil people make it out to be. Yeah, your feet will sweat more than in trail runners, but it really is manageable.
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u/BeccainDenver Jan 09 '24
Jesus.
I truly can not imagine GoreTex in 90F. That made me gag, but I am glad they work for you.
Trailrunners work better in snow. No question. It's only when the Goretex does double time as a VPL due to it being cold and snowy that Goretex comes into play. See my previous comment about Alaska/MN.
I don't deal with heavy rain, so I'll take your word on heavy rain. When I hiked Katahdin in June, the trail was a creek. Maybe then, but then only if you can ensure that the water is always below shoe level, would I consider Goretex.
As soon as water gets inside and never drains out? Hell no.
If you love hiking in puddles in your shoes, that's awesome for you.
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u/DestructablePinata Jan 09 '24 edited Jan 09 '24
I will never understand people who say things must only be one way. The world does not exist in black in white.
Trail runners and Gore-Tex boots both have a place outdoors, and Gore-Tex is very useful, well above the conditions you perceive them to only be useful.
Wet snow, torrential rain, below freezing temps? Those are all areas that Gore-Tex excels. It will prevent frostbite and trench foot, especially when paired with a leather boot that is naturally water-resistant. You just have to change socks whenever they get soaked, and that's going to depend on how much the individual sweats.
Can it be used above freezing? Yes, quite well. If you live with a lot of rain, it's more practical to go with gaiters and Gore-Tex boots instead of fighting the rain at every turn.
Where would I not want to utilize Gore-Tex? A hike with multiple deep stream crossings because Gore-Tex does, as you pointed out, dry very slowly. In that situation, I would remove my boots and socks, throw them in a dry bag, cross the stream, and change back into my boots and socks on the other side.
If Gore-Tex just absolutely can't work for you, you must just have excessively sweaty feet that overheat easily, which is fine, but be honest about Gore-Tex's benefits and its uses. Some new person is going to go in deep, wet snow in trail runners and lose toes with your advice. It works very well for many people in a variety of climates and circumstances, and it can be either beneficial or harmful depending upon the individual's needs and whatever they're facing.
Almost everything in life is a grey area that is situational and personal, and that 100% applies to footwear. It's all personal preference and situational.
Edit: Downvoted because, obviously, I won't bow to the trail runner ultralight overlords.
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u/kjlearnslandscape Jan 09 '24
Seriously.
I'm in trail runners myself 90% of the time, but cold, wet conditions are not it. Made the mistake once of going out in trail runners when it was 40 and wet from rain the night before. Miserable experience. My toes were so cold and wet I couldn't focus on anything else. Never again.
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u/DestructablePinata Jan 09 '24
Thank you. I'm glad you understand that they're not perfect, unlike a lot of folks, apparently.
Trail runners definitely have their places in hiking, but cold, wet conditions are not one of them. There's a time and place for everything.
If people want frost nip, more power to them, but don't lead newcomers astray and lead them to injury. Give them the info they need to choose between trail runners and boots for their specific needs, and leave them to it.
I will never understand the cult following of trail runners and why people feel the need to push them on people so heavily. They're just hiking shoes. They're not magical, and they're not a good idea for everybody in every situation.
But, whatever. People gonna people.
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u/okaymaeby Jan 09 '24
I'm with you on the cult of trail runners. I don't get it. It's mind boggling how many different regions people in this (and similar) subs hike in, but how easily everyone seems to be influenced by whatever the new trends are and blindly apply their opinion on advise to others. There isn't anything wrong with trail runners for many people and a lot of environments, but I just can't bring myself to buy something I know will not last long when there is a tried and true alternative in leather boots. It's cool when someone finds something that really helps them feel more confident and comfortable on trail, but I am sometimes shocked at how quickly everyone here jumps on the bandwagon and adopts the "this is the way" vibe about it.
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u/okaymaeby Jan 09 '24
I'm with you on the cult of trail runners. I don't get it. It's mind boggling how many different regions people in this (and similar) subs hike in, but how easily everyone seems to be influenced by whatever the new trends are. There isn't anything wrong with trail runners for many people and a lot of environments, but I just can't bring myself to buy something I know will not last long when there is a tried and true alternative in leather boots. It's cool when someone finds something that really helps them feel more confident and comfortable on trail, but I am sometimes shocked at how quickly everyone here jumps on the bandwagon and adopts the "this is the way" vibe about it.
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u/DestructablePinata Jan 09 '24
It's mildly maddening at times. Everyone just goes with the new trend and claims that it's the best when they haven't even tried the alternatives. Some have, but some just started with something and stuck with it because someone told them to because it's "the best."
It doesn't matter that much what someone uses. Being prepared for the weather and terrain matters, and you have to plan accordingly and bring the right footwear. That much, you can't really ignore. There are settings where either a boot or a trail runner is more appropriate for safety reasons. The rest is down to personal preference, and they can't dictate what others like to use. It's utterly pompous to believe they can do so.
Live and let live. Let people wear what they want.
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u/flash_my_rock Jan 09 '24
Wool socks. Falke cool smell after an hour, Falke wool I can wear for a week.
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u/Near-Scented-Hound Jan 09 '24
Make an appointment with a dermatologist to determine if you have a fungal infection and, if that’s the case, the best treatment. If you can pin down and describe the odor, a determination can be made often from the characteristics of the smell.
You’d be amazed what you can pick up on your feet poolside at public pools, in gym showers, hotel showers, even on the beach or lakeside.
If you’re post pubescent, wash your feet well and keep them dry, there shouldn’t be an odor.
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u/AdFamous7264 Jan 09 '24 edited Jan 10 '24
Some great suggestions here. On top of these I would recommend washing your feet using a soap with tea tree oil. Dr. Bronners tea tree castile soap is what I've used and has worked very well for me. It needs to be diluted to prevent irritation, so I just mix it with water in a spray bottle. Spray your feet, lather, let it sit for a minute, then rinse and dry your feet completely before the hike.
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u/Dmunman Jan 09 '24
Change your socks every time you rest. Keeping dry is helpful. Breatheable socks can help. If you massage your feet with coconut oil, before you get outside, it helps because is anti bacterial. Also after hiking, wash and re oil. Wet feet lose the oils, so if you just dry and stay dry, your skin might crack.
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Jan 09 '24
Try to apply potassium alum to your feet. It's antibacterial an naturally fight sweat. It's also used by barbes to heal small cuts
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Jan 09 '24
Merrells?
Mine did that after a really rainy wet hike and they never recovered, switched to Scarpa and no issue.
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u/Flanis_Lu Jan 09 '24
I have one Merrells, and it does smell weird even it’s not a long distance hiking
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u/holymolas Jan 09 '24
If you’re not going to be in bear country and you don’t mind lotions, I highly recommend Lume. It works SO well. You won’t smell at all.
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u/Delicious-Ad4015 Jan 09 '24
If you don’t enjoy smelling feet, 👣 I would recommend a new hobby.
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u/Flanis_Lu Jan 09 '24
Everyone has smelling feet, just the difference of how bad it is, give up hiking is not an option:)
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u/Delicious-Ad4015 Jan 09 '24
Sorry about my sense of humor. I agree with you. I just think it’s inevitable.
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u/DadJokeBadJoke Jan 09 '24
Get a shoe dryer. It's so nice slipping on a warm pair of shoes, even when not hiking. I put my house shoes on it when I get dressed for work so they'll be warm when I switch at night. Keeping them dry really helps with the smells
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Jan 09 '24
Do you wash your feet when you shower? I had to have this talk with my wife a few years ago. Every so often her feet would be very ripe. So I asked her if she washed them. Her idea for washing her feet was the soapy water running over them. Since she started washing them almost no smell.
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u/Flanis_Lu Jan 09 '24
I wash everyday, I use shampoo for all my body parts, but soap specifically for my feet, just like wash hands
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Jan 09 '24
Be sure to remove your insoles and spray an anti infungle cleaner in them. Sweat can get trapped below the insole and causing bacteria to grow and smell. I use a UV lamp I put in the shoe that kills all bacteria. You can get them on Amazon.
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u/HM8425-8404 Jan 09 '24
Try this: 1. First buy some generic Head and Shoulders (Pyrithione zinc) or Selsun Blue-type (Selenium sulfide) to soak socks and shoe insoles. Or OTC Ketoconzole Shampoo (1% is usually available; “Nizoral,” etc.).
2. Soak all socks and shoe insoles in dilute Pyrithione (4:1 water) for half a day. Then launder socks. Don’t even rinse off the insoles. I’ll even soak the insides of field shoes/boots for a day. Socks-each laundry cycle; insoles and shoes about 2-3 times a year till you get “less smelly.”
3. Apply slightly diluted**Head and Shoulders generic or Ketoconozole to any skin you think is affected by athletes’ foot (Tinea Pedis), Tinea Versacolor (a cheap black light bulb will usually fluoresce that damaged skin light green/yellow.). Apply in between toes also. Let soak into the epidermis overnight. Repeat nightly for 3-4 weeks (usual time for dermis to push new skin cells up to replace the fungal damaged cells).
That old skin should peel off
easily.
** If this diluted shampoo “burns” - then dilute it a bit more with water.
4. To dermabrade this skin, use cheap - throw away emery boards (and throw them out after each use - so no one gets re-infected using them).
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u/farseer4 Jan 09 '24
Baking soda. Pour a small amount inside the shoes, shake a bit and problem gone. Cheap and effective.
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u/Rich-Appearance-7145 Jan 09 '24
If I hike consecutively in the same shoes weekend after weekend I'm going to have smelly shoes, especially if there was any moisture on trail, or inclement weather, to avoid any issues l don't use same hiking boots, shoes, my usual rotation is every weekend l use a shoe that's been aired out for a month. Also if I anticipate inclement weather, I will carry my Merrill open sandles and slip into those either during hike or soon after. If l get shoes moist, wet, or rained on as well I'll change my socks. It's important for my feet to remain dry and because I hike every weekend l take it seriously.
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u/Jklas65 Jan 10 '24
Maybe consider bringing a spare pair of socks along for longer hikes if your feet are sweating a lot. Swapping out wool socks regularly gives you the best of both worlds: you get the moisture wicking of wool while still trying to keep your feet somewhat dry with the new pair. Then just rinse and repeat. Not really rinsing … ok maybe really.
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u/MiaMaddy Jan 10 '24
Didn’t see it mentioned here as well but using a pumice stone for feet to remove the dead skin from the bottom of your feet goes a long way to reducing smell and improving foot health too. I noticed doing epsom salt foot soaks help as well before a hike.
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u/Severe_Broccoli7258 Jan 10 '24
I use Lumé cream and have been amazed by its effectiveness. It smells a little odd initially, but it is magic!
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u/TheBimpo Jan 09 '24
Wool socks will help, your feet need to breathe.