Odor prevention in canvas sneakers...?

[NakedYoga]

I have several pairs of canvas sneakers (mostly Chucks and PF Flyers) for casual strolling around, mostly in the summer. Obviously, it is usually quite warm when I wear these shoes, and my climate is extremely humid. Given the humidity and temperature combination, my feet begin to perspire, and the shoes eventually develop a fairly pungent odor. This is quite annoying, and could also be quite embarrassing (although hasn't, yet).

My question, then, is: what are the best ways to both prevent and remedy this problem? I've thought of using baby powder or letting the shoes air out for a few days between wears. Are there any other ways to prevent this from happening? I guess canvas shoes are washable, but I hate throwing shoes in the washer.

 

[robbie]

machine wash
non-tumble dry
ohh, you don't want to wash them...

febreeze,

or...
I think Dr Scholls sells odor absorbing insoles (atleast the shoe dept I used to work in did)

 

[ArliHawk`]

You can also purchase sneaker balls at most sporting goods stores, these help eliminate odor.

 

[erbs]

They're canvas- just toss them in the washer and set them in the sun to dry.

 

[Francis91]

Do you wear socks with them? I notice mine only start to smell when I wear them without socks.

I suggest getting some odor eater insoles or airing them out between wears.

 

[NakedYoga]

Good thoughts, all. Just didn't know if there were more efficient ways than washing/airing, etc. Maybe I'll just have to get more pairs for rotation...

 

[sho'nuff]

put a little fresh baking soda in the sneakers and let them sit for a couple of days. afterwards, just wear them every other day as opposed to every day. and place a few wood shoe trees in them after every wear. this works for me as well for athletic shoes.

always wear socks.

 

[NakedYoga]

Originally Posted by sho'nuff

always wear socks.

No question about that. Cotton, too... yes?

Even though I live in a coastal city, I wear flip-flops to the beach. No reason to wear shoes with no socks.

 

[bc78]

Haven't tried it but I hear baby powder absorbs the odor and wetness.

 

[Tarmac]

rotation is key. A day between is good. If you are especially stinky you should be rotating at least 3 prs of shoes, 2 days between.

 

[kontai69]

I also use Dr. Scholls in my Chucks and Vans canvas shoes...
http://www.drscholls.com/drscholls/p...p&searchArg=66

I personally find that without the Dr Scholl insoles, the canvas insole abrades my feet when they get wet from sweat, making them uncomfortable to wear. The Dr Scholl has a smooth black liner. I also would never wear the same pair of shoes two days in a row.

 

[crosswound]

i wear socks with mine and they still stink. well i wore mine pretty hard and everyday so they had no rest.

how i got mine to smell better was putting them on my porch with baking soda inside for a few days the smell went away. i think if you alternate another pair of canvas sneakers with your current ones it won't be so bad.

i wore mine everday.

 

[samurai]

Spray the insides with isopropyl alcohol. Alcohol kills germs. Odor gone.

 

[mensimageconsultant]

Use a disinfectant or an antimicrobial (like an antifungal). Evidently that kills more nasties than plain alcohol.

 

[mainy]

baking soda
this also works ridiculously well with boat shoes
/thread