4 Ways To Keep Your Feet Smelling Fresh

 

There are more than half a million sweat glands in your feet, so it's no wonder your tootsies become extra fragrant when the hot weather hits. Podiatrist Carolyn McAloon, DPM, outlines how you can keep those feet smelling sweet.

Give shoes a dry spell. Make sure each pair gets time off to breathe: Shoes need at least 24 hours to dry out, according to McAloon, so don't wear the same flats every day.

Soak your toes. To fight odor, submerge feet in warm water for 15 minutes a few times a week. Add 4 to 6 drops of tea tree oil, which acts as an antimicrobial. (Just make sure you're buying the real stuff—here are 7 signs your essential oils are fake.)

Sock it to them. All-cotton socks can leave your feet dripping. Try a sweat-wicking alternative like a nylon-cotton blend or an eco-friendly wool.

Don't be a closet case. Most of us toss our shoes in the closet, but fungus breeds in small dark spaces. Leave footwear in an area with ample air circulation, advises McAloon.

There are more than half a million sweat glands in your feet, so it's no wonder your tootsies become extra fragrant when the hot weather hits. Podiatrist Carolyn McAloon, DPM, outlines how you can keep those feet smelling sweet.

Give shoes a dry spell. Make sure each pair gets time off to breathe: Shoes need at least 24 hours to dry out, according to McAloon, so don't wear the same flats every day.

Soak your toes. To fight odor, submerge feet in warm water for 15 minutes a few times a week. Add 4 to 6 drops of tea tree oil, which acts as an antimicrobial. (Just make sure you're buying the real stuff—here are 7 signs your essential oils are fake.)

Sock it to them. All-cotton socks can leave your feet dripping. Try a sweat-wicking alternative like a nylon-cotton blend or an eco-friendly wool.

Don't be a closet case. Most of us toss our shoes in the closet, but fungus breeds in small dark spaces. Leave footwear in an area with ample air circulation, advises McAloon.