How to Stop Soccer Boots from Smelling (and Keep Them Fresh!)

In this post, I’ll tell you EXACTLY how to stop your soccer boots from smelling.

We’ve all experienced the less-than-pleasant odor coming from our trusty soccer boots.

Sweaty feet, bacteria, and the enclosed environment of your boots create a perfect storm for unpleasant smells.

But how do you fight against it?

Don’t despair! You can easily tackle your smelly soccer boots with the right knowledge and a little bit of effort.

So, in this guide, we’ll first delve into the causes of those funky odors. Then I’ll provide a comprehensive arsenal of tips, tricks, and techniques to keep your boots smelling fresh and your feet happy.

Let’s get started and look at ways to stop your soccer boots from smelling.

10 easy ways to stop soccer boots from smelling

Causes of Smelly Soccer Boots

First of all, if you’ve got a smelly pair of soccer shoes, then you don’t have to blame yourself. It’s a very common occurrence.

In fact, it’s a result of a few key culprits working together.

Sweat

The most obvious culprit of bad smell is sweat.

Your feet have a high concentration of sweat glands, and during those intense matches, they work overtime.

The sweat creates a damp, warm environment inside your boots. And this is the perfect breeding ground for odor-causing bacteria.

Bacteria

Talking of bacteria, let’s look at the second culprit.

These microscopic organisms thrive in dark, moist places. So, the inside of your sweaty soccer boots is the perfect environment for them.

As they feed on your sweat, they release organic acids and other compounds. This leads to that unmistakable “locker room” smell.

Boot Material

The material of your soccer shoes is a less talked about culprit of the bad smell.

While modern soccer boots are designed for performance, some materials are more prone to trapping moisture and odors than others.

Synthetic materials are durable. But they often don’t breathe as well as natural materials like leather, contributing to the problem.

Neglect

Finally, if you want to take the blame, then this reason is for you. Yes, neglecting the health and cleanliness of your soccer boots will lead to them smelling. Who would’ve thought?

Failing to properly clean and dry your boots after each use exacerbates the issue.

In simpler words, the longer sweat and bacteria linger, the stronger the odor becomes.

How to Prevent Your Soccer Boots From Smelling

Now that we know the main causes of smelly boots, let’s look at ways to stop your soccer boots from smelling.

Air drying

Nike shoes being air dried. Picture credits: Nike.com

Air drying is the simplest and most critical step after each use.

After each use, remove the insoles and open up your boots as much as possible.

Let them air dry in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight (direct sunlight can damage the material).

This crucial step will evaporate moisture and prevent the growth of bacteria.

Regular cleaning

Another simple way is to wipe down the inside and outside of your shoes with a damp cloth after each use.

Even if you don’t have time for a full cleaning, make sure to do a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth daily.

This can go a long way in removing surface dirt and sweat.

Baking soda

Now, we’re coming on to methods that will require extra equipment.

Baking soda is a natural odor absorber and can be found in most kitchens.

Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda inside your boots after each use and leave it overnight.

The next morning, simply tap out the excess powder.

Simple, right?

Tea bags

Tea bags are another staple in most households.

Just place a couple of unused tea bags inside your boots. Emphasis on UNUSED.

The tea bags will absorb moisture and add a fresh scent to the boots.

Use a Newspaper

Now, this one might not make sense. And while I don’t guarantee a 100% success rate, it does work.

Crumpled newspaper can be surprisingly effective at absorbing moisture.

Stuff your boots with newspaper overnight to help them dry faster.

Freeze the boots

Freezing your boots is helpful if you’re dealing with a particularly stubborn odor.

Place your boots in a sealed bag and put them in the freezer overnight.

The cold temperatures will help to kill odor-causing bacteria.

Use this method with caution: freezing may not be suitable for all boot materials!

Extra Tips

It’s never bad to be extra careful about maintaining a good pair of soccer boots.

So, here are a few additional tricks you can use to further enhance your boot freshness.

Invest in Antibacterial Spray

A shoe-specific antibacterial spray can be a powerful ally in the fight against odor-causing bacteria.

Spray the inside of your boots after each use to help eliminate lingering germs.

You can find a good antibacterial spray on marketplaces like Amazon.

Maintain Foot Hygiene

Keeping your feet clean and dry before putting on your boots can significantly reduce the amount of sweat inside your shoes.

Wash your feet daily with antibacterial soap and dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes.

Choose the Right Socks

Opt for moisture-wicking socks made from materials like merino wool or synthetic blends.

These socks help to pull moisture away from your feet, keeping them drier and reducing the chances of odor buildup.

And also, don’t forget to change your socks after each game or practice!

Upgrade Your Insoles

Invest in odor-fighting insoles that contain activated charcoal or other odor-absorbing materials.

Find anti-odour insoles on Amazon.

Alternatively, replace your insoles regularly to prevent them from becoming a breeding ground for bacteria.

Deep Cleaning Your Boots When Nothing Else Works

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, your soccer boots might need a more thorough cleaning to get rid of the stubborn odours.

Here are some deep-cleaning techniques to bring your boots back to life.

Soak Your Insoles

Remove the insoles from your boots.

Prepare a solution of warm water and a mild detergent or soap.
Submerge the insoles in the solution and let them soak for 30 minutes to an hour.
Gently scrub the insoles with a soft brush to remove any dirt or grime.

Rinse thoroughly with clean water and let them air dry completely before placing them back in your boots

Use a Vinegar Solution

Create a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar.
Dip a clean cloth into the solution and wring out any excess liquid.

Wipe down the inside of your boots thoroughly with the damp cloth.
Allow the boots to air dry completely. The vinegar smell will dissipate as it dries, leaving your boots smelling fresh.

Baking Soda Paste

Make a thick paste by mixing baking soda with a small amount of water.

Apply the paste to any stubborn stains or areas with strong odors.
Let the paste sit on the boots for a few hours or overnight.
Scrub the paste off with a damp cloth or soft brush.

Rinse the boots with clean water and let them air dry completely.

Thank You For Reading

I hope you enjoyed learning how to stop soccer boots from smelling. If you did, then do consider sharing it with fellow soccer enthusiasts.

Your support and sharing of this content can help us reach a wider audience. It can also provide valuable information to more people who share our passion for the beautiful game.

More importantly, I hope these methods helped you get that smell out of your shoes.

Which way did you try to get the smell out of your soccer boots?

Let me know in the comments below.

And thank you for supporting Soccer Mavericks!

If you liked this article, you will love reading:

Can You Use Indoor Soccer Shoes on Turf?