<p>Another important detail to understand here is the difference between a foot deodorizer and a shoe deodorizer. A foot deodorizer is meant for application directly to your feet and will help absorb sweat and provide a cooling relief. “I recommend <a href=”https://www.amazon.com/Certain-Dri-Anti-Perspirant-Prescription-Protection/dp/B01JB1MUNI/ref=sr_1_5″ target=”_blank”>Certain-Dri</a> in the roller form, even though it’s designed for under the arms,” says <a href=”https://www.instagram.com/doctor.bradley/?hl=en” target=”_blank”>Dr. Brad Schaeffer</a>, a foot and ankle surgeon and owner of Central Park SOLE. “I used this every other night before bed and it solved my sweaty foot issue. If foot smell gets stuck in the shoes then I always recommend a spray after each wear,” says Dr. Schaeffer.</p><p>Hopefully you understand shoe deodorizers won’t cure smelly feet, but what they can do is remove that shoe odor for a short time and help encourage action to help limiting foot odor completely. Some of the best shoe deodorizers below will work double duty and act as a foot deodorizer, while other shoe deodorizers will prove to work just as good for general applications around the house. Regardless what you choose, you can’t go wrong with any of these picks. Let’s get to the list.<a href=”https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/g19556347/best-running-shoes-for-men/” target=”_blank”><br></a></p><p><strong><a href=”https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/g19556347/best-running-shoes-for-men/” target=”_blank”>Best Running Shoes</a> | <strong><strong><a href=”https://www.menshealth.com/technology-gear/g40461820/best-most-cushioned-running-shoes/” target=”_blank” data-vars-ga-outbound-link=”https://www.menshealth.com/technology-gear/g40461820/best-most-cushioned-running-shoes/” data-vars-ga-ux-element=”Hyperlink” data-vars-ga-call-to-action=”Most Cushioned Running Shoes”>Most Cushioned Running Shoes</a> </strong></strong>| <strong><a href=”https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/a36163331/workout-shoes/” data-vars-ga-outbound-link=”https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/a36163331/workout-shoes/” data-vars-ga-ux-element=”Hyperlink” data-vars-ga-call-to-action=”Best Workout Shoes for Men”>Best Workout Shoes for Men</a></strong> | <a href=”https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/g28692275/best-walking-shoes-for-men/” target=”_blank”>Best Walking Shoes</a> </strong></p>” />
Our product picks are editor-tested, expert-approved. We may earn a commission through links on our site. Why Trust Us?
Most Versatile Shoe Deodorizer
FunkAway Aerosol Spray, 8 oz, Extreme Odor Eliminator Spray
Most Versatile Shoe Deodorizer
FunkAway Aerosol Spray, 8 oz, Extreme Odor Eliminator Spray
Pros
- Can be used for other anti-odor applications
- Eliminates bad odor from shoes in a flash
- Spray lasts for well over a day after application
Cons
- Scent of the spray is overpowering for some
A good aerosol spray can effectively help eliminate and remove odors that permeate your shoes. FunkAway is equal parts shoe deodorizer as it is a do-it-all odor elimination spray. FunkAway is perfect not only for spraying in your shoes, but also on sports gear, fitness equipment, work clothes, and more. The strength of scent here is strong, so if you live in a tight space it’s best you apply FunkAway inside a garage or outside on a patio. We ultimately love the versatility FunkAway provides, as it makes shopping for a shoe deodorizer easy. Start here if you’re looking for a quick and easy shoe deodorizer.
Type: Spray | Scent: None
Read more: Best Deodorants
Best Charcoal Shoe Deodorizer
Marsheepy 12 Pack Charcoal Shoe Deodorizer Bags
Best Charcoal Shoe Deodorizer
Marsheepy 12 Pack Charcoal Shoe Deodorizer Bags
Now 19% Off
Pros
- Can be reactivated every few months by placing in sunlight
- Natural charcoal is effective at absorbing odor
- Great price point for a 12-pack of bags
Cons
- Not ideal if you’re looking for a deodorizer to tackle heavy odor
Charcoal is great at absorbing odor, so it’s no wonder why it’s become a popular choice in shoe deodorizer products. These bags from Marsheepy are the best 100% charcoal deodorizers you can find. There’s zero added ingredients or scents, and the charcoal can naturally be recharged be placing in direct sunlight for six to eight hours once every few months. Doing so activates the charcoal and preps it to be more absorbent, optimizing the Marsheepy bags to draw out all that funky odor.
Type: Bags | Scent: None
Read more: Best Body Wipes
Most Innovative Shoe Deodorizer
Boot Bananas Boot Bananas Original Shoe Deodorizer
Most Innovative Shoe Deodorizer
Boot Bananas Boot Bananas Original Shoe Deodorizer
Now 23% Off
If you’re looking to drop a hint to your friend or loved one about their smelly shoes, Boot Bananas are the perfect gift that will be the least likely to create offense. The deodorizer is in the shape of a banana for crying out loud, and it actually has a pleasant fruity smell we throughly enjoyed upon opening.
The deodorizer itself is formulated with a compound that includes activated charcoal, volcanic minerals, and natural plant extracts in efforts to absorb foul odor and keep your shoe nice and dry. Boot Bananas can last anywhere from six to 12 months, with some even lasting beyond a year depending on how much work the deodorizer is putting in. Our favorite feature of all? That would be the ripeness indicator, where the banana starts to gradually turn brown over time as it absorbs moisture and odor. Once the banana is fully brown, then you know it’s too “ripe” to keep around.
Type: Bags | Scent: Fruity
Best Shoe Deodorizer Powder
Foot Sense Natural Foot and Shoe Odor Eliminator, Talc-Free
Best Shoe Deodorizer Powder
Foot Sense Natural Foot and Shoe Odor Eliminator, Talc-Free
Pros
- Can be used as a foot deodorizer, according to the brand
- Works great at drying out shows and absorbing odor
- No gummy residue left over
Cons
- Powder can be a bit messy at times
Powder is another form of shoe deodorizer you can buy. This one from Foot Sense is made form all-natural zinc oxide, arrowroot powder, and soothing botanicals to help absorb and eliminate sweaty odors. Foot Sense also works as a foot and shoe deodorizer, so you can dust some of this inside your shoes after wearing and then pop off your socks and apply some of the powder directly to skin, according to the brand.
One common issue with powder deodorizers is they can get gummy after absorbing sweat, but the Foot Sense powder here works exceptionally well at making sure this isn’t an issue. Use this bad boy in your garage or outside so you don’t get extra powder dust everywhere and you should be golden.
Type: Powder | Scent: Lemon and lavender
Read more: Best Body Washes
Best All-Natural Shoe Deodorizer Spray
Rocket Pure Natural Shoe Deodorizer Spray and Foot Spray Odor Eliminator
Best All-Natural Shoe Deodorizer Spray
Rocket Pure Natural Shoe Deodorizer Spray and Foot Spray Odor Eliminator
Now 25% Off
Pros
- Can be used as a foot deodorizer, according to the brand
- Formulate with essential oils and natural ingredients
- Pleasant peppermint scent
Cons
- Spray needs to be reapplied daily. Not as strong as others on this list
Shoe deodorizers in spray form are a popular solution for easy application and provide the ability to save on waste—there are no bags or pods that need to be tossed out, after all. This spray from Rocket Pure is made with peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil, and other natural ingredients. The spray is non-toxic, making it safe enough you can use it for direct application on your feet as a foot deodorizer, according to Rocket Pure.
Rocket Pure provides a cooling and soothing affect on the feet and inside a shoe, and it works to absorb out sweat to help remove foot odor from the source.
Type: Spray | Scent: Peppermint and eucalyptus
Most Powerful Shoe Deodorizer Spray
Lumi Outdoors Shoe Deodorizer & Odor Eliminator Spray, Lemongrass
Most Powerful Shoe Deodorizer Spray
Lumi Outdoors Shoe Deodorizer & Odor Eliminator Spray, Lemongrass
Now 22% Off
Formulated with natural ingredients, Lumi’s shoe deodorizer spray provides an extra strength solution that eliminates shoe odor like a champ. It’s a lot like the Rocket Pure spray we mention on this list too, except Lumi has a more lemon-y scent as opposed to Rocket Pure’s mint-y scent. Upon opening, we noticed Lumi is a more high-powered spray than the Rocket Pure. The Lumi lasted well beyond a day in covering shoe odor while the Rocket Spray usually needed another spritz the next morning. Lumi advertises this spray can be used for other applications like garbage cans, bathrooms, and cars—so it makes sense this is the stronger spray of the two on this list. Lumi does not advertise this as a foot deodorizer, so we do not recommend applying the spray directly to your feet.
Type: Spray | Scent: Lemon
Best Shoe Deodorizer Bags
NonScents NonScents Shoe Deodorizer Pods (2-Pack)
Best Shoe Deodorizer Bags
NonScents NonScents Shoe Deodorizer Pods (2-Pack)
Pros
- Can be placed in gym bags and lockers too
- Insert takes up entirety of shoe
- Can alternate the bags between different pairs of shoes
Cons
- Bags have a slight chemical smell
These two-pack odor bags from NonScents are made from a non-toxic formula that absorbs and eliminates odor for up to six months at a time. We liked how the bags are much larger in person than the online listing leads them to be—the bags take up the entire inside of your shoe. NonScents are also made in the USA and can be used for other applications like placement in a locker or gym bag.
Type: Bags | Scent: None
Best Shoe Deodorizer Pods
Arm & Hammer Deodorizer Odor Busterz, 3-Pack, Orange
Best Shoe Deodorizer Pods
Arm & Hammer Deodorizer Odor Busterz, 3-Pack, Orange
Now 14% Off
Pros
- Super affordable
- Compact pod shape that’s easy to store
- Only baking soda and added ingredients for scent
Cons
- Only ideal for eliminating mild odors
Baking soda is a good ol’ fashioned method of going about odor removal. You’ve probably heard of placing baking soda in a refrigerator to mitigate funk, and really baking soda will do the same for shoe odor. Arm & Hammer makes several neat products to make baking soda placement easier, and these Odor Busterz pods are the perfect size to pop inside a shoe. The pods here include a nice orange scent, and you will be able to notice if the pods need replacement if the scent starts to get weak.
Arm & Hammer says Odor Busterz can last up to 60 days. We’d trust them for at least a month when trying to eliminate mild odors in shoes—any shoe smell that’s moderate to strong will probably need something more high-powered than these. The Odor Busterz are super affordable and applicable in many different scenarios, so there’s a level of versatility here other shoe deodorizers on this list do not have.
Type: Pods | Scent: Orange
Best Shoe Deodorizer Inserts
Zorpads Odor Eliminating Shoe Inserts, Two Pairs
Best Shoe Deodorizer Inserts
Zorpads Odor Eliminating Shoe Inserts, Two Pairs
Pros
- Compact design that doesn’t bother feet
- Helps eliminate odor while wearing your shoes
- Effective at keeping odor out
Cons
- Adhesive can come undone inside shoe
As seen on Shark Tank, Zorpads are a shoe deodorizer that functions as a shoe insert. The adhesive square pads can be placed inside any shoe; and thanks to a moisture-wicking liner and absorbing carbon layer you can help attack foot odor before it permeates. The inserts are effective at stopping odor, but based on reviews we read it’s best to treat Zorpads as a solution for light to moderate shoe odor. If you are combatting stronger foot odor, then you’ll want to look at the more powerful sprays and powders on this list.
Type: Inserts | Scent: None
Best High-Grade Shoe Deodorizer
Gordon Laboratories Incorporated Mycomist 4oz Bottle
Best High-Grade Shoe Deodorizer
Gordon Laboratories Incorporated Mycomist 4oz Bottle
Pros
- Triple action ingredients of Chlorophyll, Formalin, and Benzalkonium Chloride
- Fungicidal properites could help with those who battle heavy foot odor
Cons
- Spray is hard to find at times when it sells out
- Recommended to place shoes or boots in an enclosed bag for 24 hours
Sometimes prescription grade solutions are required for smelly feet. Mycomist is a foot odor spray that’s about as close as you can get without needing an actual signature to procure. The spray is also a long-time favorite for Dr. Schaeffer, “If the food odor smell gets stuck in your shoes then I always recommend a spray after each wear,” says Dr. Shaeffer. “I like Mycomist because it is fungicidal and deodorizing. This is a great product and works!”
Keep in mind this spray is as about as powerful as deodorizers can get. Mycomist recommends placing your shoes or boots inside a zip-lock bag for 24 hours to let the product do its thing, followed by an airing out process between 24-48 hours before you start wearing them again.
Type: Spray | Scent: None
Meet the Experts
Dr Mark Mendeszoon is a board-certified podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon at Precision Orthopaedic Specialties in Chardon, Ohio. Dr. Mendeszoon also is the owner of Achilles Running Shops in Willoughby, Ohio and Erie, Pa. He is an avid runner and enjoys coaching runners of all ages.
Dr. Brad Schaeffer is a foot and ankle surgeon and owner of Central Park SOLE. Dr. Schaffer was also cast on TLC’s My Feet Are Killing Me, where he showcased his expertise as a foot surgeon. Lastly, Dr. Schaffer was runner-up in the 2023 Men’s Health Ultimate Guy Search.
What to Look for When Buying Shoe Deodorizers
Type of Application: Whether it be sprays, powders, pods, or bags, the type of shoe deodorizer essentially depends on personal preferences. Sprays are great because they can be used for a wide array of other applications. Powders are great because the are super absorbent and sometimes good for actual application to your own feet. Pods and bags are great because they are made to take in and absorb odor, so you know there’s at least no scent masking going on with something as tangible as an actual pod or bag.
Versatility: Sometimes it’s easier to buy a shoe deodorizer that can also be used for many other applications. A good spray can be a do-it-all option to remove odor from your shoes to your fitness equipment. The only caveat to opting for versatility is you might sacrifice some effectiveness. There are a few dedicated shoe deodorizers out there that are excellent at tackling heavy odors, and so if you’re dealing with a powerful funk it might be best to focus on a deodorizer that only attacks shoes (and feet).
Natural Ingredients: There are a few shoe deodorizers out there that are made with natural ingredients and essential oils. These products are great because they are safe for skin contact and can give buyers a peace of mind if they leave the deodorizer sitting around in a house—this is especially important for parents and pet owners. Another thing to consider about shoe deodorizers made from natural ingredients is the product can sometimes work as a foot deodorizer and be used for direct contact to your feet.
How We Selected
Men’s Health gear editors and writers, including our Gear and Commerce Editor John Thompson, have been testing shoe deodorizers in order to find the most effective ones at eliminating shoe odor. To narrow down our favorites, we evaluated shoe deodorizers based on type, versatility, and effectiveness. We also considered the formulated ingredients used in shoe deodorizers, as some are more friendly to skin-to-skin contact than others. Lastly, we spoke with two foot doctors to help steer us in the right direction on medical terms that relate to smelly feet.
Gear and Commerce Editor
John Thompson is the Gear and Commerce Editor at Men’s Health, where he covers fashion, grooming, gear, and technology. He was previously the Style & Gear Editor at BroBible.com, and a commerce writer for TheManual.com. His interests include shopping for rare vintage clothes and following his favorite baseball team, the Kansas City Royals.
Watch Next
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Comments are closed.