Do your loved one's duck for cover as soon as you take off your shoes? Or is the smell emanating from your feet unbearable for you too? If yes, then you've got a problem at the very foundation of your strength.
Smelly feet or foot odour occurs when your feet sweat, and the sweat does not evaporate because you are wearing shoes or socks. The natural bacteria present on your skin tend to multiply in the warm, damp shoe environment by feeding on sweat, thus producing the foul smell.
However, the good news is that with these ten tips, you can prevent your feet from turning into a stink bomb and walk odour-free!
1. Really 'clean' your feet

If you want to fix smelly feet, simply washing them while you shower won’t cut it. You need to get rid of the deep-seated dirt by scrubbing and exfoliating your steppers with a pumice stone or a foot brush and some anti-bacterial soap, every day.
2. Dry your feet thoroughly
Before you put on your shoes, dry your feet completely, especially in between your toes, to keep bacteria from forming. And if your feet tend to get really sweaty, use a foot powder to keep the area dry.
3. Ensure good foot hygiene
Follow an overall foot hygiene routine by keeping your toenails clipped and clean, and removing any hard skin with a foot file, to prevent toenail and skin fungus.
4. Soak your feet

You can try effective home remedies, such as saltwater, vinegar, and black tea foot soaks, as their antifungal properties are sure to help combat foot odour.
5. Try DIY foot powders
Great antifungal foot powders can be made right at home. Apply baking soda or corn-starch to your feet, once you have cleaned and dried them, to get rid of the extra moisture.
6. Invest in a foot deodorant
Foot deodorants contain the same ingredients as regular antiperspirants and leave your feet smelling fresh all day long.
7. Let your shoes breathe

Don't throw your kicks inside a dark closet, immediately after taking them off. Instead, deodorize them by sprinkling corn-starch and storing them away in sunlight, to prevent the formation of odour-causing germs.
8. Rotate your shoes
Not wearing the same footwear every day can help control foot odour. Alternate between two to three pairs so you can give them enough time to dry out, before wearing them again.
9. Change your diet
Avoid refined food, alcohol, and smoking to relieve your feet from excessive perspiration. Instead, opt for a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods to go sans stink.
10. Don’t rock the “No Sock” trend
Your socks serve a purpose! They wick the moisture away from your feet and draw it into your shoes. So, before you jump onto the sockless wagon, remember that doing so will make your feet smell horrendous.
Lastly, smelly feet can be a relentless problem that causes discomfort and embarrassment. But fortunately, with these hacks, you won't have to deal with stinky steppers forever.
Written by NEETI MANSINGHKA on 23rd May 2018