Let’s face it, it happens to all of us. Maybe your favorite pair of dancers got stuck with you in the pouring rain. Maybe your favorite pair of running shoes won’t hold up to the stress of your workout. Or maybe your heels have had too many days of work. But whatever the cause, the unpleasant smell shouldn’t be reason enough to throw away your favorite shoes. Read about how to save your dearest partner with a few simple tricks.
First, remove caked dirt or mud from your shoes. Take out the inserts, cushions or laces and set them aside. Then, prepare a solvent with which to hand wash your shoes. In a large bowl or tub, mix one cup of baking soda with four cups of hot water. Dip the smelly soles into the mixture and rub the inside of the shoe with your fingers. Repeat this process with the laces or inserts that you have removed from your shoes. If the exterior is made of leather, skip this step, as excessive exposure to water can cause it to crack and peel. Once you’ve thoroughly washed your shoes, place a generous dollop of crumpled newspaper inside the soles to help absorb moisture as they dry. Once they have completely dried, sprinkle the interior with baking soda, making sure to cover the entire interior of the shoe. Flip them over to remove excess dust and replace inserts and laces.
If you have gel cushions for comfort, it is best to invest in a new set as they are often difficult to clean and can cling to odors. If you prefer not to wash your shoes, put them in a plastic bag and put them in the freezer overnight. The low temperature will help temporarily eliminate odors. Enjoy your sweet feet!