With all the walking involved, a bit of an odor from your shoes is normal during a hike. When you are enjoying outdoor adventures, there is an unspoken agreement to let your hygiene loose. Dirty pants? That’s fine. A bit of an odor from all the sweating? It’s only normal. 

But sometimes, your shoes and feet can get too stinky to the point of discomfort especially if you are hiking in a group. Smelly shoes and socks can also stink up your tent and the rest of your stuff. 

Here are some tips to keep your shoes and socks smelling fresh when you are hiking or backpacking. 

What Causes Smelly Shoes and Socks?

The main culprit is bacteria. They are the reason your feet and shoes get stinky after you have been hiking for hours.

Our feet sweat a lot more than any other part of the body, since they have the most sweat glands. The sweat itself is odorless. It’s the bacteria that feeds on fatty compounds in the sweat that cause the stink. 

But it’s not just sweat that can make your feet smelly. If it is raining or if you are hiking through puddles, swamps or dew-laden undergrowth, moisture can seep into your shoes and socks. This dampness attracts odor-causing bacteria as well as fungus.     

5 Tips to Keep Your Shoes and Socks Fresh When Outdoors

Just because you are away from civilization doesn't mean you have to smell like a savage. It’s actually pretty easy to keep your feet and shoes smelling fresh even after hiking for hours. Here’s how. 

1. Wear the Right Shoes

In addition to being lightweight, hardy and well-fitting, good hiking shoes should be breathable. This prevents a build up of sweat, which worsens smells. Breathable shoes are especially important if you plan to do a summer hike when the higher temperatures cause more sweating.  

But even in the colder months, breathable hiking shoes are just as important since you’ll still sweat after hiking for hours.

If you expect to encounter wet conditions like swamps or rain, wearing waterproof hiking shoes will keep your feet dry and fresh. Just make sure that the boots are breathable. 

2. Wear the Right Socks 

Socks are just as important as the kind of shoes you wear when it comes to preventing smelly feet when you are outdoors. 

You need socks that are breathable, moisture-wicking and quick drying. This ensures they keep your feet cool, absorb sweat from your skin and stay dry throughout your hike. 

The one material that meets all these requirements is wool. That’s why wool socks are the most popular among hikers. 

Cotton socks are not ideal for hiking since they don't dry quickly. They’ll absorb sweat but then hold onto it, which can lead to smelly feet. 

Polyester and nylon socks dry quickly but they are not very absorbent and they also tend to smell more compared to natural fabrics.

If wool socks are above your budget, you can get cheaper wool and polyester socks. 

3. Get Antibacterial Socks

Antibacterial socks attack odor-causing bacteria, keeping your feet and shoes smelling fresh no matter how much you sweat. 

The Hercleon HercSocks are designed specifically for traveling and you can even wear them several times without having to wash them. There’s an anti-odor version and an advanced hike-friendly version that’s resistant to rain, snow and odors. 

4. Take Breaks to Air Your Feet and Shoes

Whenever you take a break, take off your shoes and socks to let them air. This will also give your feet a chance to dry off. 

If you can, hang the socks on a branch or lay them on a rock to air them out faster. Taking frequent bread reduces sweat and odor buildup inside your shoes. 

5. Use Antiperspirants and Deodorants

Applying antiperspirant spray or powder on your feet can keep odors at bay when you are outdoors. Antiperspirants work by reducing how much you sweat. You can also apply a deodorant to control odor-causing bacteria. 

You can make a homemade deodorant by mixing vinegar and water in a spray bottle then apply it on your feet and in your shoes. A mix of cornstarch and baking soda also works great for absorbing excess moisture and reducing smells.