Additional advice
Some people only have mild complaints. Their socks may get damp after walking a while.
Others suffer from full-ledged plantar hyperhidrosis. They sweat so much that their feet
slip around inside their shoes and emit a chronic and severe odor (bromodrosis).
No matter how severe your complaints, the right choice of moisture wicking socks made out
of cotton, or even better, wool can make a huge difference.
Clean socks
Remember to change socks during the day. Take a clean pair of socks with you to school or
work.(Which is why I am no fan of liner socks. It’s a hassle enough to have to change one pair of
socks during the day.)
Use absorbent foot powder twice a day. Always wear clean socks.
Wash your socks on the hottest cycle. After washing, rinse your socks in a diluted antiseptic
solution and let them dry in the air.
If necessary, wear a second pair of appropriate socks over the first pair for increased
absorbency.
Clean, breathable shoes
Make sure to wear non-occlusive , breathable footwear. Leather, canvas, and mesh shoes are
best and athletic shoes or boots should be avoided.
Wear a different pair of shoes on alternate days, so they can dry fully.
Take your shoes off whenever possible during the day. This way your socks can dry and your
shoes can air out a little.
Although hiking shoes such as Goretex are often breathable, some people still experience
sweaty feet. If that’s the case for you go for non-waterpoof boots without membrane.
Washing the foot pads inside your shoes will help fight the smell causing bacteria. Since they
feed on sweat, make sure to clean them regularly.
Absorbent insoles may help too.
If your shoes don¡¯t get the chance to dry, use a shoe dryer.
If you wear boots a lot, consider purchasing a boot rack that lets you store your boots upside
down.
Final note.
If wearing the right socks as well as other home remedies do not help cure your sweaty and
smelly feet, go visit your doctor or a podiatrist.
They may prescribe a more powerful antiperspirant or advice you to get iontophoresis
treatment or, in worst case scenarios, botox injections.
