We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Running The 8 Best Shoe Deodorizers To Keep Your Sweaty Sneakers Stink-Free Our certified running coach rounded up the top picks By Christine Luff, ACE-CPT Christine Luff, ACE-CPT Christine Many Luff is a personal trainer, fitness nutrition specialist, and Road Runners Club of America Certified Coach. Learn about our editorial process Updated on March 12, 2024 Reviewed Verywell Fit articles are reviewed by nutrition and exercise professionals. Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by John Honerkamp Reviewed by John Honerkamp John Honerkamp is an RRCA and USATF-certified running coach, celebrity marathon pacer, and recognized leader in the New York City running community. Learn about our Review Board Print Verywell Fit / Chloe Jeong Do your sweaty feet cause smelly sneakers? If so, you're not alone, and the best shoe deodorizers can help. When fighting smelly shoes, it's crucial to address the root cause by targeting the bacteria and fungus responsible for the odor, rather than merely masking it with chemicals. That's why selecting a shoe deodorizer that removes and prevents odors is essential. These deodorizers come in various forms like sprays, powders, inserts, pouches, and balls, catering to individual preferences. Regardless of your chosen style, look for ingredients that fight odors, not just cover them up with fragrance. To identify the top deodorizers, we first consulted experts for key features to consider when shopping. We then researched dozens of options from top, trusted brands. To narrow down our picks, we evaluated each product's deodorizer type, ingredients, scent, versatility, and price. A USATF-certified running coach on our Review Board also reviewed the claims in this article for accuracy, the efficacy of shoe deodorizers, and how to evaluate them. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Lumi Outdoors Natural Shoe Deodorizer Spray at Amazon ($14) Jump to Review Best Budget: Odor-Eaters Talc-Free Foot Powder at Amazon ($18) Jump to Review Best Powder: Dr. Scholl's Odor-X Foot Powder at Amazon ($22) Jump to Review Best Natural: Rocket Pure Foot and Shoe Deodorant Spray at Amazon ($15) Jump to Review Best for Travel: Sof Sole Sneaker Balls at Amazon ($14) Jump to Review Best Shoe Inserts: Dr. Scholl's Odor-X Odor Fighting Insoles at Amazon ($16) Jump to Review Best Bags: Marsheepy Charcoal Shoe Deodorizer Bags at Amazon ($14) Jump to Review Best for Stubborn Odors: HEX Performance Deodorizing Spray at Amazon ($22) Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks What to Look For How We Selected Our Experts Frequently Asked Questions Why Trust Verywell Fit Best Overall Lumi Outdoors Natural Shoe Deodorizer Spray Amazon View On Amazon $14 View On Walmart $23 View On Lumioutdoors.com Pros All-natural Works on other gear Anti-fungal Cons Small size Key Specs Type: Spray | Size: 4 ounces | Odor-Eliminating Ingredients: Essential oils | Scents: Lemongrass, eucalyptus, peppermint, lavender, tea tree Why We Love It Our top pick, Lumi's Outdoors Spray, is designed for nighttime use, leaving you with clean, fresh-smelling shoes by morning. It's a great alternative to odor-fighting insoles, especially if you already use special inserts, like insoles for flat feet. With just a couple of quick spritzes, this spray effectively eliminates and prevents odors. Formulated with natural essential oils like organic lemongrass, mint, and tea tree oils, it harnesses natural antibacterial and anti-fungal properties, also helping prevent athlete’s foot. We love that each bottle delivers over 700 sprays, so your shoes and other workout gear will stay fresh longer. It also comes with a 100% money-back guarantee, so the only thing you have to lose is shoe stench. Potential Flaws While this bottle is slightly smaller than some alternatives on our list, it still provides over 700 sprays, ensuring your shoes and other gear stay fresh for months (even years). Best Budget Odor-Eaters Talc-Free Foot Powder Amazon View On Amazon $18 View On Walmart $5 View On Target $5 Pros Talc-free Absorbs sweat Four-pack Cons Sticks to socks Gets clumpy if you use too much Key Specs Type: Powder | Size: 6 ounces | Odor-Eliminating Ingredients: Corn starch, baking soda | Scent: Light, fresh scent Why We Love It Foot and shoe odor isn’t easy to fight, but Odor Eaters' Foot Powder makes it simple. This powerful powder not only combats existing smells but also absorbs sweat, keeping your feet dry and fresh all day long. Packaged in a four-pack, each bottle containing 6 ounces, it also stands out as the most cost-effective option on our list. Unlike some other powders that are rough and gritty, this one goes on smoothly and keeps feet comfy. The bottle’s easy-grip design makes it simple to hold and shake the powder into your shoes without spilling. And we love that the formula is talc-free, offering a safe and effective solution to keep your shoes stench-free. Potential Flaws Some users complain that the powder clumps up and sticks to their socks if they use too much, so we recommend starting with a small amount and gradually increasing as needed. Best Powder Dr. Scholl's Odor-X Foot Powder Amazon View On Amazon $22 View On Walmart $10 Pros Budget-friendly Eliminates excess moisture Works quickly Cons Can be messy Sticks to socks Key Specs Type: Powder | Size: 6.25 ounces | Odor-Eliminating Ingredients: Baking soda, corn starch, zinc oxide | Scent: Unscented Why We Love It Dr. Scholl’s Odor-Fighting Foot Powder is a versatile solution for refreshing your feet and shoes. With a patented odor-fighting technology, this deodorant powder promises to eliminate odor in seconds and keep your feet smelling fresh all day. Simply sprinkle the powder onto clean, dry feet or into your shoes and socks for instant, long-lasting results. In addition to tackling unpleasant odors, this powder excels in absorbing foot sweat, ensuring your feet stay dry, cool, and comfortable during any activity. We appreciate its budget-friendly price point and larger size, making it a cost-effective solution for combating sweaty, smelly shoes. Potential Flaws Powders can be messy and stick to socks, but the minor upkeep is well worth it for stink-free feet and shoes. Best Natural Rocket Pure Foot and Shoe Deodorant Spray Amazon View On Amazon $15 View On Walmart $15 View On Rocketpure.com Pros Simple and neat All-natural Easy to use Cons Doesn’t absorb moisture Key Specs Type: Spray | Size: 4 ounces | Odor-Eliminating Ingredients: Essential oils | Scent: Peppermint and eucalyptus; cedarwood and rosemary; lemon and orange Why We Love It Sprays are the go-to solution for those on the move, offering a mess-free alternative to powders. If you prefer natural products without compromising on effectiveness, Rocket Pure's Foot and Deodorant Spray is our top pick. It excels in powerful odor elimination while being gentle on sensitive skin. And essential oils like peppermint, eucalyptus, tea tree, and thyme, give the spray a fresh, minty scent. The product's versatility is another standout feature—it's suitable for any type of footwear, from ballet slippers to running shoes. It's a great choice if you're involved in various sports or just have a lot of gear. We love that you can also spritz it into gym bags, backpacks, and other places that need refreshing. Plus, a 100% satisfaction guarantee makes this a low-risk purchase, though we're quite confident you'll enjoy stink-free gear. Potential Flaws Unlike other shoe deodorizers on our list, this one doesn't soak up sweat. Still, it's a solid on-the-go pick for knocking out odors. Best for Travel Sof Sole Sneaker Balls Amazon View On Amazon $14 View On Walmart $26 View On Basspro.com $15 Pros Budget-friendly Can also be used for bags Six-pack Cons May lose effectiveness after a couple of months Key Specs Type: Balls | Size: 1.5-inch diameter | Odor-Eliminating Ingredients: Not listed | Scent: Fresh scent Why We Love Them Kick shoe odor to the curb with Sof Sole's Sneaker Balls. Measuring just 1.5 inches in diameter, they’ll fit right into a small pouch, travel bag, or carry-on for travel-friendly freshness. To use, simply twist the sneaker balls to release a specialized odor-busting scent and then place them inside your shoes. When you take them out, twist them again to preserve the scent. Each set lasts up to six months, and with various colors and designs available, they're also whole-family-friendly. Plus, the pack comes with six balls, allowing you to throw them in a bunch of different shoes—or even in your smelly gym backpack. Potential Flaws Although the manufacturer claims each set lasts up to six months, a few users have reported that the scent tends to fade sooner than expected. Best Shoe Inserts Dr. Scholl's Odor-X Odor Fighting Insoles Amazon View On Amazon $16 View On Walmart Pros Comfortable and easy to wear Absorb moisture Cons Better suited for smaller feet Key Specs Type: Insert | Size: Fits most shoe sizes | Odor-Eliminating Ingredients: Activated charcoal, baking soda | Scent: Unscented Why We Love Them Looking for a hassle-free odor solution? Give Dr. Scholl's Odor-Fighting Insoles a try. No need to mess with sprays or powders—simply place these insoles in your shoes and let them absorb sweat and banish odor as you walk, run, and work out throughout the day. With up to six months of odor-fighting power, we love that these provide long-lasting freshness. We also appreciate their dual functionality of moisture absorption and odor elimination, coupled with the added comfort of extra cushioning underfoot. These insoles are suitable for all genders and most foot sizes, including children, since they can be trimmed for a customized fit. Potential Flaws According to Dr. Scholl's, if you wear a size 12 or larger, these might not be long enough for full coverage. Best Bags Marsheepy Charcoal Shoe Deodorizer Bags Amazon View On Amazon $14 View On Walmart Pros Versatile All-natural Reusable for two years Cons Need to recharge in the sun Key Specs Type: Pouch | Size: 7.09 x 2.95 x 1.5 inches | Odor-Eliminating Ingredients: Bamboo charcoal | Scent: Unscented Why We Love Them If you don’t want the mess and fuss of powders and sprays, Marsheepy's Shoe Deodorizer Bags may be the stink-busting solution for you. Each bag is filled with 50 grams of bamboo charcoal, safely purifying the air and absorbing excess moisture. To use them, set them out in the sun for a couple of hours each month, then throw them in your shoes. Offering a long-lasting solution, these bags can be used for up to two years. This pack includes 12 bags, which you can distribute among various pairs of shoes and other items, such as gym bags, cars, or lockers, to maintain a fresh scent. They provide excellent value for the price and offer a chemical-free alternative to keeping your belongings smelling clean and fresh. Potential Flaws These bags require charging in the sun for just a few hours each month, a small commitment considering their two-year lifespan. Best for Stubborn Odors HEX Performance Deodorizing Spray Amazon View On Amazon $22 View On Hexperformance.com Pros Works on tough odors Works on other gear Biodegradable Cons Doesn’t dry immediately Key Specs Type: Spray | Size: 12 fluid ounces | Odor-Eliminating Ingredients: Not listed | Scents: Fresh and clean, fragrance-free Why We Love It If your shoes have stubborn odors but you can't bring yourself to toss them out yet, consider HEX's Performance Deodorizing Spray as your last effort. Better than scent boosters, it captures odor at the source and is made specifically to clean, protect, and deodorize shoes and other athletic gear. Simply hold the bottle about six inches from the shoes and lightly mist the inside and outside so it can neutralize bad smells. Suitable for more than just shoes, it also works well on other equipment that can’t be put in the washing machine, like yoga mats, cycling gear, and weighted vests (even odors around and ellipticals and treadmills). The formula is biodegradable, alcohol-free, vegan-friendly, and totally free of parabens and sodium lauryl sulfate. It’s also available in scented fragrance-free options. Potential Flaws After spraying, you need to wait a few minutes to let the liquid dry down. What to Look For When Shopping For Shoe Deodorizers Type: There are five main types of shoe deodorizers: sprays, powders, shoe inserts, balls, and pouches. Each offers unique benefits, so finding the right fit depends on your needs and preferences. Sprays are the most versatile since they can be used on all types of gear and equipment, while powders may be best for shoe-specific stink and sweat. Shoe inserts are great because they eliminate odors and absorb moisture while keeping your feet comfy. Meanwhile, pouches and balls are easy to throw into your shoes and gym bags for overnight refreshing. Ingredients: Natural ingredients like baking soda, zinc oxide, and activated charcoal effectively neutralize and absorb odors. Due to safety concerns, people with children or pets often opt for all-natural deodorizers. Alternatively, some deodorizers contain chemical ingredients known for their rapid action in disinfecting bacteria and combating odors. To prevent irritation, we recommend avoiding direct contact with your skin.Scent: Some shoe deodorizers are scented with common fragrances such as lavender, peppermint, and chamomile, typically infused via essential oils. If you prefer unscented products, you can opt for an odorless shoe deodorizer that's specifically marked as fragrance-free. Sprays and powders typically have scented options, but pouches and balls are often unscented.Versatility: While some deodorizers target shoes exclusively, others offer broader applications. Pouches, for instance, can also be used in lockers and gym bags, while sprays may also freshen other workout equipment or act as room fresheners. If you’re very active or store gear in many places, you may want to consider a dual-purpose product. How We Selected the Shoe Deodorizers To choose the best shoe deodorizers, we first asked a certified running coach for expert advice on what to prioritize and how to select the perfect product to meet diverse needs and preferences. With their tips and recommendations in mind, we researched dozens of shoe deodorizers, evaluating each one for its type, ingredients, scent, and versatility. Our Experts We consulted the following expert at each stage of our research and reporting for this story. Our experts guide us in identifying crucial features to consider when shopping and frequently provide valuable product recommendations. While we choose products independently, we use expert input to influence our choices. Randy Accetta, certified running coach and director of coaching education for Road Runners Club of America Frequently Asked Questions Are shoe deodorizers safe? Yes, shoe deodorizers are generally safe to use, as they are designed to eliminate odors without harming your shoes or feet. However, we recommend always checking ingredients and following manufacturer instructions to ensure proper usage. How often should I deodorize shoes? Deodorizing shoes right out of the box will build a protective layer that will help prevent future stink. After that, if your feet tend to sweat a lot, you may want to deodorize after every workout. Why Trust Verywell Fit An avid runner, marathon running coach, and fitness writer, Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, loves researching and testing the latest and greatest fitness gear and gadgets. Her decades of running experience have helped her understand the value of using the best gear to improve comfort and performance. 1 Source Verywell Fit uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Nazzaro F, Fratianni F, Coppola R, Feo V. Essential Oils and Antifungal Activity. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2017;10(4):86. doi:10.3390/ph10040086 See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Helpful Report an Error Other Submit