Sneakers are today the go-to footwear for many, and they have even adapted to various attire over time. It draws millions primarily due to its comfort and the ability to make you look good. However, they soon begin to smell, and sometimes even after washing. Deeply embedded bacteria and fungi in the insoles survive even after the shoes have been washed. That is because these come with the ability to thrive in moist and dark environments, precisely, in your shoes.
Reasons Why Shoes Smell Bad
There are two primary sources for unpleasant smells in footwear: bacterial and environmental. Feet are the sweatier parts of the body, and microorganisms feed on dead skin and body fluid, releasing a malodorous byproduct. Several odors in the environment, including unpleasant ones, waft through the air and become trapped in fabrics, where they linger longer.
Factors leading to malodours:
· Ventilation – Some athletic shoe designs provide breathability, whereas others exhibit limited airflow. These retain warmth and moisture, thereby promoting bacterial growth and bad smell.
· Foot Hygiene – A major contributor to shoe-related odour; when foot hygiene is neglected, bacteria accumulate quickly.
· Fabrics and Materials – When shoes are made from non-breathable fabrics, such as canvas or leather, they are prone to malodours.
Here’s the science of smelly shoes: –
While we know that bacteria thrive in warm, damp conditions, how does an unpleasant odour develop in shoes?
Sweat is organic and contains various compounds, including fatty acids and lipids. Because feet shed dead skin cells and also sweat, it just turns into the perfect nutrient-rich environment for bacterial growth. These compounds are metabolized by the germs, breaking them into smaller waste products. Waste produced by bacterial metabolism is called VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), which are responsible for unpleasant odours.
Certain parts of the shoe (not all) are susceptible to bacterial growth, such as insoles, which are in direct contact with the foot and release sweat. And then there’s the toe box, which is restrictive and has poor ventilation. Finally, if the lining and upper are made of synthetic materials rather than natural ones, they may emit an unpleasant odour.
Regular Shoe Cleaning With Diva LaundryTherefore, it is essential to choose a professional laundry provider in Dubai who understands the nuances of shoe cleaning. While it may seem straightforward, cleaning requires skill and specialized chemicals to prolong the life of the footwear and eliminate odours.
FAQs
Yes. Especially if your shoes develop unpleasant odours even after a DIY washing routine, you should contact Diva Laundry for assistance.
A professional shoe cleaning company understands the nuances of shoe cleaning and uses certain chemicals that help keep bacteria and unpleasant odours away for longer.
Bacteria typically thrive in warm conditions, and when you sweat, it creates an environment for germs. Additionally, sweat contains organic compounds that release waste, which in turn emits an unpleasant odour.
No. But insoles where sweat and dead skin cells form, and the toe box, which is restrictive, are areas that are prone to bad odours.
Poor ventilation, bad foot hygiene, and synthetic fabrics and materials can lead to malodours.
