‘I’m a Podiatrist, And These Are the 5 Products I Recommend for Stinky Summer Feet’

When summer arrives, many of us slip off our sneakers only to realize that (holy-freaking-moly) our toes and arches have definitely seen better days. Spending months trapped inside thick wool socks certainly doesn’t make for happy heels, but podiatrists will tell you that the warm, sticky months bring their own set of obstacles. Fortunately for your summer feet, there are a handful of footcare products for stinky feet you can use to make sure this isn’t the summer of fungus, hangnails, and… stench.

“Summer is a particularly tricky season for feet because people are walking barefoot more frequently which exposes them to fungus and bacteria,” says Miguel Cunha, DPM, founder of Gotham Footcare. “They also opt to wear shoes that don’t support their feet, like flip flops, which further exacerbate issues.” To give you the not-so-cute details, Dr. Cunha says he sees an uptick in athlete’s foot, plantar fasciitis, nail fungus, and plantar warts as June fades into September. These are all things we want to avoid, yes?

In order to do just that,  Jacqueline Sutera, DPM, a New York City-based podiatrist and Vionic Innovation Lab member, is offering her favorite buys for caring for your feet this summer. “There are some great products that can help feet and shoes stay fresh like antifungal shoe deodorants, foot sprays, powders, soaks and antiperspirants to help keep feet and shoes fresh in warmer weather. There is even a very effective UV light machine to kill the fungus growing in shoes to be used in between uses,” says Sutera. Ready to see what’s on her summer list?

5 products for stinky feet to keep on hand this summer

1. Tea Tree Oil Foot Soak

Shop now: Tea Tree Oil Foot Soak, $18

Tea tree oil’s antimicrobial properties are well-known and well-loved—and that’s why it’s not a bad idea to soak your feet in the stuff after a summer run (or even a walk, TBH, if you’re extra-sweaty like me). This product also includes eucalyptus, lavender, and chamomile extract for a foot bath you won’t want to miss.

2. FunkAway Aerospray

Shop now: FunkAway Aerospray, $7

I mean, the name of this particular brand says it all. You can spray it inside your stinkiest sneakers, gym bags, and other hard-to-wash items and watch the funky smells vanish.

3. SteriShoe Essential Ultraviolet Shoe Sanitizer

Shop now: Sterishoe Essential Ultraviolet Shoe Sanitizer, $100

This product’s definitely an investment in your foot health, but it’s one you’ll treasure for summers and summers to come. According to the company’s website, the SteriShoe is clinically-proven to kill 99.9 percent of germs. It fits all shoe sizes and has been awarded the Podiatric Association Seal of Acceptance.

4. Gold Bond No Mess Foot Powder Spray

Shop now: Gold Bond No Mess Foot Powder Spray, $7

Part of the problem with summertime is that your shoes get really (and I mean, really) moist. Fungus thrives in this type of damp, warm environment. This product dries things right up in your shoes and socks so you don’t have to worry about future fungus on your long hikes, bike rides, or runs.

5. Carpe Antiperspirant Lotion

Shop now: Carpe Antiperspirant Lotion, $15

In case you were wondering, antiperspirant for your feet does exist and this product comes highly recommended by dermatologists and podiatrists. Just apply a pea-sized drop to your toes, heels, and arches twice a day to keep the summer of smelly feet away.