Feet smell nose runs

January 3, 2009 12:16 PM

The first time I wash a pair of shoes, it seems to make them permanently smelly.

Is there a way to wash sneakers that doesn't make them permanently stinky?

posted by nomad to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (9 answers total)

Is it feet stinky or mildewy stinky? If it's mildew, then you're not allowing them to dry fully. We're talking a few days.

Also, you need to pull out the insoles before you wash them.

(I'm assuming you mean like Keds and not performance running shoes.)
posted by 26.2 at 12:39 PM on January 3, 2009

Hmmm, I don't know offhand how you are washing them, but it sounds to me like it might be more of a drying problem then a washing problem.

They might be getting sour from being wet too long. It's probably easiest to just throw them in the dryer with some towels or blankets. Dry it on medium, not high. Some people don't believe in putting shoes in the dryer, then I guess you could stuff the insides with newspaper and change the papers when they get wet. That works well for drying out any pair of shoes.
posted by jefeweiss at 12:40 PM on January 3, 2009

oy. As a sneaker collector, this makes me cringe. Do NOT put your shoes in a washing machine or immerse them in hot water in any way. This destroys the padding in the midsole, and causes the glue that holds the damn things together to break down.

I'm not a total freak, who uses a toothbrush, but your cleaning method should totally depend on material. See here for poorly articulated details:

http://niketalk.yuku.com/topic/15471/t/OFFICIAL-SNEAKER-CARE-MAINTENANCE-POST-It-s-back.html?page=3
posted by wuzandfuzz at 12:53 PM on January 3, 2009

I used to work at Foot Locker in my teens and they sold some good cleaner products to use instead of putting them through the washing machine. If they're sneakers, there are scrubs to use (works best with a fingernail cleaner... those little brushes) and then make sure you spray them.

If they're nubuck you can get an eraser to take the scuffs off them.

If they're leather then there are leather protectors or touch up kits.

If they're material then I would spray them as soon as I bought them and spot clean after that.

With almost all shoes, you have to spray them about once a month to keep up the water resistance and stain protection.
posted by DorothySmith at 1:18 PM on January 3, 2009

I've washed shoes with good results, except for the fact that it will shrink them a little bit - which means sometimes they turn out to be too small for me after washing. You can't wash athletic shoes very many times - do this only when you have no choice.

Anyway, to dry them, I remove the laces and pull the tongue to the outside to open the shoe up as much as possible. Then I set up a hairdryer so that it can be aimed toward the inside of the shoe, with the hairdryer on medium (not hot), and leave it for about an hour. Just don't leave the house - you don't want to start a fire!
posted by onemorething at 1:25 PM on January 3, 2009

I agree with everyone else that it's probably a drying problem. I generally wouldn't wash sneakers (unless they specifically say they're washable, which some do). Why are you washing your sneakers? Maybe we can help find a non-washing solution to whatever your problem is.
posted by robinpME at 2:07 PM on January 3, 2009

Yes, it all comes down to how you're washing them, and whether they were meant to be washed in the first place. I generally would not recommend washing shoes in the washing machine.
posted by limeonaire at 4:26 PM on January 3, 2009

If you must wash them (and I've washed several pairs of shoes in the machine to good effect) I suggest using a cold cycle; adding a fair amount of vinegar & a capful of napisan (or whatever equivalent you use in your laundry); washing the laces & insole in the same cycle, but removed from the shoes; letting them soak for an hour or so (let the vinegar work its magic); and then allowing as much drying time (with the shoes wide open) as possible.

I think running shoes / trainers are fair game for this treatment, but only in exceptional circumstances (if they're just sweaty from the gym they need to be dried out - not machine washed).
posted by The Monkey at 5:35 AM on January 4, 2009

Oh I'd also suggest leaving them drying opened towards sunlight, if possible.
posted by The Monkey at 5:36 AM on January 4, 2009