Let's cut right to the chase: that awful shoe smell coming from your shoes is caused by 2 things:

• fungi

• bacteria

Bacteria and fungi colonies that live in your shoes feed on moist and warmth, which allows them to multiply and penetrate your shoes' materials and seams. There they nest and are almost impossible to remove and start smelling. If left untreated, they can eventually cause skin- or nail infections.

A lot of people do not allow their shoes to dry properly, worsening the problem even more and causing smelly shoes. Wearing the same shoes daily does not give your shoes the chance to dry properly.

When the shoes stay moist or damp, the bacteria and fungi continue to thrive. It is very important to switch up your shoes daily and allow your smelly shoes to fully dry.

Running shoes, soccer cleats or your casual sneakers. Most of them are made of synthetic materials.

Those materials; like plastics, synthetic rubbers, polyurethane do not transport moist very well. They do not allow your feet to cool down because they are designed to tightly close off the foot for better fit. They for the perfect breeding place for smelly bacteria and fungi.

Sneakers and trainers usually have a thick synthetic lining material as padding and glued soles preventing them to ventilate and breathe. Add cotton socks to the mix, and this makes you heat up and sweat even more and you have the ideal breeding place for fungi and bacteria!

Moist is the most important cause for shoes to start smelling. It is important that shoes are allowed to fully dry. Therefore never wear shoes for 2 days in a row!