Anonymous wrote:The kids need to wash their feed with hibiclens every single shower. Shoes that one wears socks with shouldn't be getting that smelly if the feet are clean.

This person clearly never had athletic children...

The key is to air out the shoes in a well-ventilated spot after every wear. The wetness/sweat causes the stench. Pull out the insoles and let them air out after every wear. They should just slide right out. My kid plays soccer and as soon as he gets home, he airs out his cleats and shin guards (who knew those could reek?). Getting a second pair of shoes allows you to fully air out one pair while using the other.

If he had to play in the rain, we pop his shoes on the shoe dryer. (Pro tip: the shoe dryer also works to dry gloves, mittens and winter hats).

Some clothing dryers have a setting for drying shoes that might also work. Usually you have to insert a plastic shelf for the shoes to sit on, and select the correct setting which prevents the drum from turning.

Anonymous wrote:Get some charcoal odor bags. You recharge them in the sun. They work great! Just put on top of each shoe and put in a sunny spot outside to release odors.

I use a few in our closet because my DH’s shoes smell a little funky when all in one small space.

This 100%!!

Charcoal shoe bags. Foot powder on the actual feet.

Lysol. A quick spray after every use. Helps with the bacteria. As a PP suggested: sunlight & fresh air also helps!

And rotate pairs (if possible). I know at some ages they seem to outgrow them overnight so two pairs might be too much....but givin' a pair a rest also helps.

Anonymous wrote:“On your toes” powder from Amazon will solve the problem

+1000 I use footsense which is similar. Don't waste your time with anything else. use it on the feet and sprinkle it in the shoes.

The odor is caused by a combination of bacteria and moisture. You need to deal with both.

1) Make sure your kid is washing his feet with soap and warm water. Between the toes, too! Every night and every morning! Hibiclens, recommended by PP, would be great.

2) Wash his socks in hot water and make sure they dry thoroughly in the dryer. Make sure he's wearing clean socks, ideally a fresh pair before practice.

3) Buy another pair and ROTATE.

4) Consider not wearing shoes in the house. Let his feet air out. At the very least, change into house slippers at home.

5) Don't store shoes inside his damp gym bag. At least let his shoes sit on top of it (so he won't forget to pack them) so they can dry out.

I put coffee grounds in small mesh bags and leave them in. Agree with two pair rotation

Sitting outside in the sun and fresh air is the only thing I've ever gotten to work with my kids' sports shoes. And I've tired it all.

While it doesn't restore them to new sneaker smell, it does help neutralize the odor.

Get some charcoal odor bags. You recharge them in the sun. They work great! Just put on top of each shoe and put in a sunny spot outside to release odors.

I use a few in our closet because my DH’s shoes smell a little funky when all in one small space.

Anonymous wrote:Better socks!!

100% the opposite of this. The best socks wick moisture away from the foot to the shoes. Dry shoes mean the socks are retaining moisture which means wet feet.

Anonymous wrote:Just and FYI, you aren't supposed to put basketball shoes in a washing machine

DO NOT use a washing machine or dryer. It will cause damage.

https://www.adidas.com/us/blog/342724-how-to-clean-basketball-shoes

First things first: Nike does not recommend washing shoes in the washing machine.

https://www.nike.com/si/a/can-you-put-shoes-in-the-washer

Well, once they smell they’re already damaged. When OP gets a new pair she can use the shoe dryer and the various sprays to keep them okay for longer.

The smelly ones need to be washed. It’s okay if it shortens their life. That’s the price of doing business.

The kids need to wash their feed with hibiclens every single shower. Shoes that one wears socks with shouldn't be getting that smelly if the feet are clean.

Get new shoes and start using Lume. It has worked WONDERS for me and now I almost don't even need to use it anymore. I have had smelly feet my entire adult life and I have tried everything under the sun...tea bags, drier sheets, EVERYTHING. Lume works but if the old shoes already have the funk in them then you have to start fresh with those and move on....but this stuff works I'm telling you!!