Why Do My Feet Smell?
- brandonpodiatry
- Jul 30
- 3 min read
Smelly feet (known medically as bromodosis) are usually caused by sweat mixing with naturally occurring bacteria on the skin. While sweating itself doesn't smell, bacteria break down sweat and dead skin cells, producing unpleasant odours. Good foot hygiene, breathable footwear and managing excessive sweating can often help, but persistent foot odour may indicate an underlying condition such as athlete's foot or hyperhidrosis (NICE, 2022; Leung et al., 2023).
What causes smelly feet?
Your feet contain around 250,000 sweat glands—more than any other part of your body. Sweat itself is odourless, but when it remains trapped inside shoes and socks, bacteria thrive in the warm, moist environment.
As these bacteria break down sweat and dead skin, they release compounds responsible for the characteristic foot odour (Leung et al., 2023).
Common causes of smelly feet
Excessive sweating (Hyperhidrosis)
Some people naturally sweat more than others. Excess sweating creates ideal conditions for bacteria to multiply, increasing foot odour.
Bacteria
Bacteria such as Brevibacterium are commonly found on the skin and are one of the main causes of bromodosis. They break down sweat into sulphur-containing compounds that produce a strong smell (Leung et al., 2023).
Athlete's foot
Athlete's foot is a fungal infection that often causes itching, peeling skin and an unpleasant smell. If left untreated, it may spread to the toenails or recur.
Footwear
Shoes made from non-breathable materials or footwear worn repeatedly without drying can trap moisture, allowing bacteria and fungi to flourish.
Socks
Wearing the same socks for long periods or choosing synthetic materials that trap moisture can contribute to persistent foot odour.
Could it be something else?
Occasionally, persistent foot odour may be linked to conditions such as:
Hyperhidrosis
Athlete's foot
Pitted keratolysis (a bacterial skin infection)
Poor foot hygiene
Certain medical conditions affecting sweating
If your feet smell despite good hygiene or you notice pain, pits in the skin, redness or cracking, it's worth having them assessed by a podiatrist.
Self-care and prevention
You can reduce foot odour by:
Washing your feet daily with soap and water.
Drying carefully, especially between the toes.
Changing socks every day.
Choosing moisture-wicking socks.
Wearing breathable footwear.
Alternating shoes to allow them to dry completely.
Using foot antiperspirants if recommended.
Treating athlete's foot promptly.
How can Brandon Podiatry help?
Persistent foot odour isn't something you simply have to live with.
At Brandon Podiatry we can:
Identify the underlying cause.
Diagnose athlete's foot and pitted keratolysis.
Provide personalised foot hygiene advice.
Recommend appropriate treatments.
Assess for other contributing conditions.
Early treatment often prevents the problem from becoming recurrent.
What does the evidence say?
Research shows that foot odour develops when bacteria metabolise sweat and dead skin cells in warm, moist environments. Managing moisture through good hygiene, breathable footwear and appropriate treatment of fungal or bacterial infections is the most effective approach to reducing bromodosis (Leung et al., 2023; NICE, 2022).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my feet smell even after washing them?
Persistent odour may be caused by bacteria remaining in shoes or socks, excessive sweating, or an underlying condition such as athlete's foot or pitted keratolysis.
Can shoes make my feet smell?
Yes. Shoes that trap heat and moisture create an ideal environment for bacteria to multiply.
Are smelly feet a sign of infection?
Sometimes. Persistent odour accompanied by itching, peeling skin or small pits on the soles may indicate a fungal or bacterial infection.
When should I see a podiatrist?
If foot odour persists despite good hygiene, keeps returning, or is associated with pain, skin changes or excessive sweating, a professional assessment is recommended.
References (Harvard)
Leung, A.K.C., Barankin, B. and Leong, K.F. (2023) 'Bromodosis: A review of causes and management', Cureus, 15(2), e35081.
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (2022) Fungal skin infection – foot. NICE Clinical Knowledge Summaries.
Royal College of Podiatry (n.d.) Athlete's foot. Available from the Royal College of Podiatry patient information resources.
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