Foot odor is often an issue with athletic shoes since moisture from perspiration and body heat create the perfect environment for bacteria to grow. At SoccerPro.com, we carry a full range of soccer cleats from top brands, and we’re experts at keeping them smelling like new. Here are some tips:

Dry Them Out Completely

Odor-causing bacteria needs at least a little moisture to stay active. Make sure to dry out your boots after you wear them. It can help to stuff them with dry newspaper or paper towels and place them outdoors, though not in direct sunlight. Tea bags or fabric softener sheets may help eliminate odors when placed inside your cleats overnight.

Use a Deodorizing Spray

At most sporting goods or shoe stores, you can find specially formulated deodorizing spray. If your cleats are still stinky after completely drying out, you might want to give deodorizing spray a shot. Standard household air freshener may even do the trick.

If All Else Fails, Give Them a Deep Clean

If soccer cleat odor persists, it’s time for a deep clean. Soak your boots in a mix of warm water and mild detergent for a half hour or so. Use an old, soft toothbrush to brush away any grime along the outside. Spray bleach on to a paper towel, wrap it in newspaper, and stuff that into your cleats. Let them dry for 24 hours, and hopefully, the stench will be gone.

Buy a New Pair!

If that doesn’t work, just buy a new pair! Ok, that’s not really a solution, and there’s always a way to deodorize cleats, even if it takes several attempts. BUT, if you are in the market for new boots, SoccerPro.com is the place to look. We carry the latest Nike® soccer cleats, adidas® soccer cleats, and elite soccer shoes from other leading manufacturers.