Sweaty feet and foot odour (bromhidrosis) are more common than most people realise — and more treatable than most people assume. The foot has more sweat glands per square centimetre than almost anywhere else on the body, making it particularly prone to moisture-related problems. Here's the science behind it, and what actually works.
Why do feet sweat so much?
Each foot contains around 250,000 sweat glands. Sweating is the body's natural mechanism for temperature regulation, but in some people — those with hyperhidrosis pedis — the sweat glands are overactive, producing far more sweat than the body needs for thermoregulation.
Foot odour is not directly caused by sweat itself (sweat is nearly odourless) but by the bacteria on the skin that thrive in warm, moist environments. As bacteria break down the sweat and dead skin cells on the foot's surface, they produce the characteristic unpleasant smell. The confined, warm environment of a closed shoe significantly amplifies this process.
Common causes and contributing factors
- Hyperhidrosis pedis (primary excessive sweating)
- Synthetic footwear and socks that trap heat and moisture
- Not allowing shoes to air out between wears
- Tinea pedis (athlete's foot) — often coexists with and worsens foot odour
- Stress and anxiety — which can trigger excessive sweating systemically
- Hormonal changes — particularly during puberty and pregnancy
How to manage sweaty feet and foot odour
1. Daily hygiene
Wash feet thoroughly once or twice daily, including between the toes, using an antibacterial or antimicrobial soap. Dry feet completely afterwards — particularly between the toes, where moisture retention is greatest.
2. Antiperspirant foot products
Antiperspirant foot sprays, powders, and creams containing aluminium chloride or aluminium chlorohydrate reduce sweat production by temporarily blocking the sweat glands. Applied to clean, dry feet before bed, they can significantly reduce sweating throughout the following day. Products like Akileine Green Antiperspirant are specifically formulated for the feet.
3. Moisture-wicking socks
Swap synthetic socks for moisture-wicking performance fabrics or natural fibres like merino wool or bamboo. These materials actively draw moisture away from the skin, keeping feet drier throughout the day. Avoid 100% cotton — it absorbs sweat but doesn't wick it away, leaving feet sitting in moisture.
4. Shoe rotation and treatment
Never wear the same pair of shoes on consecutive days. Allow at least 24 hours for shoes to air out and dry completely between wears. Use a shoe deodoriser or antifungal spray inside shoes to reduce bacterial and fungal load.
5. Treat underlying tinea
If foot odour is accompanied by itching, scaling, or redness between the toes, tinea pedis may be contributing. Treating the fungal infection with an antifungal cream or spray will also improve odour. Browse our athlete's foot treatment range.
Recommended products
At TBS Health, we stock a clinical range of products for sweaty and odorous feet:
- Sweaty and odorous feet collection — antiperspirants, deodorants, antifungal treatments and more
- Akileine Green Antiperspirant Cream and Powder — French podiatric formula for hyperhidrosis pedis
- 2Toms Stink Free Shoe and Gear Spray — eliminates bacterial odour from footwear
- Thursday Plantation Tea Tree Foot Powder — natural antibacterial and antifungal foot powder
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. Severe hyperhidrosis that doesn't respond to topical measures may require medical treatment — consult your GP or dermatologist.