RS Recommends: The Best Shoe Deodorizers to Keep Your Sneakers Smelling Fresh and Clean
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Whether you’re playing sports, working out regularly, or going for hikes, your once-new shoes have probably picked up some unwanted odors along the way. Luckily, it’s pretty easy to freshen up your kicks. All you need: the best shoe deodorizers.
Shoe Deodorizer Buying Guide
First, see if you can clean up your kicks in the washer. Many running sneakers, for instance, are washer-safe, though always make sure that’s the case before throwing them in the laundry.
Overall, shoe deodorizers are available in a wide variety of forms. Some are odor-removing sprays that eliminate odors rather than just masking them with better smells. If you’re worried about harmful chemicals, you’ll be glad to know that many of the top shoe deodorizers on the market today are made with all-natural ingredients like essential oils and herbs.
You can also deodorize your shoes with odor-removing balls. You can place these balls in your shoes overnight or whenever you’re not using them, and they quickly get to work removing unwanted odors. These are a great option because you can also toss one in your gym bag or wherever else you store your workout gear.
Lastly, there are also wearable options. Odor-removing insoles can be worn in your shoes at all times to destroy existing odors and prevent new odors from arising.
Each style is effective, so the best shoe deodorizer for you will depend on your preferences. Sprays are an excellent option if you’re deodorizing multiple pairs of shoes, or plan on using them for the whole family. On the other hand, sneaker balls and insoles are a smart pick if you have just a few pairs of problem shoes.
The Best Shoe Deodorizers
With the above shopping advice in mind, we found the top shoe deodorizers to keep your footwear smelling fresh all season long.
1. Lumi Outdoors Shoe Deodorizer
Lumi Outdoors makes a great, all-natural shoe deodorizing spray that’s great for use on the whole family’s shoes. It blends natural, odor-removing essential oils made from lemongrass, tea tree, eucalyptus, and peppermint to deliver its results. The formula is super concentrated and each bottle is capable of about 700 sprays, making it a great bang for your buck.
2. Elite Sportz Shoe Deodorizer
Like Lumi Outdoors, Elite Sportz makes its shoe deodorizer from all-natural ingredients, blending essential oils and herbs. This shoe deodorizer stands out because it goes above and beyond to address the specific needs of athletes. Not only does it remove odors, but it prevents new odors from settling in. Plus, the spray has anti-fungal properties.
3. Arm & Hammer Odor Busterz Balls
These sneaker balls from Arm & Hammer powerfully remove odors from dirty shoes. They’re long-lasting, claiming to remove unwanted smells up to 60 days. Simply toss them inside your shoes overnight or when you’re not wearing them, and you’ll notice results fast. What’s also great about these is that you can also toss them in your gym bag, gym locker, or hamper.
4. Odor-Eaters Insoles
Another great option for fighting shoe odor is deodorizing insoles. These insoles slip right into your shoes for 24/7 odor coverage. These insoles draw in perspiration so that your feet stay dry. Not only is this more comfortable for you, but it helps prevent odors since wetness is one of the leading causes of shoe odor. Additionally, these insoles are made with activated charcoal, baking soda, zinc oxide, and two other odor blockers that will keep your shoes fresh.