How to Beat Smelly Feet For Back to School Season!
The back-to-school season is a time of new beginnings: new teachers, new subjects, and new experiences. But for many children and teens, it can also bring the return of an unwelcome and embarrassing problem: foot odor.

While it’s a common issue, persistent smelly feet can be a source of real anxiety for a young person, impacting their confidence at a vulnerable age. As a parent, you want to help, but sometimes the usual shoe sprays just don’t seem to work. Below, Advanced Foot Care of NJ has put together a parent’s checklist for managing foot odor. We hope it helps!

Why Do Kids’ Feet Smell? The Simple Science

The primary cause of foot odor (also known as bromodosis) is simple: sweat + bacteria = smell.
A child’s foot has thousands of sweat glands. When those feet are trapped inside shoes for a full school day, it creates the perfect warm, moist environment for bacteria to thrive.

These bacteria feed on sweat, and their waste products are what cause the unpleasant odor. This can be made worse for:

School-age children who are active in sports and may not always have the best hygiene habits.
Teenagers whose sweat production increases due to hormonal changes during puberty.

The Parents’ Checklist for Fresher Feet

A consistent routine can make a world of difference. Use this checklist to get started!

[✔] Master the Daily Wash

The Task: Have your child wash their feet every single day with an antibacterial soap.
- The Pro-Tip: The most important part is drying them completely, especially between the toes, where moisture loves to hide. Dampness is a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi.
- At night, you can wipe your child’s clean, dry feet with a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol to help dry the skin and reduce surface bacteria.

[✔] The Sock Strategy

The Task: Pack a clean pair of socks every day. If your child has gym class or sports practice, pack an extra pair to change into afterward.
The Pro-Tip: Choose socks made of moisture-wicking materials like wool or synthetic blends. While cotton is absorbent, it holds moisture against the skin, which can make the problem worse.

[✔] Rethink The Shoe Routine

The Task: Avoid wearing the same pair of shoes two days in a row. Alternating gives shoes a full 24 hours to dry out completely.
- The Pro-Tip: Take the insoles out at night to help them air out faster.
- Many athletic shoes are machine-washable. Just use a cold, gentle cycle and always let them air dry to avoid damaging their supportive structure.

When DIY Isn’t Enough

You might be tempted to try an over-the-counter antifungal powder or spray inside shoes before wearing them. Bear in mind, however, that these methods aren’t very effective at treating fungus or stopping odor (they just prevent it!)
It’s time to see a podiatrist if:

The odor does not improve with diligent hygiene.
You notice signs of a fungal infection (athlete’s foot), such as persistent itching, redness, or peeling skin between the toes.
Your child’s feet seem to sweat excessively, even when they aren’t active (a condition called hyperhidrosis).

A podiatrist can properly diagnose the root cause of the odor, and from there, we can offer effective treatments that go beyond what’s available over the counter!

At Advanced Foot Care of NJ, LLC, our doctor and staff proudly serve the communities of Little Falls, Cedar Grove, Verona, Stoney Road, Sandy Hill, Albion Place, and Great Notch. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!