The Ultimate Guide To Deodorizing Shoes, Cleats & All Other Footwear

Unfortunately feet sweat a lot, so your footwear is eventually going to get smelly.

Whether it’s your sports cleats, work boots or everyday sneakers, properly maintaining your footwear is key to keeping them smelling and looking great.

At Vapor Fresh, we specialize in safer plant based cleaning products for sweaty, smelly sports gear - and that includes shoes. We know a thing or two about how to eliminate odors and keep things fresh!

Here’s your ultimate guide to deodorizing your shoes, cleats, skates and boots!

How to Properly Deodorize Your Shoes And All Other Footwear

Follow these general deodorizing guidelines for all your footwear and you won't have to deal with smelly footwear every again!

Step 1: Remove Dirt & Debris From The Outside

Before you start deodorizing, grab a microfiber towel and wipe the outside of the shoe to gently remove any visible debris. This includes grass, dirt, mud and more – anything that contributes to stinky shoes has got to go!

Step 2: Loosen The Laces & Open Up The Tongue

In a place with good airflow, untie your shoes, loosen the laces and stretch out the shoe’s tongue to let the shoe breathe. You can also remove the sole to enhance the airflow and breathability. This will help prep your shoes for deodorizing the smelliest spots.

Step 3: Generously Spray Vapor Fresh Inside & Out

Spray a shoe deodorizing spray like Vapor Fresh inside and out. Allow it to penetrate the hard-to reach areas to fully deodorize the shoe.

What makes Vapor Fresh the best spray for deodorizing all types of shoes, cleats and other footwear?

Formulated to Stop Stink at the Source: Vapor Fresh’s strong yet safe cleaning power works to penetrate and lift odors from even your smelliest sports gear and footwear, and leaves behind a fantastic natural scent behind.

Plant based and Non-Toxic. Vapor Fresh is completely free of irritating harsh chemicals found in other cleaning sprays. Its plant-based non-toxic formula ensures a powerful clean without harmful ingredients that cause irritation. No artificial fragrances to mask odors here!

Perfect for Eliminating Odors On-the-Go: Got an away game or shoes that need some serious TLC on vacation? We’ve got your on-the-go deodorizing needs covered with Vapor Fresh® Natural Sports Cleaning Spray Travel Size. It keeps your shoes fresh wherever you are and fits perfectly into your purse, suitcase, gym bag and more.

Residue-Free: Vapor Fresh’s residue-free formula helps you put your best foot forward without any sticky or tacky remnants plaguing your shoes.

Step 4: Air Dry Completely Before Storing Them Away

Odor-causing bacteria thrive in dark, enclosed spaces. Allowing your shoes to air dry completely in a well-ventilated area keeps your shoes fresh, clean and free from odor-causing bacteria.

Don’t undo your deodorizing efforts by immediately throwing your shoes in your closet or gym bag before they are completely dry!

How to Deodorize Cleats

Loosen the laces and fully stretch out the tongue to prepare your cleats for deodorizing. For a more thorough clean, you can also remove the sole. Spray a good cleat deodorizer like Vapor Fresh everywhere inside and out, paying special attention to the deep inside of the cleat. Allow everything to air drying completely in a well-ventilated area before putting the soles back in and storing them away in a bag, locker or closet.

How to Deodorize Ski Boots

First, wipe away any snow from the inside and outside of your boots. Then loosen the buckles as much as possible to expose the thick inner padding. Spray the insides of the boots with a ski boot deodorizing spray like Vapor Fresh to lift and eliminate odors.

Allow the boots to dry completely before buckling everything back together.

How to Deodorize Hockey Skates

Like ski boots, hockey skates will be covered in ice and snow after use.

First you'll want to wipe all that ice away to prevent additional moisture from accumulating.

Then, unlace your skates as much as possible to start the air drying process. As soon as possible, spray them down with a good hockey deodorizing spray like Vapor Fresh to combat sweat and tough odors.

After spraying your skates down, you must allow them to air dry completely in a well-ventilated area. Only once they are completely dry should you put them back in your hockey bag.

Be patient with the drying process. Never put your skates in the dryer or attempt to dry them with a hand-held drying device such as a hair dryer! This will deform the molding and padding and make your skate extremely uncomfortable.

How to Deodorize Peloton Shoes

When you’re done with your ride, take off your Peloton spin shoes immediately and let them breathe! Right after use, you'll also want to spray them down with Vapor Fresh Cleaning Spray to prevent bad odors from forming. After spraying them, allow them to air dry completely before buckling them back up.

You can sprinkle some baking soda into your Peloton shoes when you need some extra help in eliminating moisture and odor. Once in a while, consider giving these cycling shoes a deeper clean by soaking them in a mild soap or sports laundry detergent.

How to Deodorize Gym Shoes and Running Shoes

Air out your shoes after your workout or run. As soon as you can, spray them down with a natural shoe deodorizer spray and allow them to air dry naturally.

Every once in a while when you need a deeper clean, you can take the sole of your gym shoes or running shoes out, remove all the laces, and soak everything in soapy water.

Odor-causing bacteria thrive in dark, moist environments, so be sure to rinse everything off and allow them to try completely before assembling everything back together!

How to Deodorize Hiking Boots

First, give the outside of your boots a quick wipe to remove any dirt and debris accumulated on the hiking trail.

Next, loosen the laces, open the tongue as much as possible and spray the inside with a natural boot deodorizer spray like Vapor Fresh. Allow them to air dry before you hit the trail again!

Tip: Wearing thick wool socks will help you stay safe and comfortable on the trail AND will help keep sweat from accumulating in your boots which will help prevent odors!

How to Deodorize Uggs and Slippers

Uggs and slippers are notorious for smelling bad because many people don't wear socks with them.

Vapor Fresh is a fantastic Ugg and slipper deodorizer spray especially because it contains no harsh or irritating chemicals, so it won't make your feet itch or ruin any materials.

Allow your Uggs and slippers to air dry completely in a space with good airflow before storing them away or wearing them again.

Can My Gym Shoes Go in the Washing Machine?

It depends! Check the manufacturer’s tag or instructions for cleaning before putting them in the washing machine. Following these instructions will keep your shoes in good condition for years to come.

If your gym shoes are not machine washable, here are some tips on how to properly deodorize your gym shoes.

Can My Vibram FiveFingers Go in the Washing Machine?

Yes! It is safe to wash your Vibram FiveFingers in the washing machine. To help keep them durable and in great shape. Even with a washing machine, you may want to consider using a sports deodorizing spray like Vapor Fresh to keep them fresh in between washes or as a quick fix instead of machine washing them.

Can My Allbirds Go in the Washing Machine?

Most Allbirds are machine washable. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions to confirm your model is compatible with washing machines.

It’s important to note that Allbirds laces and insoles are not designed to be washed in a washing machine. You need to remove and hand wash these parts of the shoe. Once removed, you can wash most Allbirds in the washing machine. Do not put them in a dryer!

Put Your Best Foot Forward With Vapor Fresh

From cleats to specialty shoes and everything in between, Vapor Fresh keeps your footwear fresh and clean. A few sprays ensures your shoes are deodorized, well-cared for and ready for your next adventure!

Put your best foot forward with the best sports deodorizing spray on the market, Vapor Fresh!