Brace yourself for what I am about to tell you because it is kind of gross…
Our feet sweat!
Now I know that was hard to admit, but yes, it’s true! However, don’t be alarmed because it is a natural process that keeps our bodies cool.
In this post, we are going to talk about how to wear shoes without socks and not sweat (at least reduce the amount of sweat) so as to keep your feet dry and prevent your shoes from smelling.
How To Wear Shoes Without Socks And Not Sweat
Let’s talk about shoes. Before even thinking about going out in your favorite kicks sockless, it is important to take a good look at the shoes that you plan on wearing.
Choosing the right pair of shoes is the most important thing to consider when you are planning on going without socks for the day.
Take, for example, footwear such as sneakers, dress shoes or even the best work boots. These shoes are generally designed to protect your feet, not to supply proper air circulation to your feet (though some are good at doing that as well).
Therefore if you decide to go sockless in any pair of these, you are going to quickly regret that decision.
With that being said, it is important to choose a pair of shoes that are going to allow your feet to breathe. A great option would be a shoe like Converse or Vans that is typically made from Canvas.
If these aren’t available or you don’t like the look of them, look for a shoe with a lot of mesh material that will allow them to breathe throughout the day.
The more that your feet can breathe, the less that they are going to sweat.
Use an antiperspirant. Yes, not only are there antiperspirants available for your underarms, but there are also options for your feet. One such option is Klima SureFoot Antiperspirant. Simply spray your feet, then lightly rub it into your toes and you are good to go.
Another option is Carpe’s Antiperspirant Lotion. Similar to the product mentioned above, this option is designed to reduce sweat and keep your feet dry throughout the day. For best results, apply every day even when you aren’t planning on going sockless.
Important note: I am by no means offering medical advice, but rather I am offering suggestions to help keep your feet dry. With that in mind, I encourage you to please consult medical advice from a medical professional before trying something new such as an antiperspirant.
Powder it up. Another solution to help keep your feet dry is to use a powder. I would recommend using something like this Dr. Scholl’s Odor X powder. Simply apply a liberal amount either in the morning you are planning on going out or in your shoes the night before.
Throughout the day this powder will help to absorb any moisture coming off your feet. In addition, it will eat away at any bad odors that may be lingering around in your shoes.
For even better results, try combining an antiperspirant with a foot powder.
Get a new insole. Another highly recommended option is to change out your current insole with a new one. One that I would personally recommend is the CopperJoint insole, which is an insole that is actually infused with copper
In fact, the key to getting an odor-helping insole is to look for one that is copper infused.
Not only do the materials used help to make keep odor away, but they will also absorb moisture and keep your feet dry. Couple this with a great antiperspirant and powder, and you will be doing everything you can to keep your feet odor-free.
You may also enjoy reading: Can You Put Vans In The Washer And Dryer?
What if I have applied all of the above suggestions and I still have sweaty feet?
Though these suggestions can work great, the truth is nothing can offer 100% percent protection against sweaty feet, like a good ‘ole sock can. For that reason, your best option might be a sock, but an invisible one.
One such sock that I would recommend is the Gold Toe No-Show. This sock is made from 95% cotton ensuring that your feet stay dry all day long. In addition, it is considered a “no-show” sock, so it is very difficult for it to be seen, which is great, especially if that is the look you want to present.
Thus, if you like the idea of a nearly invisible sock, this one may be worth trying.
How Can I Prevent Stinky Shoes When Going Sockless?
We hate to go there, but let’s say that despite your best efforts you still can’t prevent your feet from sweating. Is there at least something you can do to stop your shoes from smelling? Here are 4 tips to help keep that stinky smell away:
Change out your shoes. If you decide you are going to wear shoes without socks, try not to wear the same shoes day after day. Instead, switch them out regularly with a different pair. Giving your shoes a break will allow them time to dry out completely in the event that they did get wet. This will help to keep the odors at bay.
Wash your feet. Okay, guys, let’s be honest, how much attention do your toes get in the shower?
Sure it is easy to blame the shoes or the socks for those raunchy smells, but spending a little more time in the shower to give those feet a good scrub might be all that is needed.
Wash your shoes. Oftentimes when we notice that our shoes are starting to smell, it isn’t because of what we did that particular day, but it is a result of going sockless for several days. With that being said, it is important to regularly wash your shoes.
Simply look for a good detergent that is safe for your shoes and go to town. Just as important as it is to wash them, is to dry them as well. A shoe that isn’t thoroughly dried will surely start to smell.
Put your shoes in the freezer. I know this tip may sound funny, but keep reading… It is important to keep in mind here that in order to remove the odor, you need to remove odor bacteria. A quick and easy way to kill off any stinky bacteria that might be hanging around in your shoes is to throw them in the freezer.
Yes, I know that sounds crazy, but you’d be surprised by how well it works. Simply places your shoes in a plastic bag and at night before going to bed place them in the freezer.
By morning your shoes will smell much better (if not like new) than before. Sprinkle in a little powder, throw on some antiperspirant and you are ready to hit the pavement again, sockless.
Final Thoughts….
Can you wear your shoes without socks and not sweat?
Well, as we mentioned in this post, sweating in a natural process in which some of us do more than others. With that being said, by applying the suggestions above you can greatly reduce the amount you sweat and keep those 10 toes and 2 feet happy all day long.
How do you wear shoes without socks and not sweat? Please share your comments in the section below.
