Odor from sneakers or shoes – a problem that almost everyone has faced, but few people know that it is not always about hygiene. In fact, a favorite pair of shoes turns into a real biological laboratorywhere physics and microbiology dictate the conditions.
How moisture changes the rules of the game
The main reason lies in excessive sweating. There are a huge number of sweat glands located on the feet, which secrete moisture even at rest. The sweat itself is odorless, but it becomes the perfect breeding ground for microorganisms. When feet are in an enclosed space, a greenhouse effect is created, which triggers irreversible processes of organic matter decay.
The main culprits of discomfort
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Bacteria and fungi. Microorganisms such as staphylococci and fungal spores absorb components of sweat and release gases with a pungent odor.
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Synthetic materials. Cheap leatherette and glue do not allow the foot to “breathe”, blocking the natural ventilation. As a result, moisture is not evaporated but absorbed into the insoles.
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Lack of rest for shoes. If you wear the same pair every day, they just don’t have time to fully dry inside overnight.
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Health Features. Sometimes a pungent odor signals metabolic disorders or hormonal imbalances.
Hidden traps inside sneakers
A lot of people forget about insoles and laceswhich accumulate keratinized skin particles. This becomes a buffet for bacteria. Even if the shoe itself looks clean on the outside, the inside of the shoe can be heavily contaminated with germs. Poor drying after rain or exercise only makes the situation worse by allowing mold to gain a foothold in the fabric structure.
Effective ways to combat
To minimize the problem, it is worth paying attention to antibacterial insoles and regular use of disinfectant sprays. It is important to choose socks made of natural materials with a minimum of synthetics to ensure proper heat exchange. The use of special dryers with ultraviolet light helps not only to remove moisture, but also to destroy pathogenic flora in the early stages of its appearance.
Compliance with simple rules of care and attention to the quality of materials can keep your favorite things fresh for a long time.
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