How to Remove Fungi from Shoes and Disinfect Them?

Fungi in shoes can be one of the main reasons why foot infections keep coming back. Shoes, sneakers and work footwear are often warm, moist and closed environments, which are ideal conditions for the growth of fungi and bacteria. If the feet are treated but the shoes are not disinfected, there is a higher risk that the problem will return as soon as the same shoes are worn again.

That is why the question how to disinfect shoes from fungi is not important only because of unpleasant odor, but also because of the prevention of athlete’s foot, nail fungus, itching, peeling skin, cracks between the toes and recurring infection.

In this guide, we explain how fungi on the feet develop, why they remain in shoes, how to properly disinfect sneakers and shoes, what helps with unpleasant odor and sweaty feet, and which products can be used for foot care, shoe freshness and prevention of recurring infection. See also the footwear category on ApotekaOnline, because choosing quality, breathable and comfortable shoes plays an important role in maintaining healthy feet.

Why do fungi stay in shoes?

Fungi thrive in moisture, warmth and closed spaces. That is why the inside of shoes can become an ideal place for their growth. Feet sweat during the day, socks absorb moisture, and closed sneakers or shoes often do not have enough time to dry completely before the next wear.

If a person has fungi on the feet or nails, fungal spores can remain in socks, insoles and inside the shoes. When the shoes are worn again, the foot comes into contact with a contaminated environment, so the infection may return even after the skin temporarily improves.

• closed shoes retain moisture and warmth
• sweat and unpleasant odor support bacterial and fungal growth
• insoles can retain moisture and microorganisms
• wearing the same shoes for several days in a row does not allow enough drying time
• socks washed at low temperature may retain fungi
• sharing shoes or towels increases the risk of infection transmission

Fungi on feet – symptoms that should not be ignored

Fungi on the feet, also known as athlete’s foot, most often appear between the toes, on the soles or around the nails. Symptoms may be mild at first, but can worsen over time if not treated properly.

If you have skin peeling, dryness or flaking, the related topic how to prevent skin peeling may also be useful, but if fungal infection is suspected, it is important to use products intended specifically for fungi, not only regular moisturizing creams.

Common causes of fungi on feet

Fungi spread easily in warm and moist environments, especially where people walk barefoot: swimming pools, changing rooms, showers, hotels, gyms and shared areas. However, infection is often maintained at home as well, through socks, towels, shoes and poorly dried feet.

• Closed footwear – sneakers and shoes that do not allow the skin to breathe retain moisture and warmth.
• Excessive foot sweating – extra moisture allows fungi to multiply faster.
• Walking barefoot in public places – pools, showers and changing rooms are common places of transmission.
• Poor drying of feet – especially between the toes, where moisture stays the longest.
• Synthetic socks – they absorb moisture less effectively and may contribute to sweating.
• Weaker immunity, diabetes or chronic conditions – increase the risk of infections and complications.
• Sharing towels, shoes or slippers – increases the possibility of fungal transmission.

How to disinfect shoes from fungi?

Shoe disinfection should have three goals: reducing moisture, reducing the number of fungi and bacteria, and preventing unpleasant odor. The best result is achieved by combining washing, drying, disinfecting sprays or powders and regular airing of shoes.

1. Washing shoes when possible

Sneakers and washable footwear may be washed according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Washing can remove sweat, dirt and unpleasant odors, but low temperatures and mild detergents are not always enough to fully remove fungi. That is why washing should be combined with drying and disinfection.

• always check whether the shoes can be washed
• remove insoles and laces before washing
• use a gentle program if machine washing is allowed
• dry shoes in the air, not directly on a heater
• do not wear shoes until they are completely dry

2. Disinfecting the inside of shoes

The inside of shoes should be treated with products intended for shoes, feet or surfaces, depending on the type of product and the manufacturer’s instructions. Sprays and powders can help control odor, moisture and microorganisms, but they should be used regularly and correctly.

Products for surface disinfection should be used with caution: they are not used on skin, should not be used inside shoes unless the manufacturer recommends it, and must not damage the shoe material. Always read the label and instructions.

3. Using foot and shoe powders

Powders are useful because they absorb excess moisture, reduce friction, help control odor and create less favorable conditions for fungal growth. They are especially useful for people who sweat more, wear closed shoes or have problems with unpleasant foot odor.

For this purpose, see the category unpleasant foot odor, where you can find products for freshness, sweating and odor control.

4. Insoles, airing and drying shoes

Insoles absorb moisture and come into direct contact with the foot, so they should be removed, dried and replaced when needed. If you use an antifungal spray or powder, treat the inside of the shoes and insoles according to the product instructions.

• remove insoles after wearing and leave them to dry
• do not wear the same shoes two days in a row if your feet sweat a lot
• keep shoes in a dry and ventilated place
• change socks every day, or more often if needed
• wash socks at a higher temperature when the material allows it

Alcohol, vinegar, baking soda and UV devices – what makes sense?

Alcohol, vinegar, baking soda and UV sterilizers are often used in practice. Some of these methods may help reduce odor and moisture, but they should not be seen as a replacement for appropriate treatment of foot fungus and regular shoe maintenance.

Recommended products for fungi, sweating and unpleasant foot odor

With fungal problems, it is important to distinguish products for foot skin treatment, nail products, powders for feet and shoes, and surface disinfectants. Not every product is used in the same way, so it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

How to prevent fungi from returning?

The most common mistake is treating only the skin of the feet, while shoes and socks remain a source of recontamination. To reduce the risk of recurrence, it is necessary to take care of the feet, shoes, socks and hygiene at the same time.

• wash and dry the feet well, especially between the toes
• do not wear damp socks or shoes that are not fully dry
• use cotton or bamboo socks that absorb moisture better
• change socks daily, and more often if sweating is intense
• air shoes regularly and do not wear the same pair every day
• use powder or spray for increased sweating and odor
• do not share towels, slippers, socks or shoes with other people
• wear your own slippers at pools, changing rooms and public showers

Nail fungus and shoes

If fungi have spread to the nails, shoe disinfection becomes even more important. Nail fungus often lasts longer than fungal infection of the foot skin, and thickened, yellowish and brittle nails can become a constant source of recontamination of socks and shoes.

That is why it may be useful to read the related topic how to treat nail fungus as quickly as possible, because nail treatment and shoe hygiene often need to be done together.

When should you seek medical advice?

Mild symptoms of foot fungus can often be treated with local products, but there are situations when a doctor or dermatologist should be consulted without delay.

• if the infection spreads despite treatment
• if there are painful cracks, bleeding or pus
• if you have diabetes or poor circulation
• if nails are very thickened, painful or separating from the nail bed
• if fungi keep coming back
• if you are not sure whether the change is truly a fungal infection

Related categories

• Footwear
• Unpleasant foot odor
• Manicure and pedicure
• Disinfection

Related blog topics

• How to treat nail fungus as quickly as possible?
• How to prevent skin peeling in winter?
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Frequently asked questions