What to do about stinky sports shoes
You throw your trainers into your bag after a workout. The next time you wear them, they smell stronger than you’d like. Not because washing is always the solution, but because moisture and bacteria linger in the lining.
Air them out – this helps, but moisture and bacteria remain trapped in closed trainers.PediFris® Classic in sports shoes plus PediSpray® on the skin form a good combination.
Just finished training, and yet those smelly trainers
You throw your trainers into your bag after a workout. The next time you wear them, they smell stronger than you’d like. Not because washing is always the solution, but because moisture and bacteria linger in the lining.
Sports shoes combine workout sweat with mesh or synthetic linings that trap moisture. Advice websites rightly recommend: air them out, change them, dry them. That helps. But if you put the same pair in your sports bag every day, or only use odour masks, the source remains: bacteria + moisture in the shoe, fuelled by sweat on the skin.
The correct order for trainers: powder inside the shoe where it stays put, spray on the skin before you train, and never leave a wet pair to sit in your bag.
What you can do about smelly trainers
Advice websites are correct about ventilation and drying. In closed trainers, there is an additional factor: powder that stays in place, and less sweating on the skin, so that bacteria have less ‘food’.
Kill the odour-causing bacteria in trainers
Sprinkle PediFris® Classic into your trainers (after a ride, training session or day’s skiing). The powder remains in closed footwear and tackles micro-organisms in the lining, rather than simply masking odours with fragrance.
Reduce sweating on the skin
Apply PediSpray® (Regular or Strong) to clean, dry feet before you set off or start training. Less sweat means less moisture in warm shoes.
Air out: take out of the bag, remove the insoles
Take your trainers straight out of your bag or from the corner of the garage. Remove the insoles or liners if possible, and allow at least 24 hours for them to dry. Switch to a different pair if you exercise or cycle every day.
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17 Jul. 2026
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03 Jul. 2026
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Fresh trainers start inside the shoe and on the skin
PediFris® Classic keeps the climate inside your shoes cleaner. PediSpray® ensures that less moisture builds up in the first place. Together, they make your next ride, training session or day’s skiing feel much more comfortable.
Materials, hygiene and habits that make all the difference
Breathable socks (cotton, merino or sport-specific) help wick away moisture. Synthetic thermal socks worn in already warm sports shoes can actually exacerbate the problem. PediFris does not sell sports shoes; however, it does help to explain why simply ‘shaking them out’ is rarely enough.
Your routine will then determine how much odour returns. Do not store a damp pair in a sealed bag. Switch pairs. Home remedies (freezer, bicarbonate of soda) can sometimes reduce odour, but do not provide a long-term solution to excessive sweating and bacteria in the lining.
Why Classic takes precedence here (and Spray is also included)
PediFris® Classic stays in place inside closed trainers: exactly where bacteria cause odours in the lining. PediSpray® antiperspirant also reduces sweat production on the skin, so that less moisture enters the shoe.
This combination isn’t just a gimmick: first clean the shoes, then reduce sweat production. That way, the odour won’t keep coming back every time you put the pair back on.
When should you see your GP or a chiropodist?
Do your feet remain soaking wet, or do you notice cracks, athlete’s foot or open sores? Have them checked, especially if you have diabetes. Extreme excessive sweating sometimes requires medical advice. More:what to do about sweaty feet en Thuisarts.nl on excessive sweating.
Ready to tackle odour at source? Start with PediFris® Classic in your trainers and top up with PediSpray® on dry feet.
Frequently asked questions about smelly trainers
From cause to powder, spray and airing: answers that match how people search.
What provides immediate relief from smelly trainers?
Sprinkle PediFris® Classic into dry trainers to reduce the chance of bacteria growing in the lining, and apply PediSpray® in the morning to clean, dry feet to reduce sweat production. Then leave the pair to air; do not store them in a sealed bag.
Why do trainers start to smell so quickly?
Tight-fitting trainers trap heat and moisture for hours, causing bacteria in socks and linings to break down sweat, resulting in a pungent odour. Wearing the same damp pair every day or carrying them in a bag accelerates this process significantly.
Does washing help with smelly trainers?
Washing can sometimes help with residual odours, but is not always safe for leather, adhesives or technical materials, and does not stop sweating itself. Better options: airing, drying, using Classic inside the shoe and reducing moisture on the skin with PediSpray®.
Does PediFris® Classic work in trainers?
Yes: in closed trainers, the powder remains in the lining and tackles bacteria at the source, precisely where odours linger between training sessions or rides. Sprinkle into a dry pair and allow it to soak in thoroughly.
Do I also need to use PediSpray®?
Recommended: Classic tackles bacteria inside the shoe, whilst PediSpray® reduces sweat production on the skin, meaning less moisture enters the sports shoe. Together, they reduce both the source of odour and the influx of moisture.
When should you see your GP?
See your GP if you experience pain, signs of infection, diabetes, or extremely excessive sweating that interferes with your daily life or during exercise. Find out more about what to do about sweaty feet and visit Thuisarts.nl.
About the author & sources
Written by Judith de Jong (Content owner, PediFris®). Medically reviewed by Sébastien Dequidt, podiatrist. Updated on 25 July 2026. We base our advice on foot care practice and on the medical sources listed below.
Worried about a persistent complaint, fungal nail, athlete’s foot or excessive sweating? Consult your GP, podiatrist or chiropodist.
Sources
- NHS: Smelly feet: www.nhs.uk
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