Do you want to learn how to make shoes more breathable? Then you have come to the right place. In my blog, I will be letting you know the top 13 tips to help you make shoes more breathable.
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13 Tips To Make Your Shoes More Breathable?
Shoes that don’t breathe can develop a nasty odor and make your feet sweat. So what you need to do is learn how to make shoes more breathable. Here are tips on how to make your sneakers, boat shoes, flip flops, loafers, or any other shoes much more breathable.
1. Always Choose Natural Materials Over Synthetic Materials
When looking for more breathable shoes, you should always choose natural over synthetic materials. This is because natural materials allow air to pass through them far better than synthetic materials.
Natural leather, for example, is much more breathable than synthetics. Linen and cotton are far better choices for socks than polyester or nylon.
2. Avoid Wearing Cotton Socks
The number one rule of thumb to make shoes more breathable is not wearing cotton socks.
Cotton socks are great for absorbing moisture but not so good for wicking away moisture.
Cotton socks will hold that moisture against your feet for much longer than other fabrics when your shoes get sweaty and wet.
If you want your shoes to be more breathable, switch to a piece of synthetic fabric such as Coolmax or polyester, which are quick-drying and keep your feet from getting swampy in your shoes.
3. Select The Right Fit For Your Shoes
This is a straightforward step. Most people are not aware that shoes come in different sizes and designs. They assume that all shoes have the same size and design. If you are one of those people, it is time for you to change your mind. There are different sizes and designs for shoes. Therefore, you need to choose the right fit for your shoes.
4. Use A Shoehorn To Put On Your Shoes
Use a shoehorn to put on your shoes. This will prevent you from forcing your foot into a tight shoe. It will help the shoe keep its shape and prevent aggravation of the hot spots.
5. Give Your Shoes Some Breathable Fresh Air
Exposing your shoes to fresh air can help remove odors and keep them dry. It’s even better to place them in direct sunlight for several hours. This will help eliminate bacteria and get rid of any germs.
6. Try A Liner Sock
Another good solution is to wear a liner sock or no-show sock underneath your regular socks. This will prevent any sweat from getting on your feet and causing odors. The most common material used to make these socks is polypropylene. Polypropylene is a synthetic fiber that can wick moisture away from the skin and keep it drier. Since moisture is the leading cause of smelly feet, this can help eliminate or reduce odors.
7. Spray Your Shoes With Deodorizer
A quick spritz of deodorizer can help keep your shoes fresh between washes. Use a spray specifically designed for footwear and spray the insides of your shoes after each use.
8. Wear Them Less Frequently
Sometimes people can wear the same pair of shoes every day, but this is not a good practice for the health of your feet. If you wear them every day, the chances are that your shoes will be pretty smelly.
9. Switch To Sandy, Loose Footwear
Another step to breathing life into your shoes is to choose footwear that allows more airflow. If your feet are used to the tight grip of leather boots and sneakers, it’s time to switch to looser, breathable footwear made from natural fibers.
Imagine yourself on a beach in Morocco or Brazil. Look at the sandals people are wearing. You can try something similar: a pair of leather sandals with open toes and no thick sole? Or maybe you’ll go for a pair of flip-flops or Birkenstocks? What about espadrilles or canvas boat shoes?
One thing is sure: you need to ditch those heavy leather boots and sneakers. In the summer, they’ll make your feet sweat like crazy, while in winter, they’ll freeze if you’re not wearing wool socks. Choose something lighter and more breathable instead!
10. Use An Old-Fashioned Shoe Tree To Keep Your Pairs Dry
Shoe trees are underrated because they are old-fashioned, but here’s the thing: They work! A shoe tree will help wick away any moisture from your shoes, which is extremely important to keeping them dry and preventing odors from forming.
11. Use Sprays, If Nothing Helps
You can use sprays to make your shoes more breathable. They are available in different brands, and you need to choose the one that works best for you. You can try multiple sprays until you find the one that suits your needs.
The idea is to prevent your feet from sweating. Make sure you read the instructions carefully before applying any spray to your shoes. Also, remember to wear socks when using the spray as it will help absorb the sweat from your feet.
12. Clean Your Shoes Regularly
Clean your shoes regularly with a soft cloth, warm water, and gentle soap. Avoid harsh soaps and soaking, but remove dirt from the interior and exterior frequently to reduce odors in your shoes.
13. Stuff Shoes When Not Wearing Them
Stuff your shoes with newspaper or dryer sheets if you plan to store them for an extended period. This will help keep them smelling fresh, even if they are not regularly worn.
Can I Make My Sneakers More Breathable?
You bet! Good breathability is key to a comfortable, ventilated sneaker. Here are a few tips to help you make your sneakers more breathable:
1) Use a blow dryer before wearing your sneakers to help them conform to your feet better.
2) If you have dirty sneakers, give them a good wash. You don’t want to wear a pair of dirty sneakers.
3) If you have sweaty feet, put a little powder inside the shoe to absorb moisture and improve breathability.
4) If you wear your sneakers at the gym, take out the insert. Remember, your feet will be flat on the ground instead of in a running position.
5) The best way to make sneakers more breathable is to wear different pairs of socks with them. These are a few ways you can make your sneakers more breathable!
How Do I Clean My Sneakers To Keep Them Breathable?
Keeping your sneakers breathable is a matter of keeping them clean. The one surefire way to ensure that your shoes are breathable is to wash them regularly. But as you may have noticed, they’re not precisely machine-washable. So here’s how to keep them fresh and clean:
- Remove the laces and insoles
- Brush off the dirt with an old toothbrush
- Add a single cup of baking soda to a half-gallon of water, then scrub on the dirtiest spots with an old toothbrush
- Dry out in the sun if possible
How Do I Protect My Shoes From Water Damage And Still Be Breathable?
Many waterproofing products are great at protecting your shoes from water. Still, they can also prevent airflow and make your shoes more sweaty. To get the best of both worlds, you have to do a little bit of extra work.
First, you’ll want to wash your shoes and let them dry completely. This will eliminate any possible dirt or debris that could prevent the waterproofing product from working.
Next, apply the waterproofing treatment with a sponge or cloth. Apply it to the whole shoe—the upper, the sole, and laces—to ensure maximum breathability and protection.
Then let them dry for 8-18 hours in a well-ventilated area. You won’t trap any moisture inside when you use them again!
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Concluding About How To Make Shoes More Breathable
If you do it right, your shoes will be much more comfortable. But even if you can’t make them as breathable as [non-leather] shoes, you can still make them a lot less sweaty than they would’ve been otherwise.
Thanks for reading. I hope this helps you pick up a couple of tricks! I’d love to hear what you think, so please comment below!
