With so many different types of shoe deodorizers on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the best type. We hope this article helps you make an informed decision that is best for you (and your shoe odor)!
Sprays
One of the most common ways to attempt to control shoe odor is through sprays. Let's take a look at the pros and cons.
Pros
The biggest pro is that sprays can easily be used in several shoes at once. With a few
easy pumps you can effortlessly have fresh smelling spray getting to work in all of your stinkiest shoes. There are also numerous brands on the market, giving you an array of options.
Cons
A notable con is that sprays can be messy! Being a liquid they lend themselves to spillage as they are generally tossed carelessly in a gym bag or purse. They can easily spill, making a mess of your bag's items and wasting money spent on the spray. Additionally, sprays are not always cost effective. Leading brands average at about 4 oz per bottle. When used in multiple shoes, those 4 oz don't always stretch far, causing you to purchase multiple bottles throughout the year. At $13 a bottle on average, this can really start to add up! Lastly, sprays absorb no moisture. So, while they may work to fight shoe odor, they do not absorb sweat/moisture and work to dry shoes out.
Powders
While not quite as common, a still prevalent options is shoe powders.
Pros
An important pro is that a large number of powders are natural. Many shoe deodorizers on the market contain harmful ingredients and chemicals so it is important to look at what actually is in the products you buy. Luckily, many shoe powders are all natural! That being said, they will come at a higher price tag than those companies who aren't.
Cons
Similarly to sprays, powders can be messy! The powder can last in your shoes for hours and some users have complained the powder gets on their feet and socks. It also is not as effective as other methods as the powder does not disburse into the shoe lining. Therefore, it must be meticulously coated on all parts of the shoe sole to be effective. Powders also do not absorb moisture.
Balls
One of the most recognized types of shoe deodorizers are ball inserts. Let's look at the pros and cons!
Pros
The biggest pro is that unlike sprays and powders, shoe deodorizing balls do not cause a mess. They are also lightweight, so they can be easily transported with minimal intrusion and no fear of a mess! They can also sold at many common stores so are easily found.
Cons
Unlike powders, most varieties on the market are not natural. This has lead to many complaints that they have an "artificial scent." The price on these items can also be misleading. While they initially look like the cheapest options at about $4 per package of two, they only last about three months. This can quickly make them a more expensive option then one might realize. They also share the same drawback as the others as they do not absorb any moisture.
Inserts
One of the less commonly known options are shoe inserts.
Pros
One benefit of shoe inserts is that some brands actually do absorb some moisture! This can be a big benefit for those with very sweaty shoes or who like to be outdoors in the snow/rain. They also are different than most other options on the market as you keep them in your shoes while wearing them. This can prolong the time period that they are working on eliminating odors from your shoes.
Cons
While it can be a pro that the inserts stay in your shoes, it can also be a con. Many users have complained that they only last about 2-4 days in the shoe and then unstink, peel off, and crumple. And, with an average of around $18 per pair, this can be a financial problem.
Sachets
Last but not least are sachets. These are a popular solution to foot odor and there are various kinds available. Since there are many kinds, you do need to be careful when picking which brand you buy. They vary drastically in terms of ingredients, moisture absorption, price, and overall quality.
Pros
They being said there are a lot of pros. First, they are a very clean option. Being that the odor eliminating and moisture absorbing ingredients are contained inside a pouch, they are never in direct contact with your foot. This makes it so no mess gets on your foot. There is also no risk of spillage, making them a great option for travel.
Depending on the brand, they also can be the best option on the market in terms of
moisture absorption. Popular sachet brands such as Smell Well and Moso Charcoal brands will offer some moisture absorption. However, other leading brands such as ShoeStix do not offer any, so again, it is important to do your research before purchasing. Shoe Defenders offer some of the highest amounts at 22 grams of moisture absorption in just one use.
Brand dependent, they can also be a great option in terms of price. Again Smell Well and Moso Charcoal last between 3 and 6 months and can cost between $20 and $40 per year. This can be a good option compared to some previously mentioned solutions. ShoeStix can be a more expensive option and cost closer to $50 per year. Shoe Defenders are an economical, yet effective option, as one $20 pair lasts up to a year.
Cons
As apparent from above, a con is that while sachets can be an effective solution, there is a large degree of variance between brands. This can make it difficult to pick a brand and trust this option. However, if proper research is done, sachets can be one of the best options to eliminate shoe odor.
We hope this article has helped you better understand the different types of shoe deodorizers that are out there! Still have questions? Don't hesitate to reach out and send us an email at contact@essentialalternativesinc.com.