Smelly shoes? Here’s how to truly freshen up shoes with fixed insoles.

Many people only notice the smell when they take their shoes off - and then realise the insole can’t be removed. Sports trainers, everyday sneakers and smart leather shoes often come with footbeds that are glued or stitched in permanently. Clean them the wrong way, or use too much water, and you can end up with rippled insoles, loosened adhesive and a musty odour that lingers. With the right approach, the inside stays clean, hygienic and structurally sound.

Why non-removable insoles are so tricky

With removable insoles, the routine is simple: take them out, wash them separately, dry them, done. Permanently fixed insoles are a different matter. They’re usually bonded or stitched directly into the midsole, so the footbed and the shoe function as one unit.

Common materials include:

• Foam and memory foam
• Gel cushioning systems
• Textile top layers designed for moisture management
• Smooth leather surfaces in smart shoes

Each material reacts differently to water, cleaning products and heat. If the adhesive softens too much, or foam becomes saturated, it can warp, break down or crumble over time. At the same time, sweat, skin debris and dust build up inside the shoe - an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and, inevitably, unpleasant odours.

The key is to clean the insole thoroughly without soaking it - as little water as possible, as much cleanliness as necessary.

Preparation: remove dry dirt first

Before you introduce any moisture, a dry-clean step is worth doing. It stops grime being pushed deeper into the fibres later.

• Use a soft brush to loosen crumbs, dust and grit.
• Work carefully in the toe area and along the edges.
• If you can, briefly vacuum the inside on a low suction setting.

If you regularly wear heavily sweat-soaked trainers, it also helps to wipe the surface once with a dry cloth before wet cleaning. That alone lifts some of the sweat film.

Gentle wet cleaning (the main clean)

For most shoes, a mild soap solution is all you need. Harsh cleaners or chlorine bleach can damage glue, foam and protective coatings.

The ideal everyday mix for cleaning non-removable insoles

Fill a bowl with lukewarm water and add a small squirt of mild washing-up liquid or a dedicated shoe cleaner. You want light suds - not a bubble bath.

• Dip a microfibre cloth or soft sponge into the solution.
• Wring it out thoroughly until it’s only slightly damp.
• Wipe the insole using small circular motions.
• Work more firmly on dirty patches, but don’t scrub as if you’re cleaning concrete.
• Use a second cloth dampened with clean water (again: only slightly) to lift away soap residue.
• Finish by gently blotting with kitchen roll or a dry towel.

You’ll know you’ve used too much water if the insole feels spongy and the shoe almost “sloshes” when you move it. If that happens, switch immediately to dry cloths and keep blotting.

Household options for stubborn odours and stains

If dark sweat marks remain or the smell is still obvious, a few reliable cupboard staples can help - provided you use them carefully so you don’t wreck the materials.

Cleaning agent	Best for	How to use	Typical drying time
Mild soap and water	General dirt	Work in with a damp cloth	24–48 hours
Bicarbonate of soda or baking powder paste	Strong odours, stains	Apply, leave to work, wipe off	12–24 hours
Alcohol–water mix	Disinfection	Lightly mist or dab on	6–12 hours
Diluted white vinegar	Odour removal	Fine mist, do not soak	12–24 hours

To make a bicarbonate paste, stir 1–2 teaspoons of bicarbonate of soda into a few drops of water until you have a spreadable paste. Apply a thin layer to the affected areas, wait about 15 minutes, then wipe away with a damp cloth and blot dry. Bicarbonate neutralises odours and provides gentle abrasion without scratching the surface.

An alcohol–water mix (for example, isopropyl alcohol diluted roughly 1:1 with water) is most useful when germs are the priority - such as after wearing shoes barefoot or where there’s a risk of athlete’s foot. Mist lightly or apply with a cloth, avoid soaking, and leave the shoes well ventilated.

Drying properly: where most mistakes happen

After cleaning, the biggest risk isn’t the product - it’s drying shoes the wrong way. Putting footwear on a radiator or blasting it with a hairdryer can cause rippling, cracking and adhesive failure.

Direct heat ruins more shoes than any stain - slow drying at room temperature with good airflow is far safer.

Gentle drying, step by step

• Leave shoes in a well-ventilated room, not shut away in a wardrobe.
• Open them up: loosen laces and pull the tongue forward.
• Loosely stuff the inside with newspaper or kitchen roll.
• Replace the paper several times during the first few hours whenever it becomes noticeably damp.
• After a few hours, tilt the shoes slightly so air can reach the toe box more easily.

A fan or a spot near an open window can speed things up considerably. If you own a dehumidifier, place the shoes nearby for controlled, gentle drying.

Before wearing them again, reach right into the shoe and check the front. If the toe area still feels slightly clammy, wait a few more hours. Moisture trapped inside encourages mould and stubborn odours.

Keeping shoes fresh between cleans

Treating shoes well day-to-day reduces how often you need a full clean. Small habits have a big impact.

Daily routines for less odour

• Don’t put shoes straight into a tight cupboard after wearing them; let them air out fully first.
• Use cedar shoe trees - they absorb moisture and help smooth creases.
• Put moisture-absorbing sachets (for example, silica gel) into heavily used pairs.
• Rotate sports and casual shoes so each pair has time to dry properly.

Simply alternating between multiple pairs often halves odour issues, because the fixed insoles finally get enough time to dry out completely.

Deodorants and sprays: what actually makes sense

Shoe deodorants can be helpful, but they should be functional - not just fragrance masking smell. Look for options with antibacterial action or natural essential oils such as tea tree or eucalyptus, which target the bacteria responsible for odour.

Important: only spray or powder onto fully dry insoles. On damp surfaces, products can form tacky layers where germs thrive. If you have sensitive skin, trial any new product on a day you’re wearing socks before using it for longer wear.

Extra prevention: socks, feet and smart storage

What goes into the shoe matters as much as how you clean it. Breathable socks (for example, merino or technical sports blends) can reduce moisture build-up compared with some cotton-heavy options that stay damp for longer. Washing socks at the recommended temperature and changing them promptly after sport also cuts down the residue that ends up embedded in the fixed insole.

Storage makes a difference too. If shoes must go into a cupboard, leave the door ajar for a while first, or store them with space between pairs so air can circulate. Avoid sealed plastic boxes for frequently worn shoes, as trapped humidity can undo all your cleaning work.

When to be cautious - and when to let a professional handle it

With expensive leather shoes and high-quality leather footbeds, take a close look before you start. If you can already see cracking, deep discolouration or edge lifting, use minimal water. In these cases, specialised leather-care products - or a visit to a cobbler - can be the safer route.

Likewise, shoes with complex cushioning systems or an integrated membrane (such as waterproof outdoor footwear) are best cleaned with the manufacturer’s care guidance in mind. Some coatings don’t tolerate certain cleaners or household remedies, even if they seem mild.

For everyday use, though, the essentials are straightforward: a brush, lukewarm soapy water, bicarbonate of soda as an odour neutraliser and patient, room-temperature drying will bring most non-removable insoles back to a state where you can take your shoes off without embarrassment - whether that’s at the gym, in the office or at a friend’s place on the sofa.