P.U. Your Kid's Feet Stink

How can something so precious exude stenches so vile?

Many parents find themselves asking this question on the daily as their kid's sweaty feet post-school activities open the flood gates to overpowering smells.

Have you ever compared your kid's foot odor to cheese? If so, you’re not alone. When it comes down to it, kids smelly feet are the result of a type of bacteria called Brevibacterium linens, or b-linens.

So what type of activities lead to more b-linens, stinky feet, and shoes? Often, children’s foot odor causes are related to a variety of circumstances.

Children sweat more than adults and their footwear is built with the intention that they grow out of them within the year. If you have ever wondered how to get rid of kid's stinky feet, we might just be able to help you out.

Sweat

If you have active children, you will probably experience b-linens the most. Often, kids who sweat more will experience smellier feet and shoes throughout the day due to the bacterias living on their sweaty feet. 

Poor Materials

It’s no secret that most children’s footwear is not built to last. This has a lot to do with the fast fashion movement as well as the notion that children grow out of their shoes quicker than adults. The result of this, are shoes made out of materials that do not allow kids stinky feet to breathe -- creating the perfect environment for b-linens to thrive.

So how do you prevent b-linens and smelly kid's feet? We’ve compiled a list of the best ways to reduce foot odor!

Our Top Ten Tips For Kids Stinky Feet

New Shoes

This may seem obvious, but you would be surprised at how many parents neglect to replace their children’s shoes on a regular basis. Swapping out those stinky shoes for a new, more breathable pair is one simple step. 

Swapping Socks Midday 

Can we talk about socks? Sometimes it’s hard to get a pair of socks on your kiddos but this step can make a big difference in fighting foot odor. Like many shoes, some socks are made from materials that do not allow feet to breathe. We recommend changing your children's socks at least once a day or purchasing socks made from breathable materials such as: cotton and merino wool.

Invest in Odor Eaters

Disinfectant options are a great way to kill bacteria in shoes. What’s most important to remember about this is to stay on top of it. Stick those odor eaters in your kid's shoes every night. Remember, you will only get out of it what you put into it.

Try Some Foot Powder

As we have discussed, kids' feet get sweaty. Try tossing some talcum powder on their sweaty feet before putting socks on. Chances are it will reduce the sweat and cut back on unwanted bacteria.

Dry Those Shoes!

If you’re out of talcum powder or are looking for another option, try rotating your children’s shoes. This allows for the stinky shoes to totally dry before sticking your kids feet back into them. 

Try Some Powder...This Time In The Shoe

Foot powder doesn’t just do wonders on feet, it also helps dry out kid's stinky shoes. Talcum powder, as well as baking soda, can be odor eaters for kid's shoes. This will help to remove the unbearable stenches that often plague your children’s footwear. 

Consider Shoes Made From EVA

EVA, or Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate, is a material that many footwear brands are beginning to experiment with. It is a type of plastic that lends itself to an anti-microbial environment. Consider tossing a pair of Joybees on your kid's feet.

Air Those Feet Out

Your children’s feet should not be in their shoes all day. If there is an opportunity for them to be barefoot, do it. This eliminates any chance for more bacteria to form on their feet. 

Open Toed Shoes Can Be Cool

If the environment isn't safe to allow your children to run around barefoot, you should consider open-toed shoes. They will allow your kid's feet to breathe and they’re making a comeback!

Wash Their Shoes

Finally, if all else fails, wash your children’s shoes. While this requires some effort and let’s face it, putting shoes in the wash is a pain, it will help eradicate a lot of the bacteria living in the shoes.

Whether it be toddler foot odor, teenage foot odor, or even adult foot odor, there are steps you can take to prevent it, Consider this list the next time you are fighting smelly feet!