Are you one of the unlucky ones whose feet conspire against you and sweat no matter what you do? Do your shoes smell more like a dumpster than a rose garden as a result? Maybe having the best insoles for sweaty feet can help.
There are different types of insoles, which can help control the moisture emitted from your feet. They can also help with the nasty smells that result.
Here are our top six picks of the best odor eating insoles for sweaty feet.
1. Odor-Eaters Heavy Duty Cushioning Insoles
The clue is in the name and these insoles have four layers of moisture and odor protection. Not only do they absorb perspiration, but they also have zinc oxide, charcoal, baking soda, and proprietary technologies for odor blocking. They are also cushioned giving added comfort to your feet.
- SHOE INSOLES FOR ODOR CONTROL: These foot insoles provide the ideal, long-lasting protection you need from odor and help to control wetness for hard working feet
- LONG LASTING ODOR PROTECTION: Contains super-activated charcoal, baking soda, zinc oxide, and two powerful odor-blocking technologies. The advanced odor-blockers and powerful neutralizers both stop and destroy odor.
- EXTRA CUSHIONING & DURABILITY: These Odor Eaters insoles are built with heavy duty construction for extra cushioning and increased durability for those who are on their feet longest.
- CONTROLS WETNESS IN THE SHOE: The shoe insoles for men and women draw in perspiration, so your feet stay drier and feel more comfortable, with all day effectiveness.
- EASY APPLICATION: These shoe odor eliminators are easy to insert and apply to any shoe. Consider replacing your insoles when you notice they are no longer providing adequate odor protection or become physically worn out.
2. Shoeslulu Magic Absorbent Ultra Thin Lambskin Leather Insoles
This ultra-thin shoe liner for sweaty feet is made from lamb leather with a charcoal underlayer. They can be worn alone or in conjunction with supportive orthotics. They wick moisture away from your feet keeping them dry and fresh.
- SIZING RECOMMENDATION - [Men] sizes we recommend ordering half size bigger; [Women] sizes please order your regular size.
- STAY COMFORTABLE- Stay comfortable all day on your feet (and of course taking off your shoes in front of your loved ones) with our newest Magic Absorbent technology!
- BREATHABLE MATERIAL - Seamless one piece handcrafted high quality lambskin leather for comfort and moisture absorption. Slightly perforated and padded to keep your feet dry and comfortable. Breathable carbon bottom helps control and prevent foot odor.
- ULTRA THIN - Ultra thin design so it will work well with your current inserts (measure less then 0.2 inches)! Slightly padded provides cushioning comfort while not taking up too much shoe space! Precisely positioned and shaped to your foot and will not shrink! Light weight!
- NEW VERSION - [Full Massaging With Arch Support] Slightly thicker (measure less then 0.3 inches), fill with massaging blocks and padded arch support.
3. Pedag Washable Summer Pure Cotton Terry Barefoot Insole
Designed for times when you don’t want to wear socks, these cotton terry insoles absorb moisture and let air circulate. They have silver to combat odor-causing bacteria and skin-safe grooved latex for cushioning and comfort.
- Keep your feet cool and dry with pedag Summer! These breathable full length inserts are designed for the hotter months in mind. The cotton terrycloth absorbs sweat, fighting foot odor at the source. The perforated and grooved latex padding lets air circulate, keeping your foot cool. These soft, comfortable insoles are essential for protecting your favorite loafers, boat shoes or slip ons from discoloration or damage due to sock-less foot sweat.
- Summer insoles are thin insoles and work with most low profile shoes. These thin shoe insoles for women and men work great as replacement insoles, or in addition to your shoe's current insole. Use these inserts to make shoes fit tighter. They are lightweight and won't add uncomfortable bulk. If you need extra orthopedic support for your arch, ball of the foot and heel, pedag has several other molded styles ideal for warmer weather.
- These shoe inserts are fully washable, so they can keep on keeping your feet cool all summer long! These act as odor eaters for shoes. When ready hand wash with your favorite gentle detergent and allow to dry. In order to stay soft, absorb sweat effectively and stay fresh themselves, they should be washed at the end of each day they are used, just like you would do with socks. To extend the life of the insoles we recommend hand washing instead of machine washing.
- Summer terry cloth insoles fit mens, womens, and even children with bigger feet. The womens insoles range from sizes W5 to W12, and the mens insoles M6 through M15. Choose the shoe insert closest to your shoe size. If you are a half size, pick the next size up and trim to fit. These insoles come in white and black, and are sold in packs of 1 and 3 sets each.
- With all day, everyday wear, and proper care, shoe inserts can last an average six months. With less frequent wear, they can last for years before needing to be replaced. High quality German hand made inserts should provide foot comfort for hot summer months.
4. Dr. Scholl’s Odor-X Odor Fighting Insoles
From the trusted name of Dr. Scholl’s, these absorbent insoles for sweaty feet keep feet fresh and dry. They have activated charcoal to fight odors which continues to work while your shoes are off. Their foam construction provides cushioned comfort.
- Concentrated layer of ultra-effective activated charcoal absorbs and neutralizes unpleasant odors
- Insoles absorb perspiration to keep feet fresh, dry and comfortable all day
- Durable foam constriction provides long lasting comfort and protection
- Deodorizing action continues even after you take shoes off
- Please read all label information on delivery
5. HappyStep 2 Pairs Terry Insoles
Available in 12 different sizes, it’s easy to find a custom fit for these cotton terry cloth insoles. They absorb sweat and have a latex sole which is treated to control odor. Cushioning throughout absorbs impact and they can be machine washed and air dried.
- Premium terry top provides excellent moisture sweat absorption
- Superfine smooth terry cloth makes foot comfortable and cozy
- Premium latex sole provides full-length foot cushioning
- Ultra-Light Weight (only 20 gram) and Super Thin should fit in most types of footwear
- MAINTENANCE: Hand wash in cold water and lay flat air dry
6. Summer Soles Ultra-Absorbent Stay-Dry Women’s Insoles for Sandals
Made from a wool and rayon weaved fabric, these insoles take the wetness away from your feet and allow it to dissipate. Ideal for any shoes, but especially sandals with leather or synthetic soles. There is also a men’s version available.
- ULTRA ABSORBENT: Summer Soles adhesive liners bring freshness to any sandal - even mules, flats, and pumps. Our full size insoles have a peel-and-stick backing that stays firmly in place, yet leaves no residue on your shoes!
- STOP SWEATY FEET: Summer Soles make open shoes and sandals instantly comfy! For hyperhidrosis sufferers, these liners help stop sweaty feet from severely limiting your summer footwear options by absorbing moisture to promote a healthy foot environment.
- UNIQUE FIBER BLEND: Summer Soles use a non-woven fabric that absorbs moisture and channels it away from your feet where it dissipates quickly. Wool-rayon blend is the perfect combination for absorption and evaporation while preventing unpleasant odors.
- NATURAL WOOL DESIGN: Wool has been used for years in the medical industry because fibers naturally grab each other, leaving spaces that let air and moisture pass to keep cool in the summer. So feet feel dry- even when wearing pantyhose.
- FOR VARIETY OF SHOE STYLES: Perfect for sandals, pumps, mules, flats - but just the dressy kind, with leather or shiny synthetic soles. Not for spongy flip flops or fabric-bottomed styles. Usually minor trimming is necessary to fit to your shoe.
Reviews of the Best Shoe Insoles/Inserts for Sweaty Feet
Sweaty feet can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. Being able to keep the moisture and odor in check can give your feet a new lease of life. Here are our top picks of the best insoles for sweaty feet.
1. Odor-Eaters Heavy Duty Cushioning Insoles
Odor-Eaters are a branded product from the Blistex company which has been operating for over 70 years. They pride themselves on making quality lip care and health care products. This retro commercial from 1980 gives you an idea of how long they have been around.
These insoles come in one size, which caters for feet up to a size 12. They are designed to be trimmed to fit your shoes.
Odor is controlled by the absorption of perspiration into these insoles. The insoles can absorb up to 110 percent of their own weight in moisture. There it is met by super-activated charcoal, zinc oxide, baking soda, and two proprietary odor blockers.
These insoles do not contain any fragrance, they neutralize smells associated with sweaty feet.
As well as keeping feet dry and fresh, they have a heavy-duty construction for durability. An extra foam layer is added in the base, providing cushioning and some support for your feet.
On the downside, although great for odor control, you might need to wear dark colored socks with these insoles. The color on the uppers might bleed into light colored socks.
Pros
- Absorbs perspiration.
- Five different odor controlling properties.
- Trim to fit up to a size 12 shoe.
- Added foam layer for cushioning.
Cons
- Color might bleed from the upper layer.
| This is a trim to fit insole for up to a size 12 foot. It has moisture absorbing and odor-eating properties as well as additional cushioning for comfort and is hard wearing. |
2. Shoeslulu Magic Absorbent Ultra Thin Lambskin Leather Insoles
Shoeslulu brings us a lambskin leather insole with breathable carbon bottoms. The proprietary Magic Absorbent technology helps keep sweaty feet dry.
They are available in sizes for men and women, 6 to 9.5 for women and 8 to 13 for men. You can also choose from a standard or a wide width in most sizes.
It‘s worth noting that it’s recommended you order a half size larger for men but the regular size for women.
The insole is constructed in one piece. Lambskin helps absorb moisture away from your feet. They are lightly padded and have perforations allowing your feet to breathe. The lower carbon layer helps control foot odor keeping your feet and shoes smelling fresh.
At less than 0.2 inches thick, these insoles are very thin. They can be used with existing insoles in your shoes without taking up much space.
The men’s sizes might come up a little on the narrow side for some boots and shoes. Also, when wearing without socks, they could stick to your feet.
Pros
- Made from natural lambskin with a charcoal base for odor control.
- Magic Absorbency to keep feet dry.
- Range of sizes and widths for men and women.
- Thin design.
Cons
- Men’s sizes might be narrow.
- Can stick to feet when worn without socks.
| These are made from natural lambskin leather allowing feet to breathe. They have a charcoal lower lining for odor control. There is a range of sizes for both men’s and women’s shoes. |
3. Pedag Washable Summer Pure Cotton Terry Barefoot Insole
Pedag is a German international company with a base right here in the USA. They produce a number of quality products with an emphasis on their customers and the environment.
These insoles specifically designed to deal with sweaty feet are handmade in Germany. They are great for wearing without socks in the summer to keep feet dry and fresh.
There are 14 sizes to choose from. For ladies, sizes 5 through 12 and for men sizes 9 through 14.
They are made from a hard-wearing natural cotton terry upper which helps wick moisture away from your feet. The lower part of the insole is made from grooved and perforated antibacterial skin safe latex with silver. This helps keep odor at bay, allowing air to circulate, and provides light padding.
These insoles can be hand-washed with mild soap and allowed to air dry. This will help keep them fresh and prolong their life.
It seems these insoles come up a little on the narrow side. They might possibly shrink a little when washed too.
Pros
- Handmade
- Cotton terry uppers to control wetness.
- Antibacterial padded lower layer.
- Hand washable.
Cons
- Might be too narrow for some.
- Could shrink when washed.
| These absorbent insoles for sweaty feet have a cotton terry upper. The antibacterial padded lower layer is made from silver and skin safe latex to keep smells under control. |
4. Dr. Scholl’s Odor-X Odor Fighting Insoles
The name Dr. Scholl’s is recognized in many households around the world. It is synonymous with the wooden-soled sandals popular in the 1970s and foot care products.
These Odor-X insoles are made for people who get sweaty, smelly feet. They have a three-pronged attack system: activated charcoal and baking soda to control odor and their patented Sweatmax technology to control wetness. This helps them keep your feet dry and fresh all day.
They also have Dr. Scholl’s Air-Pillo cushioning to help make your feet more comfortable.
The deodorizing action of the materials in these insoles continue to work even when you aren’t wearing your shoes.
This is a pack of four pairs of insoles which come in one size. There are lines marked on them corresponding to shoe sizes and you just trim to fit.
On the downside, they only fit up to a men’s size 11. The longevity might also be questionable and they might need replacing every four to six weeks, but you do have four pairs.
Pros
- Charcoal and baking soda help control nasty whiffs.
- Sweatmax technology helps keep feet dry.
- Air-Pillo for cushioning and comfort.
- Trim to fit.
- Four pack bundle.
Cons
- Don’t fit a shoe above a man’s size 11.
- Might need replacing regularly.
| This insole has both charcoal and baking soda built in to help control smelly feet and shoes. Proprietary Sweatmax technology helps keep feet dry. While longevity might be questionable, you do get four pairs (eight insoles in total). |
5. HappyStep 2 Pairs Terry Insoles
HappyStep is a trademarked product of Canadian-based Universal Electrical Supply Limited. They produce a number of foot care items under this brand.
These insoles are available in 12 different sizes which include ladies sizes 5 through 12 and men’s sizes 8 through 13. There are also different color options available.
The two pair backs can be bought in white, black, or one pair of each. This means you can match them to your shoes or rotate them to help them last longer. They are also very lightweight and thin so won’t take up a lot of room in your shoes.
There is a pure cotton terry cloth upper which helps keep feet dry, fresh, and clean. It absorbs sweat away from your feet. The lower layer has latex which has been treated to control odor and provide cushioning through the length of the insole.
These shoe inserts are easy to care for. They can be cleaned by machine washing on a cold setting and then air dried, keeping them flat.
The company does advise that these insoles might not be suitable if you have wider than average feet. It also appears that the lower level might start to deteriorate quickly and can stick to the soles of your shoes.
Pros
- Cotton terry uppers for moisture control.
- Treated latex lower layer for odor control.
- Two pair pack in choice of black, white, or both.
- Spare pair to use while washing one pair.
Cons
- Not suitable for wider feet.
- Latex layer might wear quicker than the uppers.
| HappyStep insoles are designed to keep your feet dry with their cotton terry uppers. A latex bottom is treated to control odor. Two pairs are supplied so you have a spare when washing one pair. |
6. Summer Soles Ultra-Absorbent Stay-Dry Women’s Insoles for Sandals
If you are looking for some odor eating insoles for sandals then Summer Soles might have the answer.
These shoe inserts for women are suitable for most types of dressy sandals with open toes or sides and that have a leather or synthetic sole. They also come in a men’s version for topsiders, boat shoes, and dress shoes.
These are one size for men and one for women, which are then trimmed to fit. Ladies can choose from beige, black, or camel colors.
The upper of these shoe inserts are made from a wool and rayon blend. The non-woven fabric wicks moisture away from your feet, letting it dissipate quickly. The air spaces allow your feet to breathe, helping prevent nasty odors.
There is a peel and stick backing which keeps the insoles in place and stops them sliding around.
These insoles can be used with any shoes apart from sandals like flip-flops or those with rubber or fabric bottoms.
The insoles might not fit women’s shoes over a size 9. They are also a little on the narrow side so not suitable for wider fitting shoes.
Pros
- Odor control for sandals as well as other shoes.
- Moisture-wicking wool and rayon blend.
- Peel and stick backing holds them in place.
- Trim to fit.
- Choice of colors for women’s shoes.
Cons
- Might not fit above a size 9 for ladies.
- Tend to run on the narrow side.
| These antimicrobial insoles have wool in them which helps control wetness and odor. They are great for sandals as well as flats and heels. Available for men and women they are a trim to fit style with a peel and stick backing. |
Why Do Our Feet Sweat and Why Does It Smell?
Our hands and feet account for about 25 percent of the body’s active eccrine (sweat) glands. The density of these glands is greater in the feet and therefore it’s hardly surprising that our feet sweat a lot.
While you might not like it, no matter how clean you are, we all have bacteria living on our skin. When our feet perspire, the bacteria on the feet feed on it and produce isovaleric acid. This upsets the natural microbial flora of our feet and makes them smell.
Shoes that are worn for long periods of time might be more prone to becoming malodorous. Other things like hormone changes, a medical condition called hyperhidrosis, shoes that are too tight, or stress can make feet sweat more.
Left untreated, foot odor can lead to more issues such as fungal infections and athlete’s foot.
How Can Shoe Inserts Help and What Should I Look For?
Many brands of insoles are treated with antimicrobials or are made from odor controlling materials. They might also have moisture wicking and absorbency to help keep your feet dry and therefore protect the balance of bacteria on your feet.
Some of the things to look for in shoe liners for sweaty feet include:
- Materials: Choose a material that will allow your feet to breathe and that will wick moisture away from your feet. Natural things like leather, wool, and even cedar wood can help. Many companies have patented materials designed to help keep your feet dry by absorbing moisture and letting it evaporate.
- Airflow: Insoles which have perforations or grooves to allow the air around your feet to move are a good option. This is especially the case when you need more support from your insoles in the form of things like EVA foam. If you need more support from insoles, check out some of our other insoles reviews, many of which have odor and moisture control.
- Activated charcoal, baking soda, zinc, or carbon: These materials naturally absorb moisture and also prevent odor in your feet.
- Washability: Many insoles can be washed either by hand or in a washing machine on a cold wash. Cleaning them regularly will help keep them, and your feet, fresh. You can read our complete guide on how to clean smelly insoles to prolong the life of your insoles by caring for them properly.
Pro Tips
- Check the manufacturer’s instructions before washing insoles in a washing machine.
- If you wear shoes without socks, clean your insoles regularly. Feet tend to sweat more when they are bare and enclosed in any way by shoes or sandals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There Anything Else I Can Do to Help with Sweaty Feet?
There are a few things you can do to help prevent your feet from becoming smelly as a result of sweaty feet. However, it’s unlikely you will be able to stop them actually sweating.
Apart from choosing a good insole for odor and moisture control, wash your feet daily and dry them well. Keep your toenails short and remove hard dead skin. Choose socks made from natural fibers and change them at least once a day.
Alternating your shoes every other day and allowing shoes and insoles to air dry between wearing will also help. Go barefoot or wear open sandals whenever you can.
This video gives you some tips on dealing with sweaty feet.
How Often Should I Change My Insoles?
The general consensus is that insoles should be changed every six to nine months. Nevertheless, if you have sweaty feet it’s likely you will need to do this more often, at least every three months.
When your insoles show signs of wear or when the odor repelling or moisture absorption stops working, it’s time to change them. The chances are if your feet are very sweaty this could be every four to six weeks.
Can I Wear Odor Eating Insoles with My Custom Orthotics?
Any insoles designed for odor and moisture control are thin and don’t have a lot of padding. For this reason, you might be able to place them in your footwear along with your custom made orthotics. This will give you fresh, dry feet as well as the support your feet need.
It’s a good idea when buying shoes or boots to take along any insoles or orthotics you plan to use. This way you can make sure they are going to be comfortable and the inserts won’t take up too much room, making footwear tight.
Stepping Out (Fresh and Dry)
Using absorbent insoles for sweaty feet which can also eat odor helps keep your feet dry and smelling fresh. It can relieve the embarrassment of having stinky shoes making you more comfortable and confident.
We have detailed our top six picks of the best insoles for sweaty feet. Our favorite would be the Odor Eaters heavy duty cushioning insoles.
While fragrance-free, they have five ways to tackle odor, charcoal, baking soda, zinc, and two proprietary odor eliminators. They absorb perspiration to keep feet dry and have an added foam layer to provide cushioning. The one size accommodates up to a size 12 foot and can be trimmed to fit.
We hope you have found our reviews useful and are able to choose the odor-eating insole which best suits your needs. Please leave us a comment with your own views and experiences and don’t forget to share with others that might benefit.
