4 Simple Ways to Remove Odor from Leather Shoes

Leather shoes are classy, durable, andoccasionallycapable of producing a smell that makes you wonder if your feet
have been secretly training for a swamp triathlon. The good news: you don’t need a chemistry degree (or a new
personality) to deodorize leather shoes. You just need to tackle the real culprit: moisture + microbes trapped in a
warm, closed space.

Below are four simple, leather-safe methods to get the smell out of leather shoesplus prevention tips so your
footwear stays “nice leather” and not “mysterious basement.”

Why Leather Shoes Start Smelling (Even If You’re Not “Gross”)

Shoe odor usually isn’t “sweat” itself. Sweat is mostly odorless. The smell happens when bacteria (and sometimes
fungi) break down sweat and skin cells, especially in a warm, damp environmentlike the inside of a shoe after a long
day. Leather can absorb moisture, and if the shoe doesn’t dry fully between wears, odor builds up fast.

One more leather-specific twist: leather hates extremes. Too much water can stain or stiffen it. Too much heat can
warp it, crack it, or weaken adhesives. So we’re going to use methods that remove odor without turning your shoes
into sad leather fossils.

Before You Start: Do This 60-Second Prep

• Remove insoles (if they come out). Insoles are often odor HQ.
• Unlace the shoes (if applicable) and open them wide so air can circulate.
• Check for dampness or visible mildew. If the inside is wet, start with Method #1 first.
• Spot-test anything wet on an inconspicuous area, especially if your shoes have dyed leather or a delicate lining.

Method 1: Dry Them Out the Right Way (The “Stop the Stink at the Source” Move)

If you only do one thing, do this: get the inside truly dry. Odor-causing microbes love moisture.
Drying doesn’t just mask smellit makes the shoe less friendly to the little stink-makers.

Step-by-step

1. Blot moisture inside the shoe with a clean towel or paper towel (don’t scrubjust press).
2. Stuff the shoes with plain paper towels or newspaper to absorb moisture and hold shape.
   Replace the paper if it gets damp.
3. Air-dry in a ventilated spot. Put them near (not on) moving airlike a fan across the roomor by an open window.
4. Avoid heat and direct sun. No hair dryer. No radiator. No “just five minutes in the sun.”
   Leather and heat are not besties.
5. Let them rest at least overnight. If they’re very damp, plan for a full 12–24 hours.

Why this works

Drying removes the damp environment that helps odor-causing bacteria and fungi thrive. It also prevents that “musty”
smell that can settle into porous materials over time.

Quick example

If your leather loafers smell worst after rainy commutes, the odor likely isn’t “foot stink”it’s lingering moisture
trapped in the lining. Drying them properly (paper + airflow + time) often reduces the smell dramatically before you
even add deodorizing powders.

Method 2: Baking Soda Overnight (A Simple Odor Neutralizer That Plays Nice with Leather)

Baking soda is famous for a reason: it helps absorb lingering moisture and neutralize odors. For leather shoes, the
key is keeping it contained and easy to remove.

Option A: Direct sprinkle (fastest)

1. Make sure the shoes are dry first (see Method #1).
2. Sprinkle 1–2 tablespoons of baking soda into each shoe.
3. Tap the shoe gently so the powder spreads across the insole area.
4. Leave overnight (or up to 24 hours for stubborn odor).
5. Dump it out and vacuum any remaining powder with a brush attachment.

Option B: The “No-Mess Sachet” (best for dress shoes)

1. Fill a coffee filter (or a thin sock) with baking soda.
2. Secure it with a rubber band or tie it off.
3. Place one sachet in each shoe overnight.

Pro tips

• Skip essential oils if your shoes are lined with delicate leatheroils can spot or linger.
• If you don’t have baking soda, cornstarch can help with moisture, but baking soda is usually stronger on odor.
• Don’t leave loose powder in the shoe for days. Overnight is great; “forever” is dusty and weird.

Method 3: Activated Charcoal or Cedar Shoe Trees (The “Set It and Forget It” Approach)

If you want something you can toss in and walk away fromthis is your method. Both activated charcoal and cedar are
popular because they help manage odor by dealing with moisture and smell molecules over time.

Activated charcoal bags

1. Place a small activated charcoal pouch inside each shoe.
2. Leave it in for at least 8–12 hours (overnight is perfect).
3. Repeat nightly for a few days if the odor is stubborn.

Cedar shoe trees (bonus: they keep your shoes looking sharp)

1. Insert cedar shoe trees after wearing the shoes (once they’re no longer damp-hot from your feet).
2. Let them sit as the shoes rest between wears.

Why this works (and why leather owners love it)

Charcoal is widely used as an odor absorber, and cedar shoe trees are often recommended because they help absorb
moisture and reduce odor while maintaining shape. For leather dress shoes, cedar trees are a “two birds, one
stylish stone” solution.

Quick example

If your leather oxfords smell fine in the morning but funky by the end of the day, you may need ongoing moisture
control more than a one-time “deep deodorize.” Charcoal bags at night + shoe trees between wears can keep odor from
coming back as quickly.

Method 4: A Light Disinfecting Mist (Rubbing Alcohol or Diluted VinegarUsed Carefully)

Absorbers (baking soda/charcoal) are great, but sometimes you need to reduce the odor-causing bacteria directly.
A light mist of a disinfecting solution can helpjust don’t soak the shoe.

Option A: Rubbing alcohol + water spray (simple, effective)

1. Mix equal parts water and rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle.
2. Spritz a light mist inside the shoe (focus on the footbed/lining area).
3. Let the shoes air-dry fully in a ventilated spot.

Option B: Diluted vinegar solution (gentle, but still needs caution)

1. Mix 1 part white vinegar with 2 parts water (or weaker if your leather is delicate).
2. Dampen a cloth (do not pour!) and wipe the inside lightly.
3. Air-dry fully.

Leather safety rules (read these like a label on hair dye)

• Do not oversaturate. You’re misting, not power-washing.
• Keep liquids mostly inside the shoe. If you hit the outer leather, wipe it dry quickly.
• Condition if needed. If the leather feels dry afterward, a small amount of leather conditioner can restore suppleness.
• Test first. Especially for dyed leather, suede, nubuck, or delicate linings.

When to choose this method

If the odor returns quickly after using baking soda or charcoal, bacteria may be thriving in the lining or in the
insole. A gentle disinfecting mist can help reset the situation.

How to Keep Leather Shoes from Smelling Again (Prevention That Actually Works)

Deodorizing is great. Not having to deodorize every week is better. These habits make a big difference without
adding extra chores to your life.

1) Rotate your shoes

Wearing the same pair day after day doesn’t give the interior time to dry. Rotating pairs (even every other day)
cuts odor dramatically for many people.

2) Don’t skip socks (most of the time)

Socks absorb moisture before it gets trapped in the shoe lining. If you prefer no-show socks, choose breathable ones
and wash them after each wear.

3) Replace or clean removable insoles

Insoles can hold onto odor even when the shoe looks clean. If they’re removable, wash them gently and dry them
completely. If they’re old and permanently funky, replacing them can be the quickest “why didn’t I do this sooner?”
fix.

4) Store shoes like you like them

• Store in a cool, dry place with airflow (avoid sealed plastic bins).
• Use cedar shoe trees or charcoal bags if your closet tends to get humid.
• If your shoes got wet, dry them fully before putting them away.

FAQ: Leather Shoe Odor Troubleshooting

What if my leather shoes smell “musty” instead of “sweaty”?

Musty odors often point to lingering moisture. Start with Method #1 (drying) and follow with charcoal or baking soda.
If you suspect mildew, keep drying and ventilation as the priority.

Can I use commercial shoe deodorizers?

Yesjust choose ones designed for footwear and avoid soaking sprays. Many work best when combined with proper drying
and rotation. If a product heavily perfumes the shoe, it may mask the issue rather than fix it.

When should I call a professional?

If your shoes have persistent odor after multiple treatments, visible mold/mildew, or the lining is breaking down,
a cobbler can clean, deodorize, and sometimes replace components. Also, if foot odor is severe and persistent, it may
be worth discussing with a healthcare professional.

Extra: Real-Life Experiences People Have with Smelly Leather Shoes (and What Tends to Work)

To make this practical, here are common “yep, that’s me” situations people run into with leather shoesplus what
typically helps. Think of these as field notes from the world’s least glamorous adventure: keeping shoes from
smelling like a villain’s lair.

Experience 1: “My dress shoes only smell after long workdays.”

This is extremely common with leather dress shoes because the shoes are structured, less ventilated than sneakers,
and worn for many consecutive hours. In these cases, the odor is usually tied to accumulated moisture in the
lining, not dirt on the outside. People who get the best results often do a simple routine:
air the shoes out immediately, then use cedar shoe trees overnight. If odor still
lingers, a baking soda sachet one night a week is often enough to keep things under control.

One detail that surprises people: leaving shoes in a closed locker, gym bag, or car trunk can make a “barely
noticeable” smell turn into “why is my briefcase judging me?” Fast airflow fixes a lot.

Experience 2: “My leather loafers got caught in the rain and never recovered.”

Rainy leather shoes are a classic turning point. Even after they feel dry on the outside, the inside padding and
lining can stay damp. People who rush the drying process with heat often end up with stiff leather and a smell that
seems baked in. The best outcomes usually come from patience:
paper stuffing + changing it when damp + a fan. Once fully dry, charcoal bags overnight for a few
nights can noticeably reduce the leftover odor.

If the shoes also feel a bit “crunchy” after drying, a small amount of leather conditioner on the exterior can help
restore flexibilityjust avoid getting conditioner inside the shoe, where it can trap more odor.

Experience 3: “The odor goes away… and comes back fast.”

When smell returns quickly, it often means you’ve been absorbing odor but not reducing the bacteria causing it.
In these cases, people tend to get better results by combining methods:

• Night 1: Dry thoroughly (Method #1).
• Night 2: Baking soda sachet (Method #2).
• Night 3: Light disinfecting mist (Method #4), then air-dry completely.
• Maintenance: Charcoal bags or cedar trees (Method #3) a few nights a week.

That combo approach works because it tackles moisture, neutralizes smell, and reduces microbeswithout soaking leather.

Experience 4: “I don’t want powder in my expensive shoes.”

Totally fair. People with high-end leather shoes often prefer the no-mess sachet approach (coffee
filter or thin sock) so nothing gritty stays behind. Charcoal bags are also popular for this reason. And if you want
to disinfect without drama, the “light mist” rule is key: a gentle spray that dries fast, not a wet interior that
creates new problems.

Experience 5: “My shoes smell worst in hot weather.”

Heat makes feet sweat more, and sweat increases humidity inside the shoe. In warm months, people often notice that
their usual routine stops workinguntil they add two habits: rotation (letting shoes rest between
wears) and drying help (fan + paper stuffing). A lot of folks also switch to more breathable socks
or keep a backup pair of shoes at work. The punchline is simple: if the shoe stays dry, it stays less stinky.

Bottom line: most “leather shoe odor” problems aren’t solved by one magic trick. They’re solved by
drying + absorbing + (sometimes) disinfectingdone in a leather-safe way.

Conclusion

If your leather shoes smell, you’re not aloneand you’re not doomed. Start with proper drying (it’s the foundation),
then choose an odor fighter that matches your situation: baking soda for quick neutralizing, charcoal or cedar for
ongoing freshness, and a light disinfecting mist when odor keeps coming back. Add rotation and a little airflow, and
your shoes can go back to smelling like… nothing. Which is the highest compliment we can give a shoe.