10 Best Shoe Deodorizers in 2025 (Sof Sole, FunkAway, and More)
Looking to keep your shoes smelling fresh and odor-free? Whether it's your sweaty gym sneakers or those pumps you wear without socks, you don't to want to be embarrassed by shoe stink. There are powders, sprays and bags that can deodorize, disinfect, and even act as antiperspirants!
Understanding the challenge of finding the right one, we browsed through various products and compiled the top 10 best deodorizers to help you figure out which product to buy. Take Foot Sense's Natural Shoe Deodorizer Powder. This product made made one of our top spots because it removes odor and controls bacteria growth. We have nine other great products for you to consider, and also included a buying guide to help you navigate through the plethora of shoe deodorizer options currently offered on the market.
Quick List - Top Shoe Deodorizers
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Why is a Shoe Deodorizer Necessary?
After a long day of wearing shoes, your feet will likely sweat. The moisture will then dampen your socks and seep into your shoes, causing a funky odor that might not only irritate you but other people who stand near you as well.
In the tight, moistened space inside your shoes, harmful germs grow rather quickly and build up an unpleasant smell. So, how to solve that problem? Many people simply spray some perfume or cleaning solutions, but certain liquids might not be effective on shoes made from leather, and they may cause more damage in the long run.
Thankfully, a shoe deodorizer can change the game. It can fight away all the harmful germs, give your shoes a nice scent, and potentially reduce the smell of your feet.
But don't just wait until your shoes get stinky to use a shoe deodorizer! Even before your shoes started to become smelly, you should use the product frequently to prevent bacteria from growing.
How to Choose a Shoe Deodorizer - Buying Guide
Choosing a great shoe deodorizer is not an easy task due to the multitude of products currently sold on the market. In this buying guide, we provide you with some tips that you may want to consider when purchasing.
Pay Attention to the Ingredients
All shoe deodorizers are formulated somewhat similarly to each other but still contain their own unique ingredients. Some shoe deodorizers also consist of chemicals that may be harmful, so you should pay attention to avoid those ingredients.
Essential Oils and Zinc Oxide to Kill Germs and Control Odors
When our feet sweat, the bacteria existing on the surface of our skin break down that sweat into isovaleric acid, which has a pungent scent similar to that of blue cheese or fermented beans. Instead of killing germs to remove the root cause, various shoe deodorizer products simply mask the pungent smell with a cleaner and fresher scent.
However, to truly clear out all of the foul odors, you should choose products with strong antifungal and antibacterial properties that can eliminate bacteria and remove the smell of isovaleric acid.
Some ingredients that you should keep in mind include zinc oxide, alcohol (ethanol), and benzethonium chloride. They are strong antimicrobial and antifungal agents. However, they might also lead to skin irritation.
You can also opt for natural essential oils and other ingredients like peppermint, tea tree, lavender, cinnamon bark, or vinegar. They are not only effective in taming the most stubborn germs but more likely to be friendly to your skin.
Look for Moisturizing and Soothing Ingredients
Wearing shoes all day may make your feet feel uncomfortable. And for athletes who exercise intensely, foot problems are somewhat common.
Many brands have started to infuse ingredients such as aloe vera, olive oil, and glycerin into their products to provide extra nourishing and soothing effects. Of course, the effects might not be as strong as lotion or cream, but they can provide you with some nice relief for your feet.
Watch Out for Ingredients That May be Too Harsh
Some shoe deodorizers contain chemicals such as aluminum and alcohol, which may trigger irritations to those with sensitive skin.
They are not completely bad, but they have been reported to cause skin infections, burns or lead to more severe diseases. If used in small amounts approved by health agencies such as FDA, these chemicals should not pose any serious health problems.
However, if you have really sensitive skin or any allergies to certain chemicals, you should avoid them and choose products made from natural ingredients instead.
Take Scent into Account
Shoe deodorizers are often scented with either herbal, fruity, or floral scents to cover up the smell from your shoes or feet. Your choice may be based on the scents or ingredients with a particular smell that you prefer.
Scents extracted from tea tree or peppermint leaf tend to be refreshing but could be overwhelming at first. On the other hand, citrus smells like bergamot give out a sweet, clean fragrance. Products infused with flower extracts of lavender or chamomile tend to have a light, lingering, and soothing scents.
However, not all scents can mask the shoes' pungent smell. In some cases, the scent of a product could mix with the stink and make things worse. Therefore, you should look for more reviews to see what users say about the effect of the product on a funky smell.
Also, you should be aware that products containing alcohol ingredients will smell a bit medicinal. If you find any scent too overpowering, you may want to consider fragrance-free products! We recommend reading through feedback to see if a particular spray or powder is truly scent-free and did not bother users.
Choose a Type That Suits Your Lifestyle
Shoe deodorizers can be categorized into three different types: spray, powder, and travel-friendly packages. Each type has its own pros and cons, so you should consider all of them before purchasing.
Spray Distributes Evenly but May be Wasteful
Among all types, the spray is probably the most common. It is easy to use, allows even distribution, and can get to all corners of the shoes. However, using a spray deodorizer can be wasteful, since some solution will be dispersed into the air.
In addition, you should shake the bottle well before spraying to make sure that the bottle will expel the solution instead of just propellant.
Powder Offers Quantity Control but Can Create a Mess
When using powder deodorizer, you will directly scoop the powder into your shoes, so it's less likely that you'll waste any of the product. However, you might not be able to distribute the powder as evenly as with a spray deodorizer. You can easily create a mess as well since powder tends to fly around.
Ball or Bag Style for Portability
If you are tired of all the spraying, you may want to consider a shoe deodorizer that comes in a ball or bag. A ball or bag freshener is often small, convenient, and easy to carry around, so you can bring it anywhere you want. However, it might take you a while to see the effects of this type compared to the spray and powder ones.
Ball deodorizers are equipped with a formula that is activated when twisted. You can twist them again to close to preserve the deodorizer. These balls are great for getting into deep corners of a shoe that powder and spray can't reach.
Meanwhile, bag deodorizers absorb excess moisture from your shoes, preventing the buildup of bacteria and bad odors. They're also often recyclable and reusable, meaning one bag lasts longer.
10 Best Shoe Deodorizers
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Zinc Oxide | Essential Oils | Fragrance | Form | Amount | |||||
1 | Dr. Scholl's Odor-X Ultra Odor-Fighting Spray | | Instant odor control, all-day freshness | Spray、Powder | 4.7 oz | ||||
2 | Dr. Scholl's Odor-X Foot Odor Probiotic Spray | | Refresh. Rebalance. Stay odor-free. | Spray | 4 oz | ||||
3 | Foot Sense All-Natural Foot and Shoe Powder | | Natural Ingredients With Zinc Oxide to Control Bacteria | Powder | 3.5 oz | ||||
4 | Arm & Hammer Deodorizer Odor Busterz | | Freshness that lasts—odor elimination made easy | Ball | 3 Balls | ||||
5 | Tide Antibacterial Fabric Spray | | Eliminate bacteria, refresh fabrics | Spray | 22 oz (Pack of 2) | ||||
6 | Clorox Fraganzia Deodorizing Balls | | Big freshness in a small package | Ball | 6 Balls | ||||
7 | NonScents Shoe Deodorizer | | Fresh shoes, zero effort—odor gone overnight | Bag | 2 Bags | ||||
8 | Lumi Outdoors Natural Shoe Deodorizer | | Freshness that lasts—naturally powerful odor control | Spray | 4 oz | ||||
9 | Amazon Basics Gel Odor Eliminator | | Pure freshness, no fragrance—odor control made simple | Powder | 17 oz | ||||
10 | Sof Sole Sneaker Balls | | Small Deodorizing Balls That Fit in All Shoes | Ball | 7 Balls | ||||
Dr. Scholl'sOdor-X Ultra Odor-Fighting Spray
| Zinc Oxide | |
|---|---|
| Fragrance |
Instant odor control, all-day freshness
Keep feet and shoes fresh and odor-free with Dr. Scholl’s Odor-X Ultra Odor Fighting Spray Powder. This easy-to-use formula works instantly to destroy odors, providing guaranteed all-day protection against unwanted smells.
Doctor-recommended and dye-free, it refreshes feet and shoes while helping you stay confident and comfortable. Trusted by foot care experts for over a century, this spray powder is your go-to solution for odor-free, all-day freshness.
| Essential Oils | |
|---|---|
| Form | Spray、Powder |
| Amount | 4.7 oz |
Dr. Scholl'sOdor-X Foot Odor Probiotic Spray
| Zinc Oxide | |
|---|---|
| Fragrance |
Refresh. Rebalance. Stay odor-free.
Eliminate foot odor instantly with Dr. Scholl’s Odor-X Peppermint Spray, powered by probiotic extracts to rebalance bacteria and prevent odors from returning. Infused with essential oils, it delivers a cooling, soothing sensation to keep feet feeling fresh and comfortable all day.
Paraben-free and doctor-recommended, this fast-acting aerosol spray restores your skin’s healthy microbiome, ensuring long-lasting freshness. Trusted by foot care experts for over a century, it’s the ultimate defense against embarrassing foot odors.
| Essential Oils | |
|---|---|
| Form | Spray |
| Amount | 4 oz |
Foot SenseAll-Natural Foot and Shoe Powder
| Zinc Oxide | |
|---|---|
| Fragrance |
Natural Ingredients With Zinc Oxide to Control Bacteria
Foot Sense's shoe deodorizer is made from all-natural ingredients and is guaranteed to be safe and gentle for your skin. There are no harsh chemicals such as aluminum, so you don't have to worry too much about irritation!
Containing zinc oxide, a natural skin protectant with effective antimicrobial properties, this can help control bacteria and fungus. Various people said the product was effective even for stinky athletic shoes. However, for a really strong scent, you might want to apply the powder every day for a week.
While a few said the product makes a mess, many reviewers loved the natural, mild scent of this shoe deodorizer and said it was different from other products' overwhelming perfumey scent.
| Essential Oils | |
|---|---|
| Form | Powder |
| Amount | 3.5 oz |
Freshness that lasts—odor elimination made easy
Banish unwanted odors with Arm & Hammer Clean Burst Deodorizing Balls, designed to eliminate odors for up to 60 days using the natural power of baking soda. Infused with Clean Burst fresh scent, these compact, easy-to-use balls keep spaces smelling fresh and clean for hours.
Perfect for closets, hampers, shoes, travel bags, and athletic gear, they work effortlessly to absorb odors and maintain freshness. Simply twist to activate and enjoy long-lasting odor control anywhere you need it.
| Essential Oils | |
|---|---|
| Form | Ball |
| Amount | 3 Balls |
Eliminate bacteria, refresh fabrics
Tide Antibacterial Fabric Spray is designed to sanitize and freshen fabrics by eliminating 99.9% of bacteria when used as directed. Its fast-acting formula helps combat odor-causing bacteria, ensuring long-lasting freshness.
Suitable for clothes, bedding, car seats, couches, dog beds, and towels, this phthalate-free spray provides a convenient, effective solution for maintaining a hygienic home environment.
| Essential Oils | |
|---|---|
| Form | Spray |
| Amount | 22 oz (Pack of 2) |
Big freshness in a small package
Eliminate odors and refresh small spaces with Clorox Lavender & Eucalyptus Sneaker Balls—lasting up to 30 days for continuous freshness. These compact, easy-to-use deodorizers tackle shoe, gym bag, locker, and closet odors, delivering a light, calming scent of soothing lavender and crisp eucalyptus.
Simply twist to activate, place in sneakers, drawers, or hampers, and enjoy powerful odor control in even the tightest spaces. With six mini fresheners per pack, your shoes and gear stay fresh, no matter how active your lifestyle.
| Essential Oils | |
|---|---|
| Form | Ball |
| Amount | 6 Balls |
Fresh shoes, zero effort—odor gone overnight
Eliminate shoe odors overnight with NonScents Shoe Deodorizer Pods, designed for rapid, long-lasting freshness. These compact, mess-free pods fit easily into sneakers, cleats, boots, and more, neutralizing odors at the source without sprays or powders.
With up to 6 months of continuous use, they also keep gym bags, lockers, and sports gear fresh. Non-toxic and eco-friendly, they absorb odor and moisture naturally, making them a safe, effective solution for any household.
| Essential Oils | |
|---|---|
| Form | Bag |
| Amount | 2 Bags |
Lumi OutdoorsNatural Shoe Deodorizer
| Zinc Oxide | |
|---|---|
| Fragrance |
Freshness that lasts—naturally powerful odor control
Eliminate stubborn shoe odors with Lumi Outdoors Shoe Deodorizer Spray, a maximum-strength, natural formula infused with lemongrass and eucalyptus. With over 700 sprays per bottle, this long-lasting deodorizer neutralizes even the toughest odors at the source.
Perfect for shoes, gym bags, boxing gloves, and more, it’s a versatile, USA-made solution free from harsh chemicals. Family-owned and never tested on animals, this odor-fighting spray keeps your gear fresh—so you can stay confident every step of the way.
| Essential Oils | |
|---|---|
| Form | Spray |
| Amount | 4 oz |
Pure freshness, no fragrance—odor control made simple
Eliminate odors naturally with the Amazon Basics Gel Odor Eliminator, featuring unscented activated charcoal for powerful, fragrance-free freshness. This 17-ounce gel formula absorbs unwanted smells, making it perfect for closets, bathrooms, laundry rooms, basements, and more.
Designed for long-lasting passive diffusion, it works continuously to keep spaces fresh and odor-free without overpowering scents. Alexa voice shopping enabled, so restocking is as simple as saying, “Alexa, reorder Amazon Basics Gel Odor Eliminator.
| Essential Oils | |
|---|---|
| Form | Powder |
| Amount | 17 oz |
Small Deodorizing Balls That Fit in All Shoes
Made with a detergent that absorbs odor, this product can effectively remove the funky smell caused by bacteria. With a small, round design, it can fit in all shoe sizes, even kids' shoes, and roll into tight corners that other fresheners cannot touch.
Also, the powerful, fresh scent of this shoe deodorizer can last up to six months after applying! You twist to release the fresh and clean scent and twist again when not in use.
Some reviewers suggested that when using the product, you should slightly open the ball and rotate them from pair to pair every day. The product also had an overwhelming scent for some. Still, many others said the balls worked well, noting it lasted longer than other brands.
| Essential Oils | |
|---|---|
| Form | Ball |
| Amount | 7 Balls |
More Products That Make You Smell Good All Day
If you are looking for more products that help you cover the sticky sweat because of exercise or hot weather, then look no further! Check out our links below for more suggestions.
Top 5 Shoe Deodorizers
No. 1: Dr. Scholl's｜Odor-X Ultra Odor-Fighting Spray
No. 2: Dr. Scholl's｜Odor-X Foot Odor Probiotic Spray
No. 3: Foot Sense｜All-Natural Foot and Shoe Powder
No. 4: Arm & Hammer｜Deodorizer Odor Busterz
No. 5: Tide｜Antibacterial Fabric Spray
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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