Shoe expert Julian Nelson from A Fine Pair Of Shoes recommends a simple 24-hour freeze to tackle stubborn odours, chewing gum, and even slightly tight shoes. The method uses freezing temperatures to reduce the bacteria and fungus responsible for bad smells, offering a low-cost alternative to sprays and specialist products.
According to Nelson, shoes spend hours wrapped around warm, sweaty feet, creating the perfect environment for smells to build up over time. "Most people probably would think twice about putting their shoes in the freezer, but it's actually a really simple trick to try if they're starting to smell," he said. "Shoes can pick up plenty of bacteria and fungus when they're being worn, particularly if your feet get warm and sweaty throughout the day."
How to Freeze Shoes Safely
To try the trick, Nelson advises placing shoes in a clean, sealable bag, ensuring it is tightly closed with no gaps so the smell stays contained and does not transfer to other items. Keep the bagged shoes away from loose or unpackaged food and leave them in the freezer for around 24 hours. After removal, allow them to fully thaw back to room temperature before wearing.
"Just make sure they're sealed up properly first, leave them in there for 24 hours and let them come back to room temperature before you put them back on," Nelson stressed.
Beyond Odours: Gum and Stretching Benefits
Freezing can also help with other common shoe problems. If you step in chewing gum, placing the shoe in the freezer hardens the gum, making it easier to peel or scrape off cleanly. Some people use a variation of the trick to gently stretch tight shoes by placing a sealed bag of water inside and freezing it, although results can vary and it is best suited to sturdier materials.
The advice offers a simple, at-home solution for anyone dealing with lingering odours without immediately turning to specialist products. However, if foot odour is persistent or linked to other symptoms, experts say it is important to seek medical advice rather than relying solely on household remedies.
Alternative Products for Odour Control
For those not keen on freezing their trainers, several top-rated alternatives exist. Scholl Fresh Step Shoe Spray (150ml) offers a fast-drying dual-action formula that neutralises trapped smells and provides 24-hour protection without chalky residue, available on Amazon for £4.39. Bamboo Charcoal Air Purifying Bags (2-Pack) use activated charcoal to absorb moisture and prevent odour-causing bacteria, available on Amazon for £8.99. Crep Protect Pill Shoe Fresheners contain zeolite and fragrance to absorb moisture and kill stale smells, available on Schuh for £8.00. Odour-Eaters Ultra Comfort Insoles, packed with activated charcoal and baking soda, absorb foot sweat and destroy odour, available on Boots for £3.99. Dettol All-in-One Antibacterial Spray kills 99.9% of bacteria, available for £2.50 on Ocado.
However, the freezer trick is not a substitute for keeping footwear clean and dry. Giving shoes time to air out between wears, rotating pairs where possible, and ensuring they are fully dry can all make a noticeable difference. "If you're wearing the same pair of shoes every single day, they don't really get much of a chance to breathe," Nelson added. "Giving them a proper airing between wears can make a big difference, but if they've already started to smell, the freezer trick is a really easy one to try."
Julian Nelson is a co-founder and company director at A Fine Pair Of Shoes Limited. Prices were correct at the time of publishing.
