Stinky work boots, stinky socks, stinky feet! When your feet perspire and perspire they will, moisture and bacteria remain inside work boots creating odor.
Your best solution? A good work boot or shoe deodorizer can save the day. These deodorizers work to absorb moisture and will substitute what was once stink with a more appealing scent.
Many shoe deodorizers are in spray or powder form. These are applied inside work boots onto footbeds to prevent odors from the start.
Other forms of deodorants are pouches, bags, or balls, that are left inside your boot overnight to work their magic. The next morning, the odor is gone.
We spent literally days looking for the best deodorizers for work boots. Our team of professionals sent home dozens of deodorizers with construction pros, shop workers, and farmhands to find out just how effective they were and if the smell vanished. We even did some specific testing, leaving one boot smelly while deodorizing the other.
In the end, the overall best work boot deodorizer turned out to be Moso Natural Original Air Purifying Deodorizer Bag, because these bamboo charcoal bags absorb moisture, so mold and mildew do not become a problem, and they last for up to two years. These are ecologically friendly solutions that can be completely recycled.
Product | Type | Principal ingredient | Durability | Extras |
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Moso Natural Original Air Purifying Deodorizer Bag | Deodorizing pouch | Charcoal | Up to two years | Recyclable |
Arm & Hammer Pure Baking Soda Shaker | Powder | Baking soda (Sodium Bicarbonate) | Daily | Natural |
Arm & Hammer Odor Busterz Balls | Balls | Baking soda (Sodium Bicarbonate) | Last up to two months | No mess, portable |
Marsheepy Bamboo Charcoal Work Boot Deodorizer Bags | Deodorizing pouch | Charcoal | Up to two years | Recyclable |
Odor-Eaters Ultra-Durable Odor-Destroying Insoles | Removable insoles | Baking soda, activated charcoal, and zinc. | Several weeks | Extra cushioning |
10-Seconds Deodorant and Disinfectant Spray Deodorizer | Spray | Lemonine, Ethanol, and Ozone | As needed | Kills bacteria, Citrus scent |
Dr. Scholl’s Odor X Ultra Odor Fighting Foot Deodorizer Powder | Powder | Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, Zinc Oxide, Sodium Bicarbonate, Kaolin, Fragrance, Chloroxylenol | Daily | Can be used on feet, in socks, or in boots. |
Woodlore Boot Fresh Inserts | Pouch | Cedarwood chips | Pleasant cedar scent |
Bacteria
Even if your work boots have mesh linings and ventilation features, bacteria can remain nonetheless inside your boots. A good sign of bacteria is the odor that permeates your footwear.
Smell correlates directly to bacteria living in the boot, and that will be true of smelly feet and smelly socks as well. So, a good idea is to not only fight the odor but the underlying source or the bacteria.
See also: 18 Ways to Get Rid of Work Boot Smell FAST
Features
Workboot deodorizers contain various active ingredients to contrast foot odor. Each product will have its own formula so these ingredients will vary depending on the specific product. Here are a few of the most popular ingredients found in work boot and shoe deodorizers.
1.) Baking soda – used to deodorize refrigerators, it can do the same for smelly boots.
2.) Calendula – an extract from the plant known for antifungal properties.
3.) Charcoal – charcoal has no scent yet will absorb odors.
4.) Cedarwood – the same that you use in closets and trunks for fresh linens and clothes.
5.) Essential oils – many oils extracted from plants have bacteria-fighting qualities, which are the source of odors. One oil used often is tea tree oil.
6.) Zinc Oxide – this ingredient is used in baby creams to prevent diaper rash but has many uses including shrinking pores to reduce perspiration.
How to Use Boot deodorizers
Workboot deodorizers take many forms, it’s kind of a question of how messy you want to go.
1.) Boot Inserts – Insoles inserted in the work boots
2.) Foot Creams – These creams come in tubes and are to be applied directly onto your feet.
3.) Foot Soaks – Normally sold as salts, they are usually poured into a foot tub.
4.) Powders – Foot powders can be sprinkled inside boots or applied directly on feet.
5.) Sprays – Deodorant sprats will come in non-aerosol cans or pump bottles and can be sprayed directly inside the boot or on feet.
6.) UV light – Requiring an electrical power source, these machines take up a bit more space than other methods
Results (Effectiveness)
The different formulas used in boot deodorizers feature varying ingredients and amounts of these ingredients, and as a result, will offer differing levels of effectiveness.
Note the differences between those products that cover up odors but may not contrast bacteria or fungus, the causes of odor. Other deodorizers can absorb odors without leaving perfumed scents in their place.
Lasting or Not?
Some products may need to be used on a daily basis while others can last for months or as much as two years.
The Reviews
Best Overall Work Boot Deodorizer
1.) Moso Natural Original Air Purifying Deodorizer Bag
- WHAT IS A MOSO BAG? An extremely effective air purifier that naturally absorbs odors and moisture.
- ELIMINATES ODORS WITHOUT MASKING THEM: Traditional shoe sprays are filled with harmful chemicals and fragrances.
- USE IN SMALL SPACES: Perfect for shoes, gym bags and sports gear.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
This is an ecologically friendly natural way to eliminate work boot odors. There is no mess that needs to be cleaned up because you just slip them inside boots and leave them overnight. In the morning your boots will smell fresh as if new.
The bamboo pouches house charcoal inside that will absorb odors. There are no chemicals or fragrances used, so no worry that your feet will smell like an English garden at work.
The charcoal absorbs moisture, so mold and mildew do not become a problem, and they last for up to two years.
The charcoal is activated by leaving the pouches in direct sunlight for several hours, and they will need to be reactivated monthly.
Pros
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- Completely natural alternative
- No chemicals or fragrances
- Last for up to two years
- Absorb excess moisture and perspiration
- Portable
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Cons
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- Need to reactivated monthly
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Best Value Work Boot Deodorizer
2.) Arm & Hammer Pure Baking Soda Shaker
- Water resistant container
- Ideal for high moisture areas like kitchen and bath
- Experience the gentle scrubbing power of Arm & Hammer baking soda
- Country of origin: United States
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Baking soda is well-known as an effective household cleaner. Used to clean multiple surfaces from kitchens to bathrooms, as well as for the elimination of odors in upholstery, refrigerators, and in shoes and boots. It costs much less than many deodorizing products.
To use in your work boots, just sprinkle a substantial amount in your boots and shake it evenly inside. Leave the powder to sit for approximately 24 hours and then empty the boots, tossing the soda.
Another option is to fill two socks with baking soda, knot them, and leave them inside the boots.
Pros
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- Budget-friendly
- Natural
- A good product for multiple cleaning purposes
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Cons
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- Messy when poured directly into the boots
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Best Work Boot Deodorizer Balls
3.) Arm & Hammer Odor Busterz Balls
- 10 PACK: 10 Pack makes it easy to put one in every essential place around the house.
- LONG LASTING: Eliminates odors for 60 days!
- ODOR ELIMINATION: Natural & effective odor elimination that keeps odors out & freshness in.
- CLEAN BURST SCENT: Deodorizing balls filled with odor eliminating baking soda and Arm & Hammer clean burst fresh scent.
- ON THE GO: Perfect for on-the-go – gym bags, car trunks, lockers, athletic gear, travel bags & much more.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
These deodorizer balls for footwear are by manufacturer Arm & Hammer, the industry name in baking soda.
In fact, these balls are filled with baking soda and a scent that will do the odor-eliminating work without making a mess because the soda is inside the balls.
According to the manufacturer, they are able to eliminate odors for as many as 60 days, which means you’ll get quite a return on your investment.
These deodorizing balls are sold in packs of 3, 10, as well as a 2-pack clip n go. You can keep a pair among tools should you need to. The balls are not refillable and should be replaced after 60 days.
Pros
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- Primary ingredient is baking soda
- Sweet scent
- Sold in multi-packs
- Last 60 days
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Cons
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- Scent may not be for everyone
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Best Charcoal Work Boot Deodorizer
4.) Marsheepy Bamboo Charcoal Work Boot Deodorizer Bags
- Natural Odor Absorber- These nature fresh air puriying bags are made with natural bamboo charcoal, eliminates odors naturally without filling any chemicals and fragrance free
- Packing including-6packs, 60g per pack; Perfect for shoes or some small areas!
- Reused Up to 2 years- These bags can be reused and recycable.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Charcoal is renowned for its power of absorbency and that includes odors. You’ll easily find charcoal filters in air conditioners, air purifiers, cat litter boxes, and even vacuum cleaner filters.
These charcoal deodorizers are bamboo fabric bags that are filled with activated charcoal and sealed.
This method for deodorizing your work boots will allow you to avoid creams, sprays, and powders, and thus, messy applications. You insert a pouch inside each boot, and the charcoal will do the rest.
Sold in packs of twelve, the charcoal is easy to activate by leaving the pouches in direct sunlight for six to eight hours. Then you repeat this process monthly for 3 to 5 hours to maintain activation.
Pros
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- Eliminates the mess in deodorizing
- Sold in convenient 12-packs
- No perfume used
- Can last for up to 2 years
- Totally recyclable
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Cons
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- Charcoal needs to be reactivated monthly
- Activation may require as much as 24 hours
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Best Work Boot Deodorizer Insoles
5.) Odor-Eaters Ultra-Durable Odor-Destroying Insoles
- Extra cushioning activated charcoal
- heavy duty cushioning
- destroys odor in contact, absorbs sweat
- for work and athletic shoes.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Manufacturer Odor-Eaters produces several products to contrast odors in boots and shoes. These insoles use a combination of odor-fighting ingredients including baking soda, activated charcoal, and zinc.
They also integrate the manufacturer’s technology for blocking smells and inhibiting moisture.
Made in only one size, these insoles will fit boots up to size 12. For smaller sizes, they are easily trimmed. Padded for increased comfort, they can fight odors for several weeks.
Pros
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- Eliminates odors
- Controls moisture
- Increases cushioning
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Cons
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- Need to be replaced at regular intervals
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Best Work Boot Spray Deodorizer
6.) 10-Seconds Deodorant and Disinfectant Spray Deodorizer
- Kills bacteria that causes odors
- EPA approved
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
This excellent deodorizer spray gets top marks in customer ratings for removing bacteria and mold in 10 short seconds. It also boasts a nice citrusy scent that is not overwhelming.
A short spray that thinly coats the inside surface of your work boots is enough to remove the smell and keep it away. It’s also great if you ever wear your boots without socks, as this will prevent fungal infections as well.
Pros
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- Eliminates bacteria instantly
- Pleasant citrus scent
- Quick and effective
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Cons
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- Chemical formula
- More expensive than some
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Best Work Boot Powder Deodorizer
7.) Dr. Scholl’s Odor X Foot Deodorizer Powder
- Pack of three
- Destroys odor instantly, leaving the feet cool and refreshed
- Provides all day protection
- Controls wetness
- With 3X Triple Action System
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Dr. Scholl’s brand is renowned for complete foot care. This includes problems with odors. This foot powder uses the manufacturer’s patented Sweatmax technology that promises to eliminate any odors on the spot and keep feet fresh-smelling throughout the day.
It can be sprinkled inside your work boots, inside socks, or directly on clean feet.
While powder products can be messy, this powder absorbs moisture keeping your feet comfortable, cool, and free from odor.
Pros
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- Eliminates odors
- Absorbs moisture
- Pleasant scent
- Can be used directly on feet or in socks
- Budget-friendly
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Cons
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- Needs to be spread around the boot manually
- Works on a daily basis
- Dispenser holes are a bit large so too much powder may come out at once
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Best Work Boot Cedar Wood Deodorizer
8.) Woodlore Boot Fresh Inserts
These are cedarwood inserts by Woodlore are one-size-fits-all option as a work boot deodorizer. Woodlore uses breathable cotton sacks and fills them with cedar wood chips that have been kiln-dried.
These aromatic chips are capable of absorbing moisture up to twice their weight and deodorize your work boots with the pleasant smell of cedarwood, a nice touch especially for men who don’t want their feet smelling like flowery perfume. The boot inserts are 100% natural and eco-friendly.
Pros
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- 100% natural cedar wood chips
- Absorb moisture
- No artificial perfume
- Neutralize smells
- Sold in boxes of two
- Keeps boot shafts straight and without creases
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Cons
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- More expensive than other products
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The Bottom Line
Do you suffer from smelly feet? Fear not, we have listed eight super solutions for this problem. If you want a budget option, consider Dr. Scholl’s Odor X Ultra Odor Fighting Foot Deodorizer Powder or Arm & Hammer Pure Baking Soda Shaker.
For those that are at risk for infections, 10-Seconds Deodorant and Disinfectant Spray Deodorizer not only deodorizes but disinfects.
However, if you want an ecologically friendly solution we recommend our best overall choice of the Moso Natural Original Air Purifying Deodorizer Bag. Your work boots will never have smelled as good.