Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) is a common fungal infection caused by dermatophytes, microscopic organisms that thrive on dead tissue. These fungi produce highly resilient spores, allowing the infection to persist beyond the skin. Footwear provides an ideal environment for the fungus to survive and acts as a constant source of re-infection. Therefore, effectively treating the infection requires treating all contaminated items, with shoes being the most significant reservoir. Eliminating this persistent fungus depends on implementing strict decontamination protocols for your footwear.
How Long the Fungus Survives in Footwear
Shoes create a microclimate suited for the survival and proliferation of dermatophyte fungi. The interior is typically dark, warm, and holds moisture from perspiration, replicating the conditions the fungus needs to thrive. These conditions encourage the fungus to shed its highly durable spores onto the shoe’s lining and materials.
Dermatophytes can survive outside a human host for extended periods by entering a dormant, spore-like state. While the active fungus may die quickly in a dry environment, the fungal spores can remain viable for weeks or even months within the fabric and leather of untreated shoes. Some sources suggest these spores can survive for up to two years under favorable conditions, making shoes a long-term contamination source. Wearing contaminated shoes can quickly re-introduce the spores to the foot, leading to a cycle of recurrence.
Methods for Sanitizing Infected Shoes
Eliminating fungal spores requires methods designed to penetrate materials and kill the organisms. Chemical treatments are one of the most direct methods, involving the application of antifungal sprays or disinfectant wipes directly to the shoe’s interior and insoles. Products containing ingredients like hypochlorous acid or common household disinfectants can be sprayed to saturate the inner surfaces, which must then be allowed to dry completely. For washable shoes, using a hot water wash cycle, ideally at 140°F (60°C) or higher, is effective for killing the fungus.
Physical methods leveraging environmental factors are also effective for decontaminating shoes. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, such as from specialized UV shoe sanitizers, can destroy the fungal DNA and kill up to 99.9% of the organisms. Placing shoes in direct sunlight for an extended period utilizes the natural UV radiation and heat to create a hostile environment for the fungus. Using a shoe dryer or forced-air drying system immediately after wearing removes the moisture that the fungus needs to survive.
Daily Practices to Stop Re-infection
Preventing re-infection starts with daily foot hygiene, focusing on moisture control. After showering or swimming, thoroughly dry the feet, paying particular attention to the spaces between the toes where moisture often pools. Applying an antifungal powder or spray directly to the feet daily helps absorb residual moisture and creates a barrier against fungal growth.
The materials worn on the feet also play a role in maintaining a dry environment. Wearing socks made from moisture-wicking materials, such as synthetic blends rather than cotton, helps pull sweat away from the skin. Socks should be changed immediately if they become damp or sweaty, and all socks should be washed in hot water to ensure residual spores are destroyed. A shoe rotation schedule is paramount, allowing each pair of shoes at least 24 hours to air out and dry between uses.