Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection affecting the feet. This condition causes itchy, flaky, and sometimes painful skin on the feet. Shoes play a significant role in harboring the fungi responsible for athlete’s foot, creating a cycle of reinfection if not properly addressed. Disinfecting footwear is an important step in both treating an active infection and preventing its recurrence.
Understanding Fungal Persistence in Footwear
Fungi thrive in warm, dark, and moist environments, making the inside of shoes an ideal breeding ground. Even after treating the infection on your feet, fungal spores can persist within your shoes for extended periods. These resilient spores can lead to reinfection, undoing the progress made with antifungal treatments. Regularly cleaning and disinfecting footwear breaks this cycle, preventing the fungus from re-exposing your feet.
Effective Disinfection Techniques for Various Materials
Disinfecting shoes requires different approaches depending on the material. This ensures effectiveness without causing damage to your footwear.
Antifungal sprays and powders are effective for most shoe types. Products designed for footwear kill most fungus and are applied directly inside the shoe. These products contain active ingredients that prevent and cure athlete’s foot by inhibiting fungal reproduction.
For washable shoes made of washable materials like canvas or cotton, machine washing can be an option. It is best to wash them in hot water (around 140°F/60°C) with regular detergent to effectively kill fungal spores. Using a laundry disinfectant or additive can enhance effectiveness, but always air dry shoes thoroughly afterward, avoiding tumble dryers which can cause damage.
Leather and suede shoes require more delicate care. Rubbing alcohol, diluted with water (three parts alcohol to one part water), can be applied with a cloth to the exterior. Hypochlorous acid is another mild option that effectively targets fungus without damaging materials or color. For these materials, dedicated shoe sanitizers using UV-C light are also effective, killing most fungi and bacteria.
Household disinfectants like white vinegar can also be used. A solution of equal parts water and white vinegar sprayed inside shoes and left for about 10 minutes can help slow fungal growth. Hydrogen peroxide (3% solution) can also disinfect and remove stains, sprayed on shoes and left for five minutes. Bleach is a strong disinfectant that can be used on white canvas shoes by creating a solution of one part bleach to five parts water, but it can damage colored materials. Always ensure good ventilation and wear gloves when using bleach.
While some sources suggest freezing shoes to kill fungus, this method is not fully effective against fungal spores. Fungal spores are resilient and can survive freezing temperatures, only temporarily reducing fungal activity rather than eliminating infection risk.
Ongoing Shoe Care for Prevention
Consistent shoe care prevents athlete’s foot reinfection after disinfection. Allowing shoes to air out and dry completely between wears is fundamental, as fungi thrive in moist conditions. Rotating between several pairs of shoes allows each pair ample time to dry, ideally 24 hours.
Regularly using antifungal powders or sprays inside shoes can help control moisture and inhibit fungal growth. Wearing moisture-wicking socks made of synthetic blends or wool helps draw sweat away from the feet, keeping them drier. Changing socks frequently, if feet become sweaty, also minimizes the moist environment fungi prefer. When in public areas like pools or locker rooms, wearing sandals or flip-flops protects feet from contaminated surfaces.
Knowing When to Discard Footwear
When disinfection efforts are insufficient, discarding footwear is the most practical solution. If shoes are heavily contaminated, show visible signs of mold, or have persistent, strong odors that do not dissipate after thorough cleaning and disinfection, it may be time to replace them. Worn-out materials, especially in the lining, make effective cleaning difficult and provide more areas for fungi to hide. If an athlete’s foot infection continues to return despite consistent treatment and shoe care, replacing older or frequently worn shoes can help break the cycle of reinfection.