The fungus that causes athlete’s foot can survive inside your shoes for months, which is why reinfection is so common even after your skin clears up. Disinfecting your footwear is a necessary step in actually getting rid of the problem for good. Several methods work well, and the best one for you depends on the shoe material and what you have on hand.
Why Shoes Keep Reinfecting You
Dermatophytes, the fungi behind athlete’s foot, thrive in the warm, moist environment inside a shoe. Every time you wear an infected pair, you’re reintroducing fungal spores to your skin. This is the main reason people finish a full course of antifungal cream, feel better for a week, and then watch the itching come right back. Treating your feet without treating your shoes is like mopping the floor while the faucet is still running.
Sanitizing footwear, socks, and other textiles is considered integral to preventing recurrence and reducing the spread of superficial fungal infections. That means every pair of shoes you wore during the infection needs attention, not just your primary pair.
Antifungal Sprays and Powders
Over-the-counter antifungal shoe sprays are the most accessible option. Look for sprays containing tolnaftine or similar antifungal agents marketed specifically for footwear. To use them effectively, remove the insoles and spray both the inside of the shoe and the insole separately. Let everything dry completely before wearing the shoes again, ideally overnight. Repeat this daily while you’re actively treating an infection, then a few times a week for maintenance afterward.
Antifungal powders work on the same principle but have the added benefit of absorbing moisture throughout the day. You can use a spray at night and a powder in the morning for a two-pronged approach. Neither method will damage most shoe materials, though you should test sprays on an inconspicuous spot of suede or delicate fabrics first.
UV-C Shoe Sanitizers
Ultraviolet light sanitizers are a newer option that work by destroying the DNA of fungal organisms. UV-C light at 254 nanometers is the wavelength that kills the dermatophytes responsible for athlete’s foot. You place the device inside your shoe, turn it on, and let it run for 15 to 45 minutes per treatment depending on the model.
The biggest advantage of UV sanitizers is that they introduce no moisture and no chemicals. This makes them ideal for leather shoes, dress shoes, and other materials that would warp, stain, or crack from liquid treatments. They’re a higher upfront cost (typically $30 to $80) but require no refills or replacement products. If you own expensive footwear or cycle through multiple pairs, a UV sanitizer often pays for itself quickly.
The main limitation is that UV-C light only reaches surfaces in its direct line of sight. It may not penetrate deep into thick shoe padding or reach every fold of material. Rotating the device or choosing a model with multiple bulbs helps improve coverage.
Household Solutions That Work
If you’d rather not buy a specialized product, a few household items can get the job done. A mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar, sprayed inside the shoe and left to air dry, creates an acidic environment that inhibits fungal growth. It won’t damage most materials, though the smell takes a few hours to dissipate.
Rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol at 70% concentration) is another effective option. Spray or wipe the interior of the shoe thoroughly, then let it air dry in a well-ventilated area. Alcohol evaporates quickly and won’t leave residue, but use it sparingly on leather since it can dry out the material over time.
Hydrogen peroxide (3%, the standard drugstore concentration) also has antifungal properties. Spray it inside the shoe, wait 10 minutes, then wipe and let the shoe dry. Avoid this on dark-colored fabrics or leather, as it can lighten or discolor the material.
Does Freezing Shoes Kill the Fungus?
You may have seen advice to seal your shoes in a plastic bag and put them in the freezer for 24 to 48 hours. Cold temperatures can kill some fungal spores, but this method comes with caveats. Certain materials stiffen or crack when frozen, particularly leather and some synthetic composites. Adhesives used in shoe construction can also weaken at sub-zero temperatures, potentially causing soles to separate.
Freezing is best treated as a supplementary measure rather than your primary disinfection strategy. If you do try it, double-bag the shoes to prevent moisture contamination in your freezer, and allow them to return fully to room temperature before wearing.
Protecting Different Shoe Materials
Not every disinfection method is safe for every shoe. Here’s a quick guide:
- Canvas and mesh sneakers: The most forgiving material. Antifungal sprays, vinegar solutions, rubbing alcohol, and even a hot washer cycle (if the shoe label allows) all work. Heat from a dryer also helps kill spores.
- Leather and dress shoes: UV sanitizers are the safest bet. If using a spray, choose one specifically labeled safe for leather and apply lightly. Avoid soaking the interior. Never machine wash leather.
- Suede and nubuck: Stick to UV sanitizers or a very light mist of antifungal spray. Liquid solutions can permanently stain or distort suede’s texture.
- Sandals and flip-flops: Wipe down with rubbing alcohol or a diluted bleach solution (one tablespoon of bleach per gallon of water). These materials are durable enough to handle stronger cleaning agents.
Preventing Recontamination
Disinfecting once doesn’t protect you indefinitely. A few habits make a significant difference in keeping shoes fungus-free after treatment.
Rotate your footwear. Wearing the same pair two days in a row doesn’t give them enough time to dry out completely, and moisture is the single biggest factor that lets fungi survive. Alternating between at least two pairs gives each one a full 24 hours to air out.
Copper-infused socks are worth considering if you’re prone to recurrence. Copper has potent biocidal effects and was originally introduced into textiles for microbial control. Studies testing copper-impregnated fabric against fungal organisms found significantly reduced numbers of viable fungi compared to regular fabric, with the antifungal effect increasing the longer the material was in contact. These socks act as a barrier between your feet and your shoes, reducing the chance of reintroducing spores to clean footwear.
Moisture-wicking socks made of merino wool or synthetic blends also help by keeping the interior of your shoe drier throughout the day. Cotton socks absorb sweat and hold it against your skin, which is exactly what the fungus wants.
Finally, treat your insoles as the weak link they are. Removable insoles should be pulled out after each wear to dry separately, and replaced entirely every few months if you have a history of athlete’s foot. They’re inexpensive and accumulate more fungal material than any other part of the shoe.