Open

Mon – Fri: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Sat: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Sun*: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm (*alternating)

Book Appointment

Book an Appointment

Our simple to use, online booking process makes it easy to book an appointment with a chiropodist for any of our services. No referral needed!

Open

Mon – Fri: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Sat: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Sun*: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm (*alternating)

Book Appointment

Book an Appointment

Our simple to use, online booking process makes it easy to book an appointment with a chiropodist for any of our services. No referral needed!

Book Appointment

Book an Appointment

Our simple to use, online booking process makes it easy to book an appointment with a chiropodist for any of our services. No referral needed!

Foot Odour

On This Page

Overview

What Is Foot Odour?

As the name implies, foot odour occurs when your feet have an unusual and unpleasant smell.  It can be a sign of fungal or bacterial infection.  

Foot odour is common, usually harmless, and can often be easily treated at home.  Our foot clinic sells many products that are highly effective at managing, treating and preventing foot odour.  

If your foot odour persists, it’s a good idea to get a foot specialist to take a look at it, since it can be a sign of a growing fungal or bacterial infection that requires further attention.

Symptoms

What Are The Symptoms Of Foot Odour?

The most common (and obvious) sign of foot odour is bad-smelling feet.  The foot may smell bad from afar, or at close-range.  It is usually accompanied by sweating, and may also coincide with symptoms of foot fungus, such as athlete’s foot

Causes

Why Do My Feet Smell Bad?

The main cause of foot odor is foot sweat (see plantar hyperhidrosis).  While sweat itself is usually odorless, the moisture buildup creates a friendly environment for bacteria and fungal growth.  This can then produce a foul smell.  

Factors that will exacerbate foot sweat and the growth of odor-producing bacteria are:

  • Wearing socks or hosiery made from synthetic materials such as polyester or nylon
  • Wearing closed-toed shoes without socks
  • Wearing shoes made from materials that have poor ventilation, such as rubber
  • Poor foot hygiene
  • Other foot conditions like Athlete’s foot

Treatment

How Do I Treat Foot Odour?

The best way to treat (and prevent) foot odor is to practice good foot hygiene.  This involves:

  1. Washing your feet daily with an antibacterial soap (don’t forget the areas between the toes!)
  2. Thoroughly drying your feet after getting wet
  3. Applying foot powder or foot antiperspirant 

Foot odour treatment may also include:

Our foot clinic has a curated selection of anti-odour creams, foot powders, foot sprays and socks that are specially designed to treat and prevent foot odour.  The knowledgeable staff at our foot clinic can help you find a regimen of foot care and footwear products that best suit your needs.

If you have persistent foot odour that is not going away, or coincides with other symptoms (i.e.: foot itch), it is best to see a foot specialist to check for any underlying causes requiring medical attention. To book an appointment, use our online booking form or call us at 416-769-FEET(3338).  No referral is required. 

Risk Factors

What Can Cause Foot Odor?

Foot odour is normal and very common.  However, certain risk factors may increase the likelihood, frequency and extent of it:

Prevention

How Do I Prevent Foot Odour?

To prevent foot odour:

  • Avoid walking barefoot in public spaces, like locker rooms and public swimming pools, to prevent odour-causing fungal infections
  • Wear cotton or wool socks
  • Change your socks frequently so they stay clean and dry
  • Wear socks with your shoes to avoid the accumulation of oil, dirt, and dead skin cells in your footwear
  • Remove your shoes throughout the day if your feet start feeling too toasty
  • Use a foot file to remove dead skin from your feet
  • Trim the toenails regularly
  • Use anti-perspirant foot spray
  • Apply anti-odour creams

To check out our over-the-counter products for preventing foot odour, stop by our Bloor West foot clinic. We’re open 7 days a week. Our knowledgeable staff can help you find products that best suit your needs. 

Related Blog Articles

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Our simple to use, online booking process makes it easy to book an appointment with a chiropodist for any of our services. No referral needed!


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Emily

Administrative Assistant

Emily is the newest addition to the Feet First family. She assists with the clinic’s accounting and finances, as well as all the behind-the-scenes work that keeps the clinic running smoothly. In addition to her accounting smarts, she brings sunshine and positivity to everyone at Feet First Clinic.

Erica Halpern

Marketing and Administrative Assistant (She/Her)

Part of our administrative support staff, Erica also works behind the scenes writing and editing content for our website and blog. She loves researching and writing educational content to help patients and anyone dealing with pain. When she’s not busy in the clinic, you’ll find her at her local gym, exploring underground music, hiking with friends, or cheering on her favourite sports teams (Go Jays!). She also loves huskies!

Sophie Rudahigan

Clinic Administrator (She/Her)
Sophie prides herself on providing top-tier customer service. She is here to ensure a smooth visit for all clients. In addition to overseeing the clinic’s administration and day-to-day operations, she maintains the cosmetic appearance of the store. She is the magic behind our elaborate display case designs and also ensures the clinic is stocked with stylish (but still orthopedic!) footwear options for all ages.

Bianca Carter

CEO (She/Her)

Day in and out, Bianca works hard to ensure Feet First Clinic runs smoothly. Customer service is at the top of her list and she treats every customer like family. Bianca has a passion for fitness and is dedicated to helping people take care of their feet and body. There is no problem that she can’t solve and she believes that where there is a will, there’s a way.

Carolina Charles

Patient Relation Coordinator (She/Her)

If you’ve been to the clinic before, chances are you had the pleasure of meeting Carolina! Carolina’s daily goal is going above and beyond to make sure patients are always completely satisfied. Having worked in the podiatry industry for 22 years, Carolina brings a wealth of knowledge pertaining to client service, insurance policies, and procedures.​ She steers the ship to make sure everything runs smoothly on the daily. Carolina is known for spicing up every outfit with her signature costume jewellery.