Smelly shoe cupboard -what to do?

[Greaterthanthesumoftheparts]

We have just had built in wardrobes installed in our hallway and one cupboard which is not very deep (due to shape of wall behind it) is designated as a shoe cupboard. So far so good. Only problem is, it inevitably smells of sweaty shoes every time you open the door. Any ideas on how to neutralize the stinky smell?

Is the smell from particular shoes? In our house it was football boots and climbing shoes? I recommend “boot bananas” which were great for removing smells form the shoes, but you will need a set for each set of smelly shoes.

I just today attempted “natural odour absorbers” made out of old, odd socks with uncooked rice and bicarb, plus a few drops of essential oils. Tie the end in a knot and voila. I’ve put some inside shoes which are the pongiest, and secreted others in the cupboard under the stairs. So far it smells nicer but that might just be the smell of lemon oil and clary sage drowning out the stinky shoe smell!

But I can’t stand chemical air fresheners, and googling would suggest bicarb is the best “natural” option…

Are there any ventilation gaps in the built in furniture? This won’t remove the smell but the smell would be worsened if there isn’t any way for any smells to escape and instead build up

https://no-stink.com/

These are great. There are other types. I use them in sports shoes and my extremely sweaty cycling shoes. They certainly keep the smell down. Clearly they don’t entirely elim8nate it, as my dogs are still interested in them

We use the little Pom Pom scented balls in the plastic cases in between a pair of shoes in our shoe cupboard although we have known to hang a car air freshener in there and. Use the gel neutraliser pods too

Well you need to address the shoes that smell OP

Most of our shoes don't smell

Apparently unused tea bags placed in shoes will absorb smells.
Bicarbonate of soda sprinkled in shoes also helps.

I place old pop socks filled with 1/2 cup Bicarbonate of soda and tied off as soon as I remove lace up shoes. They stay in the shoes until next time worn

Whoever owns the smelly shoes needs to address their feet hygiene really

Thanks everyone, lots of things to try.