Smelly Birkenstocks

[Dilbertian]

I've practically lived barefoot in my Madrids since lockdown began, and they are beginning to niff. Any suggestions what I can do about this? I'm allergic to fragrances, so cannot use Zoflora, for example.

Bicarbonate of soda should work

Spray of peppermint oil diluted in water

How would you apply the bicarb?

Sell them on eBay to a foot fetish fanatic and buy some new ones with your profits

I know an air hostess who sells all her shoes and tights on eBay, makes a mint

That aside, I've put my birkies through a gentle cycle in the washer before, in a pillowcase

I second the peppermint oil spray. I add a drop of tea tree oil as well. Let them dry in the sun if possible

I've been through at least 4 pairs of Birkenstock's over many years and finally admitted defeat. They always end up stinky. You can't get the sweat out once it's absorbed. I think it's because once I like a pair I wear them every day for the whole summer. Friends who just wear theirs once or twice a fortnight or so haven't had the issue. Or maybe I'm extra stinky?!

With my allergies I don't think I should take the chance with essential oils.

Flabby, do you mean the plastic ones (officially called Birkies) or the cork ones (Birkenstocks, nicknamed Birkies)?

Not helpful but from the first sunny day until I admit defeat in October I wear my Birkenstocks every day and they've never smelt. Do your feet smell in other shoes/sandals?

Yeah, I'm a sweaty Betty, and my shoes always end up smelly if I don't wear socks. I generally rotate the shoes I wear, and change when I get home. But I'm at home all day now, not wearing socks, and wearing the one pair of Birkenstocks all day. It's too warm for socks, I can't go barefoot, and we don't wear shoes indoors.

*How would you apply the bicarb?

Sprinkle liberally and leave overnight. Tap out in the morning.

I tried everything and still had smelly Birkenstocks. Someone recommended this shoe powder stuff and it’s worked brilliantly!

Foot and shoe powder 100g - Odour remover and eliminator - Developed by a registered podiatrist Shoe Rescue is a 100% natural deodorant remedy to eliminate smelly shoes and feet - Keeps feet fresh www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B06XY66B4B/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_GO8TEb9RP1E1M?tag=mumsnetforu03-21