Is it just us, or does the sweet smell of summer always seem to come with a side of wet, stinky shoes? If your kids are anything like ours, they're bouncing from sports camps to sleepaway adventures – and their shoes and our noses are paying the price.
If you are part of the households with two full-time working parents who say the mother does more to manage the children's schedule and activities, we know how tricky summer schedules can feel! Juggling crazy camp schedules, packing lists, and trying to keep everyone happy and where they are meant to be (and relatively clean) is... A LOT. The last thing you need is another chore, like battling the funky footwear when they come home.
So why do kids' shoes seem to develop a life (and smell) of their own during the summer months? There is some science behind this, and it's not just that summer camps = playing in creeks, water play, and a host of other wet, sweaty activities! Here is the lowdown on why your kid's shoes are stinking up the place and – more importantly – how to get rid of shoe odor like a pro.
The Science Behind the Stink: Sweaty Feet and Sneaky Bacteria
The answer lies in a combination of factors. First, kids' feet sweat A LOT. In fact, they sweat two to three times more than adults. That moisture, combined with the bacteria that naturally live on our skin, creates a perfect breeding ground for odor. Throw in cheap shoe materials that don't breathe (we're looking at you, plastic cleats) and a whole lot of activity, and you've got a recipe for a serious stench.
We're here to help you tackle the shoe stink and keep those kicks fresh all summer long.
3 Easy Ways to Get Rid of Shoe Odor & Keep Shoes Smelling Fresh:
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Wash Those Feet! Encourage your little athletes to wash their feet daily with soap and water, especially after sweaty activities, to get rid of show odor.
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Rotate, Rotate, Rotate! If possible, pack two pairs of shoes for camp so your kids can rotate. This gives each pair a chance to dry out completely between uses, which is shown to reduce odor buildup.
- Dry and Deodorize Shoes A good pair of drying & deodorizing shoe inserts will totally eliminate moisture, stopping stink where it starts. We designed KickDry for this very reason - because other inserts with carbon alone just don't do the drying part as well, and who wants to spend money on/lug around a clunky electric boot dryer?
Bonus: Overnight Camp Essentials You Didn't Know You Needed (But Totally Do):
We know camps provide comprehensive lists to campers but here are a few that may not be on their list but we think are totally worth the investment:
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Electrolytes: Essential for staying hydrated during those hot summer practices (and preventing those dreaded heat-related meltdowns).
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Shower Shoes: A must-have for any overnight camp, especially if your kiddo will be showering in communal bathrooms, which can carry harmful bacteria
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Card Games & Puzzles: Perfect for downtime in the cabin or on the bus ride to and from camp, we love old school metal puzzles too
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Goggles: For swimming, kayaking, or any water activities (Water Dodgeball anyone!?) – protect those peepers! Best to pack a backup pair--we know these can get left behind when everyone is having fun
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Laundry Bag: A mesh bag like these are perfect for separating dirty clothes from clean ones (and keeping the stink contained!)
- Shoe Deodorizer: Regularly using shoe deodorizer that will dry, not just cover the odor, is essential. KickDry is a moisture-absorbing, shoe odor removing wonder that keeps shoes fresh and dry, no matter how much your kid sweats or plays in the sprinkler
Don't let stinky shoes ruin your kid's camp experience, or your summer fun. With these simple tips and the power of KickDry, you can tackle the stink and let them focus on the fun!