A long day, tight shoes, little air – and towards the evening it feels like your feet need a shower first. Sweaty feet are like invisible stumbling blocks in everyday life. You can’t see them – but you can feel them. They can weigh down your self-confidence like a shoe that is too tight. Sweating is not a bad thing in itself, but a completely natural function of the body: sweat regulates our temperature and protects us from overheating.
But if your feet are constantly damp, smell unpleasant or even become slippery in your shoes, it’s not just your well-being that suffers, but often your health too. To get sweaty feet under control, it’s worth making sure you choose the right shoes. Because if you take your feet seriously, you can give them back real comfort with simple means.
Why do our feet sweat so much?
Our feet have more sweat glands than any other part of the body – around 500 per square centimeter. Especially when we are out and about all day, wear sturdy shoes or stand a lot, they quickly start to sweat. However, in some people, the body produces significantly more sweat than necessary – a condition known as hyperhidrosis. Other possible causes are
- Hormonal changes (e.g. puberty, menopause)
- Stress and nervousness
- Unfavorable footwear or socks made of synthetic fibers
- Athlete’s foot or other skin diseases
The constant moisture and softening of sweaty skin can also lead to skin irritation, blisters or fungal infections. This makes it all the more important to wear the right shoes. After all, shoes are not just an accessory, they are our daily companion.
Which shoes help with sweaty feet?
The most important principle: shoes for sweaty feet should be breathable, well ventilated and made from natural materials. Here are some tips on what to look out for:
The material makes the difference
When choosing shoes, materials such as leather, canvas or mesh are recommended. They absorb moisture, allow air to circulate and prevent heat and moisture from building up. Synthetic materials, on the other hand, seal the foot like a plastic bag and the sweating really starts underneath.
Airy in summer, dry in winter
Open shoes, such as sandals or loafers, are a good choice in the warmer months. They allow air to circulate and naturally reduce the build-up of sweat. In winter, make sure you change your footwear regularly and allow your shoes to air out thoroughly.
Why changing shoes is important
Shoes need a break just as much as feet. They should therefore be changed daily. This gives them time to dry completely and prevents odors and moisture from settling in. Only when they are out in the fresh air can they “breathe” again and be ready for the next day.
The right choice of socks
When it comes to sweaty feet, choosing the right socks is often underestimated. As with your choice of shoes, you should make sure that they allow your skin to breathe. Socks made of cotton or merino wool absorb moisture and keep your feet dry at the same time. Synthetic materials, on the other hand, act like a small greenhouse: heat and moisture build up, quickly creating an uncomfortable foot climate.
Inlays – small helpers with a big effect
If you also want to do something to prevent sweating, you can use special anti-sweat insoles. These:
- absorb moisture
- bind odors
- ensure a fresh foot climate
- and extend the life of the shoes
We particularly recommend insoles made of cedar wood, activated charcoal, leather or with silver ions, as they have an antibacterial effect and actively regulate moisture.
Early action against athlete’s foot
Sweaty feet not only lead to unpleasant odors, they also increase the risk of germs or athlete’s foot. This makes it all the more important to take precautions in good time instead of repairing. A foot spray for fungus-sensitive skin, such as Spirularin ® F from Ocean Pharma, can counteract infections and stabilize the natural skin flora. Fungi and bacteria like to spread, especially in warm and humid climates in shoes. A daily spray can help to maintain the skin’s natural balance and keep feet healthy.
Conclusion – Good walking starts with the right shoe
Sweaty feet seem harmless at first, but can become a real burden. Fortunately, a lot can be done: With the right combination of suitable footwear, airy materials and well thought-out insoles, your feet will feel great. And if you give your feet enough space, air and care, you will quickly notice how much this affects your whole body. And perhaps the next step will feel a little easier.
FAQ
Ja, Barfußlaufen entlastet die Haut, lässt sie atmen und beugt Feuchtigkeitsstau im Schuh vor.
Am besten täglich, idealerweise über Nacht an einem gut belüfteten Ort.
Am besten mit Zeitungspapier ausstopfen und bei Raumtemperatur trocknen lassen – nicht direkt an der Heizung.
Mindestens zwei bis drei Paar, damit jedes Paar ausreichend Zeit zum Trocknen hat.
Experten-Tipp entstand in Zusammenarbeit mit:
Patrick Günther
Patrick Günther completed his pharmacy studies in Hamburg and, after obtaining his licence to practise, worked for several years in marketing and sales in the pharmaceutical industry. In 2003, he took over ocean pharma, the company founded by his father in Reinbek near Hamburg in 1978. Together with his business partner, he patented the important processing and standardisation process for the microalgae active ingredient Spiralin® and developed a wide range of medical cosmetics and foot care products based on Spiralin®.
