Have you ever wondered why even the best quality shoes over time acquire a specific odor? In fact, the problem lies not in the material of the shoes and not even in the peculiarities of the body, but in a complex biological chain that is activated in the process of wearing.
The main culprit is the microbiome
The main cause of ambergris is bacteria. The skin of the feet itself has over 250,000 sweat glands that secrete moisture. However, sweat is virtually odorless. Unpleasant odors occur when microorganisms living on the skin (e.g., staphylococci) begin to break down the organic matter contained in sweat secretions. In the process, they release volatile compounds such as isovaleric acidwhich has that pungent odor.
The role of materials and ventilation
Shoes create the perfect “incubation” environment for germs – there dark, warm and moist.
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Synthetic materials: Artificial leather and textiles often have poor air permeability, creating a “greenhouse effect”. This accelerates the growth of bacteria exponentially.
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Porous structure of insoles: The inner layers of shoes, especially those made of foam or cheap fabrics, work like a sponge. They absorb not only moisture but also keratinized skin particles, becoming a constant source of food for microorganisms.
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Lack of drying: If the pair does not dry completely overnight, moisture accumulates in the deep layers of the sole, causing mold and mildew.
External factors and hygiene
In addition to biology, the condition of footwear is influenced by the conditions of use. In an urban environment, the surface of the shoe is exposed to chemicalsThe socks are made of low-quality synthetics that do not drain away from the skin, but are trapped inside the sneaker, increasing the fermentation process. If low-quality synthetic socks are used, moisture is not drawn away from the skin, but retained inside the sneaker, increasing the fermentation process.
How to reduce odor absorption
To minimize the problem, it is important to target the root cause – the humid environment. The use of special deodorizers with an antibacterial effect helps to inhibit microbial activity at an early stage. Regularly replacing the insoles with activated carbon or natural cork versions also helps to better absorb excess moisture.
Proper care and understanding of biological processes can significantly extend the life of any pair. It is advisable to let the shoes “rest” for at least 24 hours before reuse, so that the structure of the material has time to fully recover.
Keeping the inside of shoes dry remains the most effective way to combat bacterial growth.
Timely use of electric dryers helps prevent the inner fibers of the material from breaking down.
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