Summer is upon us, and with that comes sweaty, stinky feet. Foot odor is different from other types of body odor. Brevibacterium linens, the specific type of bacteria on your feet, are to blame.

The Cause of Stinky Feet

Unlike on other parts of your body, the bacteria on your feet don’t feed on sweat – they like to feed on dead and dry skin. Think about the countless time your pedicurist has pulled out the “cheese-grater” looking device aka the pedicure foot filer or a pumice stone. The foot filer rids your feet of all the dead skin on your soles, meaning it will help remove the layer of smell that your feet are holding onto.

Brevibacterium linens also love warm, moist environments, so it’s no wonder they choose to live on our feet. When this bacteria eat, they break down an amino acid into a gas called methanethiol, which produces the odor.

How to Get Fresher Feet

Get rid of stinky feet by using an antibacterial soap on your feet.

NO BACTERIA = NO SMELL

The kaia naturals’ the takesumi detox® underarm bar can be used as a dual-purpose soap for your underarms and feet. The all natural and vegan formulation with activated charcoal and apple cider vinegar will work to control and neutralize odor. However, if you want to take it one step further, you can maintain the low levels of dead skin on your feet by using a pumice stone. Use the stone to slough off dead and dry skin, leaving less for any bacteria to feed onto. Now go on, rock those cute summer sandals with confidence!