The unpleasant detail we all forgot as we embraced ballet flats again

Many are rejoicing with the resurgence of ballet flats. Finally, we again have a casual, slip-on footwear option that suits so many different occasions and outfits.

But there is something we’d all conveniently forgotten from our first rodeo back in the early 2000s – the stench. 

It’s as if we have all forgotten where we have come from – the shame of taking our ballet flats off in front of people or having to air them out outside for maximum ventilation, only to have to throw our favourite shoes away far too soon. 

Now we have the gift of our past knowledge, we can prepare to save our beloved ballet flats this time around.

But first, why do ballet flats smell so much?

According to microbiologist Cindy Gunawan – an Associate Professor at the School of Life Sciences, Discipline of Molecular Biotechnology at the University of Technology, Sydney – there are a number of reasons ballet flats, in particular, become so odorous.

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“Ballet flats are closed-toe (minimal ventilation), and are worn without socks, and therefore retain moisture/sweat, as well as skin cells/oils from feet, at higher extent compared to many other types of shoes,” she told nine.com.au.

“This damp and warm environment, with [the] presence of skin debris, creates [a] breeding ground for odour-causing bacteria and, in some cases, fungi. 

“Many ballet flats are also made from synthetic materials, rendering them less breathable when compared to natural leather materials.” 

How to prevent ballet flats from stinking 

If we want longevity out of our shoes, we should make decisions in advance that can increase it. Gunawan says focusing on reducing moisture and bacteria can help do this.

Of course, proper foot hygiene is the best way to ensure that the least amount of odour-causing bacteria grows in the environment of the shoe. 

“Make sure to wash and dry feet,” she said, adding you “can use antiperspirant preferably for foot use, exfoliate dead skin cells [and] trim toenails.”

She adds that choosing shoes with more breathable materials, like natural leather for the outer and shoe lining and rubber soles, as well as choosing a shoe with more toe room can help set you up for success. 

She also suggests having more than one pair of flats in order to alternate and air out each pair of shoes for longer. 

It’s something laundry expert Nicole Gibson agrees with. 

“If you want longevity out of your shoes, you buy two pairs. You can rotate so you don’t wear the same pair every day,” she told nine.com.au

“The reason behind that is so shoes can air out, which reduces that constant dampness in your shoes. If it’s constantly damp and dark with your foot in there, that’s when odour-causing bacteria start to grow.” 

Gunawan and Gibson both suggest investing in thin stockings or foot liners, aka no-show sockettes made specifically for use with ballet flats. These thin socks help absorb sweat and protect the foot when wearing the trendy shoes.

“I have even seen some people use a panty liner to absorb excess sweat, so you can just remove those and change those, as you wish,” Gibson added.

How to get rid of the smell once it’s set in

Don’t despair if the familiar stench has made itself at home, as there are ways to get it out. 

Many people, including both Gunawan and Gibson, swear by using baking soda to eliminate bacteria and thus the smells. 

Gunawan suggests to “use baking soda sprinkles to absorb moisture, then shake off or vacuum out.” 

Gibson adds that there are products such as sprays on the market that have particular enzymes that target the bacteria, eliminating the problem at the source.

She also suggests giving the shoes a good wipe down with antibacterial wipes or even a damp microfibre cloth to clean it out.

But the best solution – and the one that is the lowest effort, and free – is to simply air them out. 

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Gibson warns against simply throwing the shows back into the closet at the end of the day.

”Let’s use that beautiful fresh air and get them in a breezy spot; let them dry out before putting them away,” she said.

Not following these guidelines can “start to increase your risk of foot disease and rashes and things like that, which you do not want to get [because it] doesn’t look very good and it starts breaking down your skin integrity as well,” she added.

“It’s just about changing your lifestyle habits to make better decisions.”