Damp shoes, unpleasant odour, the uncomfortable feeling of taking your shoes off around others – sweaty feet are a daily reality for many people. The sole of the foot is one of the sweatiest parts of the body, with around 600 sweat glands per square centimetre. Sweating itself is completely natural and necessary – the problem only begins when bacteria get involved.
The good news: in most cases, simple home remedies can noticeably improve the foot climate. We have put together the seven most effective methods for you – from tried-and-tested foot baths to natural insoles that can provide long-term support.
Why Do Feet Sweat So Much?
The sole of the foot contains more sweat glands than almost any other part of the body. Sweating is biologically useful: it regulates body temperature and keeps the skin supple. The problem only arises when sweat meets bacteria.
Bacteria that naturally live on the skin break down sweat and produce butyric acid in the process – and that is what causes the typical foot odour. This process is encouraged by several factors:
- Closed shoes made from synthetic materials that trap heat and moisture
- Stress and tension, which can stimulate sweat production
- Hormonal fluctuations during puberty, pregnancy or the menopause
- Socks or shoes that are changed too infrequently, allowing bacteria to persist
In most cases, sweaty feet are a cosmetic issue that responds well to home remedies. However, if someone sweats excessively regardless of temperature or activity, this may indicate hyperhidrosis. In that case, it is worth seeing a doctor.
7 Home Remedies for Sweaty Feet
1. Baking Soda Foot Bath
Baking soda is one of the best-known home remedies for sweaty feet. It raises the pH level on the skin surface slightly – creating an environment that is less hospitable for bacteria.
How to do it: Dissolve 2 tablespoons of baking soda in 2 litres of lukewarm water and soak your feet for 20 to 30 minutes. Dry thoroughly afterwards – including between the toes. Used two to three times a week, this foot bath can help reduce odour noticeably.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar Foot Bath
Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid and is a well-established home remedy. A regular foot bath with it can have a positive effect on the skin environment.
Recipe: Add 650 ml of apple cider vinegar to 2 litres of lukewarm water and soak your feet for 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse with clean water afterwards and dry thoroughly. If you have sensitive skin or open sores, it is best to avoid this bath.
3. Sage – as a Foot Bath and Tea
Sage contains tannins that can help regulate sweat production. It can be used in two ways:
- As a foot bath: Add 2 tablespoons of dried sage to 1 litre of hot water, leave to cool and use as a foot bath.
- As a tea: Drunk regularly, sage tea can help reduce sweating in general.
Note: Pregnant women should avoid sage in larger amounts – please consult your midwife or doctor if in doubt.
4. Black Tea Foot Bath
Black tea also contains tannins that can help tighten the pores of the skin – which may reduce the amount of sweat released and improve the foot climate.
Recipe: Steep two to three tea bags in 1 litre of boiling water for 10 minutes, allow to cool to a comfortable temperature and soak your feet for 20 minutes. Used two to three times a week, this bath can make a noticeable difference.
5. Thorough Foot Hygiene Every Day
It may sound obvious – but it is the single most important step: wash your feet every day with a mild soap, and take care to clean between the toes thoroughly. That is where moisture and bacteria tend to accumulate most.
Equally important is drying your feet completely after washing. Residual moisture between the toes is one of the most common reasons why even good home remedy routines only work to a limited extent. Take a moment to dry properly – it really makes a difference.
6. Choose Footwear and Socks Wisely
The wrong footwear can undermine all other measures. Shoes made from natural materials such as leather or fabric allow moisture to escape more effectively than synthetic models. Allow your shoes to air for at least 24 hours after wearing them – ideally alternating between two pairs.
When it comes to socks: wool and cotton absorb moisture and release it far better than polyester or nylon. Change your socks every day and wash them at at least 60 °C to kill bacteria.
7. Natural Insoles
A long-term addition that many people underestimate: insoles made from natural materials can improve the foot climate inside the shoe from within.
Cedar wood insoles help regulate moisture and contribute to a fresher shoe environment. Cinnamon insoles support a pleasant foot climate through their natural ingredients and add a subtle, spicy fragrance. Both options are a worthwhile complement to regular foot hygiene – not a replacement, but a helpful element for consistently fresher feet.
Key Points at a Glance
No single home remedy works miracles on its own. What truly helps is the combination: daily hygiene as a foundation, foot baths as supportive measures, and thoughtful choices in socks, shoes and insoles for sustainable results.
| Home Remedy | Effort | Recommended Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Baking soda foot bath | Low | 2–3× per week |
| Apple cider vinegar bath | Low | 2–3× per week |
| Sage | Low | Daily as tea, 2× foot bath |
| Black tea bath | Low | 2–3× per week |
| Foot hygiene | No extra effort | Daily |
| Footwear & socks | One-off | Ongoing |
| Natural insoles | One-off | Ongoing |
Conclusion: Natural and Consistent Relief from Sweaty Feet
Sweaty feet are very common and, in most cases, very manageable. The seven home remedies in this guide are easy to incorporate into everyday life – whether as a weekly foot bath, through mindful choices of breathable socks and shoes, or with natural insoles as a permanent companion inside your shoe.
If you are looking for long-term support: our cinnamon insoles and cedar wood insoles are made from natural materials and specifically designed to keep your feet feeling fresh and comfortable every day.
Skip product gallery 
Tip
Cinnamon soles Nawemo "brown", normal fit
Product information "Nawemo cinnamon soles "brown", normal fit"Nawemo cinnamon soles - Natural comfort and odour neutralisationThe brown Nawemo cinnamon soles are the best-selling cinnamon soles in Germany and offer a perfect combination of comfort and effectiveness against unpleasant odours. Thanks to high-quality Vietnamese cinnamon powder, they effectively neutralise foot odour by absorbing moisture and combating bacteria that cause perspiration odour.High-quality materials and sophisticated designEach cinnamon insole consists of four layers that have been carefully crafted to ensure maximum comfort and durability:Top layer: Soft and breathable cotton for comfortable wear.Middle layer: Incorporated cinnamon powder, which is securely fixed in place by longitudinal and diagonal seams and a firm seam.Stabilising layer: A thin layer of cellulose provides additional stability.Bottom layer: Non-slip material for a firm hold in the shoe.Advantages of Nawemo cinnamon soles:Odour-neutralising: reduces perspiration and neutralises unpleasant odours.Stimulates blood circulation: The cinnamon powder stimulates blood circulation, which contributes to better foot health.Reduces bacteria: Works against bacteria that can cause athlete's foot.Instructions for use:Intensive use may rarely cause discolouration of socks.The effect of the socks lasts for about 3 months and they should be replaced regularly.Not suitable for people with cinnamon allergies and during pregnancy due to the labour-promoting effect of cinnamon.Material composition:CottonCinnamon powdercelluloseEthylene vinyl acetate (EVA)Choice of colours and sizes:Colour: BrownSizes: 35 - 50Additional note:The effect of the cinnamon soles can be enhanced by wearing Nawemo bamboo socks!With the brown Nawemo cinnamon soles you will experience natural comfort and a fresh foot climate in every shoe. Perfect for everyday use and ideal for people who value natural materials and effective odour control.
Variants from €5.90
Regular price: €6.40 
Cedar wood soles Nawemo "Ladies"
Cedar wood insoles Nawemo "Ladies" Natural wood insoles made from 1.3 mm thick cedar wood - Made in Germany The soles have a very smooth surface and do not break or splinter. They also ensure a fantastic foot climate! Cedar wood insoles Nawemo "Ladies" are ideal for all women who: - walk or stand a lot - suffer from sweaty feet - often wear nylon or support stockings - often have cold feet - are fond of natural products How cedar wood soles Nawemo "Ladies" work: - Better temperature regulation in the shoe: heat dissipation and at the same time insulation against cold from the ground and thus no more cold feet - Good moisture dissipation: no "sweat lake" - Excellent antibacterial and fungicidal effect: no annoying foot odour and no athlete's foot. Important for wearers of nylon and synthetic fibre support stockings. Instructions for the correct use and care of Nawemo "Ladies" cedar wood soles: - Place the wooden side upwards in the shoe. There is no effect with the fabric side up! - This purely natural insole may buckle, but this has no effect on the wearing properties. - If you want to clean your natural wood insoles, this is possible, but only with mild agents such as soft soap or hair detergent in lukewarm water. - To dry, place the wooden surface downwards, not in the sun and not on the radiator!
Regular price: €9.90
Home remedies work well when sweaty feet are caused by heat, stress or unsuitable footwear. However, if someone sweats excessively regardless of temperature or activity, this may indicate hyperhidrosis. In that case, it is worth seeing a doctor – there are effective medical treatment options available.
A noticeable improvement is generally possible after one to two weeks of consistent use – provided foot baths are taken two to three times a week and combined with good foot hygiene. Single applications tend to produce only short-term effects.
No – insoles made from cedar wood or with cinnamon are a useful complement, not a replacement for daily foot hygiene. They can help improve the foot climate inside the shoe and reduce unpleasant odour. They work best in combination with regular washing, thorough drying and suitable socks.
Wool and cotton are significantly better suited to sweaty feet than synthetic materials such as polyester or nylon. Natural fibres absorb moisture and release it, rather than trapping it. Merino wool socks are considered particularly good at regulating moisture – even in warmer weather.