5 Effective Ways to Remove Athlete’s Foot Fungus from Your Shoes

Athlete’s foot, or tinea pedis, is a stubborn fungal infection that thrives in warm, moist environments—like your shoes. If you’ve ever dealt with the itching, burning, or peeling skin it causes, you know how crucial it is to how to get athletes foot out of shoes effectively. Left untreated, the fungus can linger in footwear, reinfecting you even after treatment. Below, we break down five scientifically backed methods to eradicate this problem for good.

1. Use Antifungal Sprays or Powders

Antifungal treatments aren’t just for your feet—they’re essential for your shoes too. Over-the-counter sprays or powders containing clotrimazole, miconazole, or terbinafine can penetrate shoe linings to kill fungal spores. According to the Mayo Clinic, these ingredients disrupt fungal cell membranes, preventing growth. Apply the product liberally inside your shoes, focusing on seams and insoles where moisture accumulates. For best results, treat shoes daily for at least a week, even after symptoms subside. This method is a frontline defense in how to get athletes foot out of shoes, as it targets the root of the problem.

2. Freeze Your Shoes Overnight

Extreme cold can kill fungus. A study published by the University of Michigan found that temperatures below -20°C (-4°F) for 24 hours eradicated 99% of fungal spores. While your home freezer won’t reach lab-grade lows, sealing shoes in a plastic bag and freezing them overnight still reduces fungal load. This won’t eliminate deep-seated spores, so pair it with other methods. As Dr. Jane Orient, executive director of the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons, notes: “Cold therapy is a supplementary measure—think of it as a reset button for your footwear.”

3. Sunlight and UV Exposure

UV rays are nature’s disinfectant. Research from Harvard Medical School confirms that prolonged sunlight exposure damages fungal DNA, inhibiting reproduction. Place shoes in direct sunlight for 4–6 hours, ideally on a dry, hot day. For added power, use a UV shoe sanitizer (like those endorsed by podiatrists on YouTube). These devices emit UVC light, which the FDA recognizes as effective against pathogens. Remember: consistency is key. Rotate shoes to ensure all surfaces get exposed—this is a proven tactic in how to get athletes foot out of shoes long-term.

4. Wash with Hot Water and Antifungal Additives

Machine-washable shoes? Lucky you. A 60°C (140°F) wash with antifungal detergent (e.g., Lysol Laundry Sanitizer) kills fungus. For non-washable shoes, mix white vinegar or tea tree oil with water (1:1 ratio) and scrub interiors. A 2016 study in the Journal of Applied Microbiology found tea tree oil’s terpenes break down fungal cell walls. Let shoes dry completely—fungus thrives in dampness. As noted on Quora by a microbiology PhD: “Moisture control is half the battle. No method works if shoes stay wet.”

5. Replace Insoles and Use Moisture-Wicking Socks

Sometimes, the best solution is replacement. Insoles harbor up to 75% of shoe fungi, per Baidu Baike. Swap them for antifungal options (e.g., Copper Sole brands). Pair with moisture-wicking socks—Walmart stocks affordable bamboo fiber options that reduce sweat by 40%. This combo addresses the how to get athletes foot out of shoes dilemma by removing fungal reservoirs and preventing reinfection. As celebrity dermatologist Dr. Sandra Lee (aka “Dr. Pimple Popper”) tweeted: “Dry feet = dead fungus. Invest in breathable gear.”

Fighting athlete’s foot isn’t just about treating your skin—it’s about reclaiming your shoes from fungal invaders. These five strategies, backed by science and experts, offer a roadmap to a fungus-free future. Start today, and step confidently tomorrow.