If you just want to treat just the insoles, remove them and place them in a large plastic bag with 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of baking soda. Shake up the bag and let it sit overnight. Wipe off the baking soda with a clean cloth. For maintenance, try sprinkling some baking soda into your shoes after each wear to keep them fresh.

If you’re in a hurry, speed up the drying time with a hair dryer. Alternatively, dampen a clean cloth or paper towel with distilled white vinegar and thoroughly rub the insides of your shoes. Let the shoes air dry completely. [2] X Research source To treat removable insoles with vinegar, soak them in a mixture of 1 part hot water and 2 parts distilled white vinegar for several hours and air dry. [3] X Research source

Scrub with an old toothbrush or nylon brush in place of a cloth if preferred. Alternatively, place the insoles in a pillowcase or delicate laundry bag and throw them in the washing machine. Use regular laundry detergent on a delicate cycle, then air dry. If you’re deodorizing athletic shoes, you can toss the entire shoe in the wash without damaging it.

Try adding a few drops of an essential oil like vanilla to the newspaper for a refreshing scent.

Alternatively, pour some rubbing alcohol into a spray bottle and mist the inside of your shoes for the same deodorizing effect. [9] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source

The bags will probably leave your shoes somewhat damp. Wipe them with a clean cloth after you take the bags out and let them air dry completely. Alternatively, leave dry, unused tea bags in your shoes overnight to remove most, if not all, of the odor. [11] X Research source If the tea bag leaves a faint stain in white or light-colored shoes, scrub the spot with warm water and liquid laundry detergent while it’s still wet to remove.

If you don’t want to mix litter with your socks, sprinkle clean litter directly into the shoes. In the morning, dump it out and wipe the insides with a cloth. A pet deodorizing spray can also work to eliminate tough shoe odors.

Essential oils like eucalyptus, peppermint, tea tree, orange, and lemongrass smell great and have antibacterial and antifungal properties.