Sweaty feet, also known as plantar hyperhidrosis, can be a common problem for both adults and children. It can be uncomfortable, embarrassing and can even lead to foot odour and fungal infections. However, there are several ways to prevent and cure sweaty feet at home and below are some of our favourite anecdotal remedies and tips.
Although seemingly obvious, the first tip is to keep feet clean and dry – not always easy with kids who don’t like to keep still! It’s important to wash feet with soap and water daily, and make sure to dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes.
Another great tip is to wear shoes made of breathable materials such as leather or cotton canvas. Where possible, avoid shoes made of synthetic materials, like imitation leather, as these don't allow air to circulate around the foot, which increases sweating.
There's also the option of donning moisture-wicking socks. Opt for socks made of materials such as polyester or Alpaca wool. These materials help to absorb sweat and keep feet cool and dry.
How about applying foot powder to their feet before putting their socks and shoes on? Foot powder can help to absorb moisture as well as prevent odour. If you need a quick fix, consider trying bicarbonate of soda. Due to its natural deodorising properties many find this a convenient at-home option.
Although there are many more homemade remedies out there, our final tip is to avoid tight shoes as they can cause feet to sweat more. Choose shoes that fit well and allow the feet to breathe.
Sweaty feet are completely normal and some kids can perspire up to a full egg cup of sweat each day!
However, it’s often not fun, or ideal to have sweaty feet. Thankfully, there are some quick and simple ways to “cure” sweaty feet.
Apply an antiperspirant to the feet. Antiperspirants work by blocking the sweat glands and reducing the amount of sweat produced – just remember to wash feet thoroughly at the end of the day.
Although a little messier, you can mix baking soda with water to create a paste, and apply it to the feet. Baking soda helps to absorb moisture and prevent odour.
Vinegar helps to kill bacteria and fungi that can cause foot odour and infections. Soaking feet in a solution of vinegar and water for 15-20 minutes can help.
Tea tree oil has antifungal and antibacterial properties that can help to prevent foot odour and infections.
None of the above are going to cure and prevent feet sweating long term. We all sweat. However, if you’re concerned by your child’s sweaty feet, we’d always advise contacting your local GP.
Often sweaty feet only occur when in shoes and socks, therefore it’s important for footwear to be made of breathable materials.
While cotton is a breathable material, often it does not wick away moisture as well as other materials such as polyester or Alpaca wool, due to the thickness or weave of the fabric. Moisture-wicking socks are a better choice for sweaty prone feet as they help to absorb sweat and keep feet dry.
It’s probably no surprise, but the best shoes for sweaty feet are those made of breathable materials such as leather, canvas or cotton canvas. Shoes with ventilation holes or mesh panels also allow air to circulate around the foot. Our unique Air-Rite school shoes support the body’s natural temperature regulation system by allowing for 10% more heat to escape than other methods, keeping feet cool, dry and comfy.
Most of the advice and tips above should help prevent sweaty feet, and therefore stop feet from sliding in shoes. Breathable socks and shoes will help prevent moisture from being trapped in the shoe, so even if their feet do sweat this moisture can escape.
There are also insoles available that are designed to absorb moisture, however you’ll need to ensure they don’t compromise the fit of the shoe if you go down this route.
If feet are sliding in shoes whilst not sweaty, then they may be wearing the incorrect size.
Author: Amanda, published 14-06-2023.
