How To Fix Smelly Teva Sandals

One of the best things about backpacking around Southeast Asia is the fact that you really only need one pair of shoes: a comfortable pair of walking sandals!

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My favorites are Teva sandals, as I find them a good mix of comfort and sturdiness. I have the Teva Hurricane XLT 2 which I actually got in Singapore last year.

They’re slightly sturdier than the Universal version and I’ve found them to be excellent for walking around the city and light outdoor hiking. They’ve held up really well for constant use of about 10+ months.

However, one issue I kept running into was…they smelled REALLY bad after a while!

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The Problem: Smelly Tevas

When you wear your Tevas in hot weather, day after day, over and over again, your feet sweat into the base material which then causes bacteria to grow. This bacteria is SUPER stinky!

It doesn’t matter how much you clean your feet, eventually the Tevas will smell. Backpacking means sharing spaces with people, and it’s super gross to have stinky sandals just hanging around. While the stink may not bother you as much, it WILL bother other people. The polite thing to do is to take care of the stink.

So, how to fix the problem?

After looking around online for different solutions, I managed to find one that worked for me. This tip came from a backpacking forum for people who hike the Camino de Santiago. Thank you, fellow travelers!

Stuff You’ll Need

A plastic bag (like a grocery bag), big enough to fit your sandals
Denture cleaning tablets like Polident
Clean water
Soft scrub brush and soap
Your Tevas

Instructions

Fill the plastic bag with clean warm water and put in two denture cleaning tabs. Let them dissolve completely.

Put your sandals in the bag, submerged in the water. Tevas float, so I had a little problem keeping them totally covered. What ended up working for me was to put them “face down” (insoles into the water), tie the bag closed and then put another shoe on top of the closed bag to kind of squish it down.

Let them soak for at LEAST 4 hours. Overnight is even better.

The next day, take them out of the bag and rinse them off. Give them a scrub with a soft brush and some soap. I like Dr. Bronner’s castile soap but it might dry out the material, so be careful. Be sure to clean the insoles AND the straps.

Let the Tevas dry COMPLETELY. Some people say to put them out in the sun, but again– be careful! If it’s too hot some of the plastic bits could melt.

Tada! No more stinky Tevas.

I had to do this roughly once a month when I was actively backpacking in hot climates. Denture cleaning tablets can be found everywhere, luckily, and they don’t take up too much room in a bag so it’s no big deal to have some on hand.

Have you ever dealt with stinky Teva sandals before? How did you get them de-funkified?

Some other ways I’ve seen are to put them in a freezer overnight (this didn’t work for me), spray them with alcohol or even Vodka, and to just let them sit in the sun for a day (didn’t work for me).

FAQ: How to Deal with Smelly Teva Sandals

Why do Teva sandals start to smell?

Teva sandals often develop a bad smell because sweat builds up in the footbed and straps, creating the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. Hot, humid weather accelerates this process, especially with frequent use.

What’s the fastest way to get rid of the smell?

A quick fix is to sprinkle baking soda over the footbed and let it sit overnight. Shake off the excess in the morning, and your sandals should smell noticeably better.

How can I deep clean my smelly Tevas?

Use denture cleaning tablets! Dissolve two tablets in warm water, place your sandals in a plastic bag with the solution, and let them soak overnight. Scrub with soapy water afterward and air dry completely.

Can I just throw my Tevas in the washing machine?

It’s not recommended. Washing machines can be too rough and may damage the material. Instead, hand-wash them with soapy water and a soft brush.

Will freezing my sandals kill the bacteria?

Freezing might temporarily reduce the smell, but it won’t kill all the bacteria. I tried this and the smell just came back the next day. For more effective results, try soaking deep cleaning them.

How often should I clean my Tevas?

If you’re wearing them daily in sweaty or humid conditions, aim for a thorough clean every month. For occasional use, clean as needed when the smell starts to develop.

Can I use the dryer to dry them faster?

Nope! Heat from a dryer may warp the soles or damage the straps. Let them air dry out of direct sunlight.

Should I replace my sandals if they’re too smelly?

Not necessarily. A deep clean (like the denture tablet method) often restores them. If the smell persists despite all efforts, it might be time for a new pair.