The feet have more sweat glands than any other part of the body. Shoes and socks can prevent the sweat from your feet from evaporating or being absorbed, which attracts bacteria. The bacteria cause sweat to smell bad, leading to bromodosis (smelly feet).
People with hyperhidrosis (a condition where the skin sweats excessively) are particularly prone to bromodosis. Synthetic footwear and poor hygiene can make the problem worse (see Causes of bromodosis for more information).
Bromodosis can usually be controlled by taking a number of steps to reduce bacteria, such as washing your feet daily and changing footwear regularly (see Treatment of bromodosis).
Continue to next section: Causes of bromodosis