Sweaty feet in safety footwear: causes & effective solutions

Sweaty feet in safety footwear are a widespread and often embarrassing problem. Particularly during long working days, periods of heavy physical exertion and in warm environments, many people suffer from sweaty feet, complaining of unpleasant foot odour, wet socks and a generally uncomfortable fit. But what are the causes and how can the problem be permanently resolved?

Why do sweaty feet occur in safety footwear? 

Safety footwear is designed to provide optimum protection for the foot – often using robust and durable materials such as leather or plastic. However, these materials very often offer only limited breathability. Other factors also play a part, such as:

1. High levels of physical activity

More movement also means more sweat production. Many other safety shoes allow little air circulation. Our safety footwear featuring the ATLAS clima-stream® concept maximises breathability, balances moisture levels inside the shoe and optimally regulates the ambient temperature. The use of high-quality, highly breathable upper material and a thermoregulating inner lining ensures a unique wearing experience. 

2. Unsuitable socks

Synthetic fibres trap moisture and promote the build-up of odours. Our ATLAS socks keep your feet pleasantly dry through optimal moisture wicking, thereby preventing unpleasant foot odour and sweaty feet. 

3. Inadequate shoe care

Inadequate drying and airing encourage bacterial growth, which in turn leads to unpleasant odours. Our Fresh & Active Hygiene Spray ensures proper hygiene inside your ATLAS safety shoes and eliminates unpleasant odours.

4. Individual sweat production

Some people are generally more prone to sweaty feet. 

5. Working environment

Heat, enclosed spaces or jobs involving prolonged standing exacerbate the problem.

What can be done to combat sweaty feet in safety footwear? 

1. Choose breathable safety footwear 

ATLAS offers many models featuring innovative technologies that actively regulate the foot climate. We particularly recommend our XT 550 BOA GTX S3 with a Gore-Tex membrane, BOA® Fit System and clima-stream® technology – ideal for demanding, sweat-inducing tasks – or the BS 46 ESD O1 work boot. It is lightweight, sporty and features an aktiv-X functional lining for optimum air circulation.

2. Wear functional socks 

Ordinary cotton socks are poor at wicking away moisture. ATLAS socks are made from temperature-regulating and moisture-wicking materials that absorb sweat and keep the skin dry, e.g. the ATLAS All Seasons Workwear socks with their optimal moisture-wicking properties.