12 Best Sneaker Deodorizer Balls Of 2024, Recommended By A Sports Trainer

Are your feet stinky after a long run or workout session? Don’t worry! The best sneaker deodorizer balls can solve your problem quite easily. These balls are among effective foot odor solutions that keep your sneakers or shoes smelling fresh and nice.

We all have our prized sneakers that we like to take care of and maintain their pristine condition. Footwear maintenance or shoe care products, such as sneaker deodorizer balls can do that effectively and affordably. But, there are just too many options available on the market. Which ones are the best for odor control of shoes? Which one can you trust to take care of your precious shoes? Find out about some of the top-rated sneaker deodorizer balls available right now for combating sweaty foot issues.

What Are Sneaker Deodorizer Balls, And Do They Actually Work?

Sneaker balls are like tiny air fresheners for your sneakers, designed for effective foot care. They are specifically made to remove the nasty odor and replace it with a crisp and fresh scent. Although they do not remove sweat from the shoes, that is, they are not shoe dehumidifiers and you have to clean them to maintain shoe hygiene, they can absorb unpleasant shoe scent. Wondering how to use a shoe freshener ball for real results and combat the unpleasant smell in your running shoes? Find out in the following section.

Wondering how to use a shoe freshener ball for real results? Find it out in the following section.

How Do You Use Shoe Freshener Balls?

Start by keeping the pair of shoes in the open air and letting them dry to prevent stinky shoes and eliminate bad smells. Then, twist the ball or odor remover and leave it in the shoes overnight. The next morning, your shoes will be fresh and clean and smell good. Make sure to remove the sneaker balls before putting your shoes on. These shoe fresheners are effective not only against unpleasant odors but also in tackling excess moisture to maintain shoe freshness. Keep the shoe fresheners closed for extended use.

Now that you know all about these magical balls that keep your shoes smelling nice and maintain shoe freshness, let’s dive into the list of the 12 best sneaker deodorizer balls.

12 Best Sneaker Deodorizer Balls Of 2024

1. Best Long-Lasting Fragrance:Tuffen Scent Shots Deodorizer Balls

Eliminate nasty odors with these uniquely designed deodorizer balls by Tuffen, offering an effective solution to unpleasant smell. They come in a pack of 8 and look just like cute little baseballs! Once activated, these shoe odor eliminators can last for up to 2000 hours and can be closed when not in use. James Shapiro, a sports performance coach and personal trainer says, “The longevity of these balls is so high, it might be close to a whole year before you buy a new set.” The twist-to-open design makes these deodorizers super easy to use. They work instantly and get rid of any foul odors within just a few hours. These balls can also be used in a variety of small spaces, like gym bags, workout gear, dresser dryers, lockers, etc. Many reviews assert that they leave behind a subtle scent, which is perfect for individuals who are sensitive to fragrances.

2. Best Citrus Notes:Tame The Beast Balls

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Image: Tame The Beast

BUY ON AMAZON | $11

These premium quality deodorizer balls are formulated with a refreshing beast blue scent, providing a fresh smell that uplifts your senses. It features notes of citrus, juniper, musk, and eucalyptus. The shoe fragrance balls can be easily used with a single twist and can be relocked when not in use, making them an effective solution for stinky shoes. They are perfect for shoes, boots, sneakers, closets, cars, and even gym bags. Ethically conscious consumers are obsessed with this product as it does not undergo any animal testing.

Did You Know?

John Cascarano founded Beast in 2015 in Nashville, United States. It is currently the 7th among 136 active competitors.

3. Best Affordable Deodorizer:Sufuny Shoe Deodorizer Balls

Try these effective and natural bad odor neutralizers by Sufuny. They keep your gym bags, shoes, and lockers away from any gross odor. The balls are filled with baking soda, which absorbs the foul odor and gives a clean burst of fresh scent. Many reviews indicate that these shoe refresher balls are very easy to use and are activated with a single twist. They come in a pack of six and can last for up to 60 days with regular use.

Pro Tip

If you are smell sensitive, this deodorizer might not be the best for you as it smells pretty strong.

4. Best Compact Design:Sof Sole Sneaker Balls

4.5

Now 7% Off

BUY ON AMAZON | $13.98

This set of six sneaker deodorizer balls is specifically designed to attract kids. The balls come in a variety of designs – from baseball and basketball to smiley figures and tie-dyes, which makes your kids interested in using them regularly. They get rid of the odor-causing bacteria from gym bags, shoes, and lockers. Reviewers love these sneaker odor removers because they are compact and effective enough to reach and absorb bad odors from tight areas where other freshness products would not fit. With a quick twist action, they release a fresh and clean scent! Each of these balls has a diameter of 1.5 inches and can last for up to 6 months or 2100 hours.

5. Best For Sensitive Eyes And Nose:Maximilian Deodorizing Ball

4.2

Now 20% Off

BUY ON AMAZON | $9.59

Neutralize odor-causing bacteria with a quick release of clean and fresh scent by using this deodorizer ball by Maximilian. Unlike traditional fresheners, they do not leave an overpowering scent that is uncomfortable to sensitive eyes and nose. They can be used for cars, shoes, offices, closets, gym bags, lockers, and bathrooms. The compact and circular design ensures that these deodorizers fit perfectly into any shoe. The unique design gives you three levels of freshness, which you can choose by twisting according to the level of freshness you need. This is an important feature for those with sensitivities to smells or fragrances. The pack lasts for up to a year, depending on the frequency of use.

Pro Tip

Turn off the knob when not using the product to keep the smell and the quantity lasting long.

6. Best In Easy-To-Use:Lock Laces Odor Drops

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Image: Odor Drops

BUY ON AMAZON | $13.99

This compact set of six deodorizer balls by Lock Laces comes in a convenient cylindrical packaging, which makes them easier to store. You can close them after use, ensuring that they remain fresh and ready to tackle the next foul odor. These balls or shoe odor neutralizers can be used to neutralize odor-causing bacteria in trash cans, boots, lockers, and gyms and can be used as shoe sanitizers. You can also use them as car air fresheners. These deodorizing balls are available in three scents – crisp pine, fresh linen, and clean citrus.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

This product has made it to our top favorite list with more than 2,412 rave reviews on Amazon.

7. Best For Kids And Teens:Foot Petals Sneaker Deodorizer Balls

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Image: Foot Petals

BUY ON AMAZON | $11.25

These cute and fancy sneaker deodorizer balls by Foot Petals come in vibrant colors like purple and pink. They can be easily activated by twisting the spheres, which then release a mesmerizing, pleasant smell. Reviewers in Amazon love it and claim that these shoe deodorizing balls are ideal for kids and teens as they are super compact. They come in a set of six, which makes it convenient to refresh multiple shoes at the same time.

8. Best Versatile Use:Eco Fused Deodorizer Balls

These high-quality deodorizer balls by Eco Fused instantly eliminate unwanted odor in any footwear like golf shoes, school shoes, tennis shoes, and even kids shoes with a burst of ocean fresh scent. The compact and ground design makes them easy to place and carry. These sneaker odor control balls feature a simple twist-and-open design, provide long-lasting fragrance, and can be used regularly for up to two months. They come in a pack of 8 and measure 3.9 cm in diameter each.

9. Best For Tight Places:Ava Prime Ball Freshener

Be it your sneakers, closet, car, lockers, or gym bag, this deodorizer ball repels and removes any odor-causing bacteria and foul odors. It delivers a refreshing and fresh lemon scent, which leaves your shoes smelling good. These odor-fighting balls come in a set of three, which have a diameter of 1.5 inches, each. The round and compact design makes sure that these balls absorb odors in dark and tight places as well. They can last up to 1 year, depending on the frequency of use.

10. Best Natural Formula:Arm & Hammer Odor Busterz Balls

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Image: Arm & Hammer

BUY ON AMAZON | $15.99

The Odor Busterz Balls by Arm & Hammer come shaped like cute little oranges and deliver a burst of clean and fresh scent. The sachet is filled with baking soda that can eliminate odor for up to 60 days. They are perfect for closets, gym bags, car trunks, athletic care, travel packs, and much more.

11. Best For All Shoe Sizes:Air Jungles Shoe Odor Eliminator

4.2

Image: Air Jungles

BUY ON AMAZON | $11.99

These natural and effective deodorizer balls are perfect for gym bags, dryers, closets, and all footwear. These odor-blocking balls are filled with food eliminating tea polyphenols and essential oils that offer bursts of fresh scents. They are easy to use and can be activated in just a single twist. The pack of six deodorizer balls is available in three different fragrances – fresh linen, ocean, and lavender. With regular use, they can last for up to 30 days.

12. Best Gentle Scent:Knix Max Sneaker Deodorizer

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Image: Knixmax

BUY ON AMAZON | $11.99

Fill your home, office, cars, gym bags and shoes with a gentle scent of fresh jasmine offered by this deodorizer ball from Knix Max. It effectively removes odor-causing bacteria from gym bags, shoes, and lockers. It is compact and effective enough to reach and absorb bad odors in dark places and tight areas. With a quick twist action, it releases a fresh and clean scent and can last for up to 12 months, depending on the frequency of use.

Now that we know some of the best sneaker deodorizing balls, let’s move on to things to consider before buying them. Take a look at this section especially if you do not have any hands-on experience in purchasing these products before.

Things To Consider Before Buying Sneaker Deodorizer Balls

• Use/Versatility

Sneaker deodorizer balls come in various types and shapes. Make sure you pick a size that fits perfectly into your sneakers. Also, investing in a pack of sneaker balls instead of just one is cost-effective. Another important thing to look for is the versatility and ease of use for shoe odor prevention. Some of these deodorizers can also be used to refresh lockers, dryers, closets, and gym bags.

• Design

There are a wide variety of sneaker deodorizer designs on the market. Choose the ones with twist-and-open features, as they can also be closed and stored away when not in use. They also come in eye-catching colors and patterns.

Infographic: Hacks To Keep Your Sneakers Smelling Fresh

Stinky sneakers can be really embarrassing. There could be many reasons behind the reeking odor from the sneakers. Don’t worry, as there are as many ways to get rid of the malodor. The infographic below lists a few common and useful tips to keep your sneakers smelling fresh. Scroll down to know more!

Illustration: The Bridal Box Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do deodorizer balls last?

It depends on how frequently you use them. Usually, a small sneaker deodorizer ball can last for up to 6 months. You can also keep them in closed containers for extended use.

What is the best way to deodorize sneakers?

Some of the most efficient ways to remove odors from sneakers are refreshing them with a pleasant scent, leaving a fresh lemon overnight, or rubbing a few drops of lavender essential oil into your shoes’ soles and leaving them to dry.

Does baking soda deodorize shoes?

Yes, baking soda can successfully eliminate malodors from your shoes. It is also a fungicide with modest antibacterial activity.

Do sneaker balls expire?

Yes, sneaker balls do expire. Although the shelf life of the product varies from brand to brand, in general, it stays good for up to 90 days.

Are shoe deodorizers safe?

Some shoe deodorizers contain fast-acting chemical compounds that are highly effective at eradicating microorganisms and combating odors. However, they can cause irritation to the skin. It’s always important to have open air circulation when using these balls for deodorizing.

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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

James ShapiroSports Performance Coach & Personal Trainer

     

James Shapiro, MS, CES, PES, has operated in nearly every position in the fitness and strength and conditioning industry for nearly a decade. His clients range from stay-at-home moms to division-I athletes. He primarily services the Los Angeles area but also works with clients virtually and online across the country.

Read full bio of James Shapiro

Pratyasha RayCommerce Writer

 

Pratyasha has a master's degree in English from the University Of Calcutta, West Bengal, and is an avid lover of art and literature. She has over two years of experience in writing articles across beauty and lifestyle, and she curates and reviews products and appliances that make the readers’ household chores easy and keep their homes running smoothly.

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Medha DebCommerce Editor

Medha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts. She specializes in the areas of beauty, health, and wellness and is committed to ensuring that the content on the website is of the highest quality.

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Aditi NaskarAssociate Commerce Editor

Aditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She is an associate commerce editor with 5 years of experience and specializes in reviewing fitness and health products.

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