Sneaker Balls Deodorizer: Kiwi, Sof Sole, and Knixmax
Whether you’re an athlete, a dedicated gym-goer, or enjoy exploring the outdoors. You have probably kicked your shoes off at one point or another, only to get bombarded with a foul smell. In my case, my wife took the first step in neutralizing the situation. A set of SofSole’s Sneaker Balls Deodorizers showed up in my Christmas stocking. I found them easy to use and ended up using one in my car and one in my gym bag, and then, when I remember to do it, I place them in my basketball shoes when I am done playing.
Kiwi and a couple of other companies also offer sneaker and shoe deodorizers. I decided to keep a list of these specialized deodorizers so I can try them all. Hopefully, this will help you fellow gym-goers, hikers, and athletes, in finding a sneaker ball solution that will work for you.
1. SofSole Sneaker Balls Deodorizer
SofSole is a shoe care company. They are responsible for multiple products, from inserts and shoe cleaners to deodorizer balls for shoes. I use their insoles for my basketball shoes. Sof Sole Sneaker Deodorizer Balls are compact odor-neutralizing devices designed for use in shoes, gym bags, lockers, and other small spaces.
They work by emitting a clean scent to counteract your foot odors, making them particularly useful for neutralizing the stink associated with basketball and other athletic activities. These balls are easy to use, with a twist-to-activate mechanism that releases their scent. They are small enough to fit in most shoe sizes and spaces, and their round shape enables them to reach corners effectively. Despite their effectiveness, they are not a permanent solution to odors and must be replaced periodically, since the scent diminishes over time.
I recommend placing them in your shoes overnight to allow the deodorizers to do their job. You can also use them in gym bags, lockers, laundry baskets, or drawers. You can close them up with the same twist motion and preserve the freshness. My experience is that you would want to change them out at least every 90 days.
2. Kiwi Shoe and Sneaker Deodorizer
Kiwi started as a shoe-shining company and has been around forever. Products can be found for purchase almost anywhere. With the growth of the sneaker world, Kiwi expanded shoe care to deodorizing products. Kiwi Sneaker Deodorizer Balls are small deodorizers designed to tackle unpleasant odors in shoes, gym bags, or other compact spaces.
They work by releasing a fresh scent that counteracts the smell, making them a good choice for your shoes or other gear. To activate the deodorizer, you just need to twist the balls to emit the deodorizing scent. They are also small which allows them to fit into all kinds of sizes of shoes. Over time, the scent, just like any other deodorizer will fade and need to be replaced.
3. Knixmax Sneaker Deodorizer Balls
Knixmax Sneaker Deodorizer balls are another entry into the market that I have been seeing lately. These are more like bags filled with natural bamboo charcoal. Now, bamboo charcoal might not sound like the obvious choice for freshening up your sneakers, but it’s actually a real odor buster. It doesn’t just cover up smells, but instead, it absorbs the bad odors.
Knixmax Sneaker Deodorizer Balls
They’re really easy to use, too. You just pop them in your sneakers when you’re not wearing them. Plus, they’re reusable. Just place them in sunlight every month for a couple of hours and they’re good to go again (they do eventually have to be replaced). Pretty interesting. Similar to other deodorizers you can use them in your gym bag, your locker, or car as well.
How Do Sneaker Balls Work?
Here’s the basic process of how they work:
- Activation: Sneaker Balls are activated by twisting the two halves of the sphere. This opens up the vents and allows the scent to escape.
- Deodorizing: Once activated, the Sneaker Balls begin to emit a fresh scent. This scent works to counteract the bad odors, replacing them with a cleaner, more pleasant smell.
- Neutralization: The fragrance from the sneaker balls neutralizes the unpleasant odors. It doesn’t clean or remove the source of the smell, but it masks it effectively.
- Consistent release: The design of Sneaker Balls allows for a slow, steady release of the scent, ensuring that the fresh smell lasts for a longer period.
Remember, Sneaker Balls are not a permanent solution for odors, and they don’t address the source of the smell (like bacteria or mold). They need to be replaced after their scent has diminished, and they work best in conjunction with regular cleaning and good hygiene practices.
Why You Need Shoe Deodorizers
Why do your sneakers smell? Shoes don’t often come with good ventilation. One of the major reasons for this is that feet are constantly covered.
So all the sweat and moisture that builds up through the day just sits and soaks into your sneakers. There are a lot of recommendations out there that you shouldn’t wear your shoes for more than two days in a row. Sometimes, that just isn’t avoidable.
The moral of the story is that sometimes, no matter what you do, you will still need to deodorize your sneakers. Sneaker balls are a really good way to do that.
Where to Buy
You can find Sof Sole, Kiwi, or Knixmax sneaker balls deodorizers on Amazon or many retailers, including Walmart and Target.
Wrapping it Up
While sneakers seem to be all the rage right now and a significant marker of status, the coolest sneakers in the world will simply lose their clout if accompanied by a gross, sweaty foot smell.
You must toss the balls in your shoes when you get home, let them sit overnight, and wake up to a fresh pair of sneakers. You won’t have to smell it, nor will your friends. It will keep your shoes fresh without breaking the bank.
All it takes is a couple of balls, and you can say goodbye to smelly sneakers.
Troy Wallace
Troy Wallace is Certified Basketball Speed Specialist and shares his experiences in trying to stay as healthy as possible to stay on the court. He is active in coaching youth basketball in YMCA, Team Work Sports Nebraska, and, currently, in the Jr. Warriors program in Omaha, NE. Visit Troy's Full Author Bio Page or email him directly.
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