Foot odor is common when you wear shoes that don't "breathe." Usually, if you take off your shoes, wash your feet, and put on clean socks, the odor goes away. Occasionally the problem continues despite your efforts to get rid of the odor. Persistent odor may mean a:

• Bacterial infection has developed. Prescription medication may be needed to clear up the problem.
• Fungal infection has developed. Athlete's foot is a common infection that usually causes a slight odor.