Why Do My Feet Sweat So Much? (2025)

The feet have more sweat glands per inch than any other body part, producing sweat continuously. Foot sweat is important for regulating temperature and keeping the skin moist and pliable.

However, excessive foot sweating can be a problem for some people. External factors, such as types of footwear or medical conditions likehyperhidrosis(excess sweating), can cause increased foot sweating.

1. Genetics

Plantar hyperhidrosis (a condition marked by excessively sweaty feet) may have genetic influences. A family history is present in about 30% of cases.

2. Alcohol, Smoking, and Certain Foods

Excessive sweating can have certain triggers, such as smoking, drinking alcohol, or eating certain foods, like spicy food.

3. Socks or Shoes

The type of footwear you choose can affect how much your feet sweat and how they smell. Moist feet provide a place for microbes to grow, and these produce foot odor.

Tight, enclosed boots and shoes made from non-breathable materials (like rubber) can trap sweat. Cotton socks absorb moisture but don't release it as well as sweat-wicking fabrics like polyester, acrylic, polypropylene, or wool.

4. Physical Activity

Sweating during exercise is normal and necessary to help the body cool down. However, for some people, sweating during physical activity can be excessive.

5. Heat

Sweaty feet are common in hot weather. Although people with hyperhidrosis experience excessive sweating in all seasons, they can find the heat makes their symptoms worse.

6. Stress

The sweat glands on the soles of the feet and palms of the hands respond to emotions. Emotional or mental stress can increase sweating.

7. Standing All Day

Stress or strain on the feet, such as standing for long periods, can make sweaty feet more likely.

8. Hormonal Changes

Hormone levels in the body, such as those in adolescence, can trigger overactivesweat glands,leading to sweaty feet.

9. Hyperhidrosis

Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition characterized by excessive sweating. People with hyperhidrosis of the feet often sweat excessively in other areas, such as the palms.

Hyperhidrosis affects about 3% of the population. It is more common in men than women and young adults than older adults. Hyperhidrosis of the feet appears to have a genetic component.

People with hyperhidrosis sweat excessively almost all the time, even in the absence of common triggers for most people, such as heat or exercise. The amount of excess sweat can vary between people.

Other symptoms and effects of hyperhidrosis of the feet may include:

• Whitish, wet appearance of the foot
• Foot odor
• Foot infections
• Emotional stress and anxiety about having the condition, particularly among adolescents
  

10. Other Medical Conditions

Primary hyperhidrosis refers to excessive sweating in only one or two body areas. It is not associated with a systemic disorder.

Secondary hyperhidrosis causes excessive sweating in one or two body parts or can affect the entire body. A medical condition or certain medications cause it.

Conditions that may be associated with secondary hyperhidrosis include:

• Acromegaly (a hormonal disorder caused by excessive growth hormone)
• Anxiety conditions
• Cancer
• Carcinoid syndrome (a tumor secretes hormones)
  
• Diabetes, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), and other glucose control disorders
  
• Heart disease and heart attack
• Lung disease
• Menopause
• Hyperthyroid conditions (overproduction of thyroid hormone)
• Parkinson's disease (a neurological movement disorder)
  
• Pheochromocytoma (adrenal gland tumor)
• Stroke (blockage of blood flow or bleeding in the brain)
• Spinal cord injury
• Tuberculosis or other infections
• Various medications and substances of abuse
  

Hyperhidrosis of the feet may lead to other conditions, such as:

• Tinea pedis (athlete's foot, a fungal infection)
• Pitted keratolysis (a type of bacterial infection of the soles)
• Bacterial infections

Tips to Manage Sweaty Feet

Good foot hygiene is important for managing sweaty feet. Wash feet daily with antibacterial soap (making sure to get between the toes) and dry them thoroughly. Then, apply cornstarch, foot powder, or an antifungal powder.

Other tips include:

• Wear socks made of fibers that wick moisture away from your feet rather than 100% cotton socks.
• Keep extra pairs of socks on you and change them throughout the day.
• Choose breathable shoes.
• Rotate which shoes you wear so they can dry thoroughly between uses.
• Avoid wearing shoes without socks.
• Look for detachable insoles, absorbent inner soles, or medicated insoles that deodorize, as insoles absorb a lot of sweat.

When to Contact a Healthcare Provider

Talk to your healthcare provider if you have excessive sweating that:

• Is prolonged and/or unexplained
• Occurs with weight loss
• Occurs with or is followed by chest pain or pressure (this can be a sign of a heart attack; get medical care immediately)
• Happens mostly during sleep
• Occurs with symptoms such as fever, shortness of breath, or a rapid, pounding heartbeat
• Does not respond to measures you have taken to address it
• Happens at least once a week
• Is interfering with your regular activities
• Has a history of occurring in your family
• May be the result of a medication you are taking
  

Possible Medical Treatments

Treatments for hyperhidrosis may include:

• Strong antiperspirants
• Medications that may prevent stimulation of sweat glands
• Botox (Botulinum toxin) to temporarily block the nerves that stimulate sweating
• Iontophoresis, which uses mild electric current to turn off the sweat gland temporarily

Summary

Excessive foot sweating can be caused by several factors, including genetics, underlying conditions, improper footwear, environmental factors, and hormonal changes. Hyperhidrosis can occur with or without an underlying condition. It may affect one or two areas of the body or the whole body.

Treatments for excessive foot sweating may include good foot hygiene, breathable and moisture-wicking footwear, medications, or medical procedures. Talk to your healthcare provider if you experience new or persistent excessive sweating, especially if you have other symptoms.