What causes excessive sweating when wearing boots, specifically hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) of the feet?

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Last updated: May 8, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Guidelines

To reduce excess sweat when putting on boots, wear moisture-wicking socks and consider using boot liners or insoles with moisture-wicking properties, as recommended by the British Journal of Dermatology 1. This approach can help manage sweat and reduce the risk of foot problems. Some key points to consider:

  • Wear socks that improve ventilation, such as silver-fibred cotton socks or bamboo socks, to reduce sweating and friction 1.
  • Choose shoes with features that prevent excessive movement or slipping of the foot, such as firmness, comfortable fit, and plenty of room for the toes 1.
  • Consider using custom-made insoles or toe orthoses to reduce plantar pressure and prevent foot ulcers, especially if you have a foot deformity or pre-ulcerative lesion 1.
  • Keep your feet clean and dry, and rotate between different pairs of boots to allow them to dry completely, to minimize sweating and prevent foot problems 1. It's also important to note that excess foot sweating can be a sign of an underlying condition, such as hyperhidrosis, and if you experience persistent or severe sweating, you should consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation and treatment.

From the Research

Excess Sweat When Putting on Boots

  • Excess sweat when putting on boots can be related to a condition called hyperhidrosis, which is characterized by excessive sweating that affects patients' quality of life 2, 3.
  • Hyperhidrosis can be primary or secondary, with primary hyperhidrosis being bilaterally symmetric, focal, excessive sweating of the axillae, palms, soles, or craniofacial region not caused by other underlying conditions 2.
  • The soles are one of the areas most commonly affected by hyperhidrosis, which could lead to excess sweat when putting on boots 3, 4.
  • Treatment options for hyperhidrosis include topical medications, iontophoresis, botulinum toxin injections, systemic medications, and surgery 2, 3, 4, 5.
  • For plantar hyperhidrosis, which affects the soles, iontophoresis is considered a treatment option, as well as botulinum toxin injections and oral medications 3, 4.
  • Antiperspirants and deodorants can also be used to help manage excess sweat, with aluminum chloride being a common active ingredient in antiperspirants 6, 4.

References

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Research

Hyperhidrosis: Management Options.

American family physician, 2018

Research

Treatment options for hyperhidrosis.

American journal of clinical dermatology, 2011

Research

Hyperhidrosis--causes and treatment of enhanced sweating.

Deutsches Arzteblatt international, 2009

Research

[Antiperspirants and deodorants--ingredients and evaluation].

Dermatosen in Beruf und Umwelt. Occupation and environment, 1989

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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