Wearing wet shoes too long without drying them will cause them to stink. The causes of stinky shoes include sweat, soiled socks, prolonged moisture, bacterial growth, and minimal maintenance. u003cbru003e u003cbru003eIt could also be the way you store them. Please do not leave your gym shoes in a gym bag; instead, place them in a warm, windy place to dry. You shouldn't store them in plastic boxes because they block air circulation. u003cbru003e u003cbru003eKeep your shoes in tip-top shape by storing them in fabric bags made of breathable materials. Make sure you keep shoes free of moisture, odor-free, and in shape by using cedar shoe trees. Rather than leaving them on the floor, hang or lean them against a wall for air circulation, as this will prevent the outsole from absorbing moisture.