FAQ
Q: Isn’t a wooden insole uncomfortable?
A:Actually the Cedarsole Insert is very comfortable. It’s only a couple millimeters thick and very flexible. It is designed to soften and conform to the shoe sole in the first few minutes after inserting into the shoe. In fact, most people tell us they are more comfortable will the Cedarsole Insert than without. This is because after a few minutes you don’t really feel the insert, but your feet actually feel dryer.
Q: Why are Cedarsole inserts better than Odor Eaters?
A: Oder Eaters absorb moisture and odor. They can only absorb so much moisture and they become saturated. Their ability to absorb odor (activated charcoal) can also become saturated. As soon as they are saturated the odor returns because the bacteria and fungus is still there. Cedarsole inserts kill the bacteria and fungus and therefore the odor. Your feet can get more surface bacteria immediately but the infection is gone. Keeping your feet clean and using Cedarsole gets rid of the bacterial and fungal infection – kills them both dead!
Q: Can Cedarsole inserts keep my feet dry?
A: Feet get wet because of heat and lack of airflow. If you wear shoes that breath well you will be able to keep the temperature lower and therefore keep your feet cooler and dryer. Cedarsole can help. A bad bacterial/fungal infection tends to keep the feet hotter than usual. The the biological processes of the bacteria and fungus create heat. The bodies reaction to the infection also creates heat. So if you have a bacterial/fungal infection your feet are hotter than they would normally be. Kill the infection and you stop the biological processes and responses that increase temperature.
Q: Will Cedarsole stop all foot odors?
A: Cedarsole will stop most foot odors. There is a condition however, called bromidrosis, where the cause of the odor is not bacteria or fungus but is caused by a glandular secretion that causes skin to emit a strong body odor, though this condition is fairly rare. If Cedarsole doesn’t seem to be working you should see a doctor as there are medical treatments for Bromidrosis and other disorders.
Q: Does foot odor come from a fungus?
A: Not really. Typically the fungus by itself emits a mild odor. It doesn’t smell good, but it isn’t the “stinky feet” odor we think of when we talk about foot odor. That “stinky” odor is caused mostly by bacteria in combination with the fungal odor.
Q: Can I wear Cedarsole Inserts with high heel shoes?
A: Yes you can wear Cedarsole Inserts with almost any shoe. Because high heel shoes position your foot at a steep angle, it is suggested that double sided tape be applied to hold the insert in place. Also, depending on the shape of the shoe’s sole, you may need to trim the insert to fit the shape of the shoe. This can be done with common household scissors.
Q: If I wash my feet everyday why am I still getting bacterial odors?
A: There are almost always some bacteria on the surface of skin. Bacteria is everywhere. Within seconds of washing your feet there are new bacterial from the bathroom floor, rug, your socks (even right out of the washing machine). The strong foot odor is not typically caused by those surface bacteria. If you don’t have an infection and you keep your feet very clean it is hard to get an infection. When bacteria grow into deeper layers of skin where they can no longer be simply washed away, it becomes an infection and starts interacting with fungus over time to develop the chronic foot odor. The aromatic qualities of Lebanese cedar is able to penetrate the epidermal layer to kill the bacteria and the fungus killing the infection.
Q. Is it true that some foot odors are caused from pungent foods like onion, garlic or certain peppers?
A: The quick answer is yes. Certain foods like onions can make your whole body smell like onions. Your feet aren’t effected any more than any other part of your body except that if your feet are warm and sweaty you will get a stong dose of the smell as the odor is atomised into the evaporation coming off your feet. There is only one known cure for these odors – abstain from the food source or the odor.
Q: Do I have to do anything else to make Cedarsoles work?
A: If you really want to get rid of foot odor there are a couple things you should do to help Cedarsole do its job. Wash your feet daily with a cloth and soap. Get in between the toes and scrub the bottoms well. Wear socks that have enough bulk to create air space around your foot and wear vented shoes when practical. Cedarsoles will work best if you take these extra steps.
Q: How long will a pair of Cedarsole inserts last?
A: It depends on the person, but typically a pair of Cedarsole inserts last 90 to 120 days.
Q:What if the insert doesn’t fit my shoes?
A: There are variations in one company’s standard sizes compared to another company’s. There are also style variations that could cause an insert to not fit. The Cedarsole insert can be easily cut the shape as needed with simple household scissors.
Q:Can I move Cedarsoles from one pair of shoes to another?
A: The quick answer is yes. However, Over time you will find that moving them back and forth will cause them to wear out much faster.
Q: If I buy multiple pairs of Cedarsole Inserts can they be combined for shipping?
A: Yes they can. See our shipping & handling rates here.