Odor-Eaters

Odor-Eaters is an American brand of foot-care products designed to reduce foot odor. The line started with insoles that are made of latex and contain activated carbon, which neutralizes odors. As of January 2011^[update], the brand is owned by Blistex Inc.

History

Odor-Eaters is an American brand of foot-care products designed to reduce foot odor. Herbert Lapidus invented the namesake insoles while employed as Combe Incorporated's head of a research and development. The insoles are made of latex and contain activated carbon, which neutralizes odors.^[1] Combe already marketed Johnson's Foot Soap, so it introduced the product under the Johnson's brand in 1974.

Combe extended the brand beyond insoles to include odor-reducing foot sprays.^[2] In 1981, Combe licensed Chipman-Union to manufacture socks under the Odor-Eaters brand name.^{[citation needed]} The socks contained an odor inhibiting agent that withstood laundering.^[3] Kmart and Walmart carried the socks.^[4] Production of the socks ended in 2011.^{[citation needed]}

In January 2011, Combe sold its foot care product line to Blistex Inc.^[5]

Sponsorship

In 1988, Combe took over sponsorship of a national Rotten Sneakers Contest to promote its Odor-Eaters brand. A Vermont sporting goods store owner originated the event in 1979, to advertise athletic shoes.^[6][7] Blistex continues to market the Odor-Eaters products and to sponsor the Rotten Sneakers Contest.