People are being advised to place their shoes in the freezer, for a potentially unexpected reason.

Keeping shoes in good condition, free from wear and unpleasant odours can be challenging, particularly if you've owned them for some time - or wear them regularly.

Thankfully, experts at footwear retailer Wynsors have revealed several techniques to prevent trainers and shoes from developing odours.

Wynsors said: "Smelly feet and shoes often result from sweat and bacteria. Our feet have thousands of sweat glands, and when they produce moisture, it creates the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive.

"These bacteria break down sweat and dead skin, releasing unpleasant odours in the process.

"Other factors, such as stress, hormonal changes or conditions like hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), can make some people more prone to having smelly shoes. Fungal infections, like athlete's foot, or not wearing socks can also amplify the problem."

One approach people can try is to position shoes in direct sunlight.

This is because its heat and UV rays help destroy the bacteria that cause unpleasant smells, whilst fresh air improves circulation, speeding up the sweat-drying process and reducing moisture build-up.

To optimise these benefits, position your shoes in direct sunlight, ensuring complete exposure for both the inside and outside.

However, for brightly coloured shoes or delicate materials like leather, exchange direct sun exposure for a shaded, well-ventilated spot instead.

While sunlight uses heat to get rid of shoe odour, the opposite end of the temperature scale can be equally effective.

By placing the pair of shoes into the freezer overnight, the extreme cold exterminates odour-causing bacteria, leaving shoes smelling fresher.