How can I get the musty smell out of an old pair of shoes?

Try some baking soda (wrapped in a piece of cloth so that it doesn’t float around and asphyxiate you.) I always keep an opened box in my refrigerator to absord odors.

I also use health food store peppermint oil (not the stuff you cook with) daubed on a cotton ball for a room deodorizer. I keep several near the litter box.

(As a bonus, I keep some in my car to deter mice.)

It’s a fairly strong odor initially but dissipates fairly rapidly.

You could try sticking a dryer sheet in each one. That is my go-to cure for all unwanted smells.

@Skaggfacemutt: Personally I find the chemical fake perfume smell makes my eyes water and my immune system say, “Please don’t.”

That is why I like the peppermint oil. It serves the same purpose and smells like wild mint.

@gailcalled I have always really liked the smell of dryer sheets. However, I have a cousin that would probably have to go to the hospital if she used them – she is very allergic to perfumes, so I understand.

Spray them inside with Lysol and set them in the sun for a couple of hours. You can also put fabric softener sheets in them for a few days.