DO I REALLY NEED?

Imperial feet shoe sock preventive spray, 150ml, £7.96, simplyfeet.co.uk

MADE with water, glycerine and aloe vera, this spray is said to prevent fungus growing in socks and shoes. You spray six pumps into each shoe once a week and allow to dry before wearing.

EXPERT VERDICT: ‘The fungus that causes athlete’s foot thrives in warm, dark and moist places, including shoes,’ says Mike O’Neill, a podiatrist at the Princess Margaret Hospital, Windsor.

‘You’re more likely to get athlete’s foot if you don’t keep your feet clean and dry or if you wear shoes that cause your feet to get sweaty as it creates the conditions that the fungus thrives in. ‘I’m not convinced that this spray would work as a preventative measure given its ingredients list — none of those is a proven antifungal. It is also unlikely that a weekly treatment would help as the spray would evaporate. But it may be cooling and soothing if you have dry, sore or inflamed feet. ‘To avoid athlete’s foot keep your shoes dry by airing them frequently, and if necessary use a product with a proven antifungal ingredient such as miconazole.’