edit: i'll also add that i too use soap minimally when showering (nether regions). i'm asian so BO has never really been an issue but i did notice that my athlete's foot has not reappeared since i stopped washing my feet with soap for a few years.
Basically stopped all smells, no fungal infection of any kind for years, and at the end of the day, my socks still smell of fabric softener.
Doesn’t prevent sweat but the boric acid completely blocks the proliferation of bacteria, so no smells and no fungus can grow.
It’s more effective if you start using it on new shoes as they will never be contaminated by bacteria.
Truly amazing how effective it has been. Just give it a few weeks.
or even a basic jug like the most basic of Indian bathrooms, which takes a little more practice.