Boston: In September 2025, Indian researchers Vikash Kumar and Sarthak Mittal were awarded the Ig Nobel Prize in Engineering Design for their innovative approach to addressing the problem of smelly shoes. Their study, titled "Smelly Shoes  An Opportunity for Shoe Rack Re-Design," was recognized at the 35th annual Ig Nobel Prize ceremony held at Boston University.

The idea for the research originated in university hostels, where students often left shoes outside their rooms due to unpleasant odors. Kumar, an assistant professor at Shiv Nadar University, and Mittal, then an undergraduate student, discovered that the primary cause of the odor was bacteria thriving in shoes, worsened by India’s hot and humid climate.

The researchers conducted a pilot study with 149 first-year students at Shiv Nadar University and found that while over 90% of students used shoe racks, more than half felt uncomfortable due to the smell of shoes. Traditional sensors could not accurately measure odor levels, prompting the team to rely on human participants to assess the intensity of the smells.

To tackle the issue, Kumar and Mittal designed a shoe rack equipped with UV-C lamps, similar to those used in water purifiers, to eliminate odor-causing bacteria. Tests on shoes worn by athletes showed that exposing footwear to UV light for just two to three minutes effectively neutralized the smell.

The Ig Nobel Prizes, organized by the Annals of Improbable Research, celebrate unconventional scientific achievements that provoke both laughter and thoughtful reflection. Kumar and Mittal’s research highlights the role of sensory comfort in everyday environments and demonstrates how thoughtful design can solve common problems. Their work is a testament to curiosity-driven research and its potential to create practical solutions for everyday challenges.