Moreover, in the formulation of foot care products, essential oils are commonly used for their antimicrobial, antifungal,moisturising, regenerating and aromatic properties. In particular,Tea Tree or Melaleuca alternifolia oil (TTO) is one of the most widely used as it is a powerful, natural antiseptic, antimicrobial,antiviral and antifungal agent (Carson et al., 2006). The antimicrobial activity of TTO against different microorganisms typically found in used footwear (Escherichia coli SG13009 (QIAGEN), Bacillus subtilis 168 ATCC 23857, Klebsiella pneumoniae CECT 141 and Staphylococcus aureus CECT 239) has been previously confirmed by in vitro assays (Sa´nchez-Navarro et al., 2012). However, the protection of essential oil by microencapsulation is necessary in order to increase its stability and to ensure a long-lasting antimicrobial effect to be used as a natural biocide for footwear applications.