How to Dry Wet Shoes Fast Without Damaging Them

Wet shoes are uncomfortable, and the temptation is to dry them as fast as possible on a radiator or in the dryer. That is one of the most common ways shoes get damaged. Here is how to dry them quickly enough while protecting the materials, glue and foam that make them comfortable.

Why heat is the enemy

Most shoes are held together, at least in part, by adhesives. Midsoles are made of foams. Uppers may be leather, mesh or synthetic. High heat can:

• Weaken adhesives, leading to sole separation
• Warp or shrink the shoe
• Damage foam midsoles
• Dry out and crack leather
• Damage waterproof membranes

So avoid radiators, heaters, hair dryers, clothes dryers, ovens and leaving shoes in strong direct sun.

The basic method (works for most shoes)

1. Remove the insoles and laces. This lets air into the shoe and lets each part dry faster.
2. Rinse off mud if needed. Mud left to dry can stain and abrade materials. See how to clean mesh sneakers.
3. Blot excess water with a towel.
4. Stuff the shoes loosely with paper. Paper towels or plain paper absorb moisture and help the shoe keep its shape. Avoid heavily printed paper on light-colored shoes, as ink can transfer.
5. Place them in a warm, ventilated room, not directly on a heat source. Standing them on their heels, or on a rack where air can circulate underneath, helps.
6. Replace the paper once it becomes damp, every few hours at first.
7. Dry insoles separately, flat, at room temperature.

Depending on how wet they are and the material, shoes may take anywhere from several hours to a couple of days to dry fully.

Ways to speed it up safely

• A fan. Moving air speeds drying a lot without heat. Point a fan at the shoes or place them near a vent that blows room-temperature air.
• Change the paper often. The more moisture you remove, the faster it goes.
• Gentle boot dryers. Some shoe and boot dryers use low heat or room-temperature air. If you use one, choose a low-heat setting and follow the manufacturer's directions.
• Rotate pairs. The easiest solution is having a second pair to wear while the first dries. See how to make shoes last longer.

Leather shoes and boots

Leather needs extra care:

• Dry at room temperature, away from heat, which can make leather stiff and cracked.
• Use shoe trees or paper to keep the shape.
• Once dry, apply a conditioner suited to the leather to restore suppleness.
• Salt stains from winter roads should be cleaned off before they set, using a product suitable for leather.

Waterproof shoes

Waterproof shoes keep water out, but when water gets in over the top, the membrane also slows drying. Remove the insoles and stuff them with paper, change the paper frequently, and use a fan. Patience is required. See waterproof vs. water-resistant shoes.

Dealing with smell

Shoes that stay damp for a long time can start to smell. To prevent that:

• Dry them promptly.
• Make sure they are completely dry before wearing again.
• Wash or replace insoles if they hold odor.
• A little baking soda left inside overnight once the shoe is dry can help absorb odors. Shake it out thoroughly.

Prevent the problem

• Treat water-resistant shoes with a water-repellent spray suited to the material.
• Choose waterproof footwear for regular wet conditions.
• Keep an older pair for rainy days. Retired running shoes work well. See when to replace running shoes.

The bottom line

Remove insoles and laces, stuff with paper, change it often, and dry at room temperature with moving air. Never use direct heat. It takes a bit longer, but it protects the glue, foam and leather that make your shoes last.