How to Dry Shoes Quickly

Why You Should Dry Shoes Quickly

Leaving shoes wet for extended periods causes more damage than most people realize. Moisture breaks down adhesives, warps the midsole, causes leather to crack and stiffen, and — most commonly — creates the warm, damp environment that bacteria and fungi thrive in. That's where shoe odor comes from. The faster you dry shoes after they get wet, the better the outcome for both the shoe and your nose.

Method 1: Electric Shoe Dryer (Fastest, Safest)

An electric shoe dryer is the most effective tool for drying shoes quickly without heat damage. Unlike a tumble dryer or hairdryer, a shoe dryer uses gentle, consistent warm air directed from inside the shoe — drying from the inside out, which is where moisture accumulates most.

The PEET Original Electric Shoe Dryer is a well-regarded option — it's silent, energy-efficient, and made in the USA. It works for shoes, boots, and outdoor gear. Just slip the tubes inside the shoes and leave overnight (or for a few hours for lightly damp shoes). No heat damage, no warping, no odor.

Method 2: Newspaper Stuffing

One of the oldest and most effective low-tech methods. Crumple newspaper loosely and stuff it firmly into the shoe — all the way to the toe. The paper absorbs moisture from the inside of the shoe. Replace with fresh newspaper every 1–2 hours until the shoe is dry.

This works well for leather shoes and boots where heat methods aren't suitable. It's slower than an electric dryer but costs nothing and is very gentle on materials.

Method 3: Fan Drying

Remove the insoles and laces, then place the shoes in front of a fan with the opening facing the airflow. The continuous movement of air accelerates evaporation significantly compared to still air.

For best results, prop the shoes at an angle so the fan blows directly into the opening. A clip fan like the Gaiatop Mini Clip Fan can be positioned precisely and left running for several hours.

Method 4: Near a Heat Source (With Caution)

Placing shoes near — not on — a radiator or heat vent can speed up drying. Keep a safe distance (at least 30cm) to avoid warping the sole or cracking leather. Never place shoes directly on a radiator or in a hot oven.

Method 5: Tumble Dryer (For Suitable Shoes Only)

Some canvas and synthetic shoes (like basic sneakers) can go in a tumble dryer on a low heat setting. Hang the laces over the door so the shoes hang inside the drum rather than tumbling — this reduces noise and impact damage. Add a couple of dryer balls to cushion the shoes.

Do not tumble dry: leather shoes, shoes with glued soles, running shoes with foam midsoles, or any shoe with embellishments. The heat and tumbling can cause irreversible damage.

Always Remove Insoles and Laces First

Before using any drying method, remove the insoles and laces. Insoles hold a significant amount of moisture and dry much faster when removed. Laces dry quickly on their own and their removal opens up the shoe for better airflow inside.

Drying by Shoe Type

• Leather shoes and boots: Newspaper stuffing or electric shoe dryer only. No heat, no tumble dryer.
• Canvas sneakers: Fan drying, near a heat source, or tumble dryer on low.
• Running shoes: Electric shoe dryer or fan drying. Avoid heat — foam midsoles can warp.
• Hiking boots: Electric shoe dryer or newspaper. These take longest due to thick materials.
• Rubber boots / wellies: Air dry upside down — they dry quickly and don't need special treatment.

How to Prevent Odor While Drying

Drying shoes quickly is the best odor prevention. But if shoes already have an odor, or you want to prevent it proactively:

• Sprinkle baking soda inside the dry shoe and leave overnight, then shake out
• Use a shoe deodorizer spray after drying — the Lumi Outdoors Natural Shoe Deodorizer Spray uses lemon eucalyptus to neutralize odor rather than just masking it, and gives 700+ sprays per bottle
• Store dry shoes with cedar shoe trees or silica gel packets to absorb residual moisture

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to dry shoes?

With an electric shoe dryer: 2–6 hours depending on how wet they are. With newspaper: 4–8 hours with regular changes. With a fan: 3–6 hours. Air drying with no tools: 12–24 hours.

Can I use a hairdryer to dry shoes?

Yes, but keep it on a cool or low heat setting and keep it moving. Hold it at least 15cm from the shoe. High heat can warp soles, crack leather, and melt adhesives. It's useful for finishing off slightly damp spots but not ideal for fully wet shoes.

Why do my shoes smell after drying?

The smell comes from bacteria that were already present in the shoe multiplying while it was damp. Drying faster reduces bacterial growth. Use a deodorizer spray after drying and allow shoes to air out fully before storing.

Is it okay to dry shoes in the sun?

For most shoes, brief sun drying is fine and UV light helps kill bacteria. Avoid prolonged direct sun exposure for leather (causes cracking) and brightly colored shoes (causes fading).