To dry wet shoes quickly and safely, remove the insoles and laces, blot off surface water, stuff the shoes with plain paper, and stand them in front of a fan at room temperature. Replace the paper as it gets damp. Most shoes dry in 8 to 12 hours this way, without the damage that direct heat causes.
In this guide
Step-by-step: the safe way to dry shoes
- Rinse off mud with cool water. Dirt dries hard and stains.
- Remove insoles and laces and dry them separately. This alone cuts drying time considerably.
- Blot the inside and outside with a towel.
- Stuff with plain paper or paper towels, pushed right into the toe. Avoid printed newspaper in light-coloured shoes, because the ink can transfer.
- Add airflow. Stand the shoes in front of a fan, toe up or on their sides, with the tongue pulled open.
- Change the paper after the first hour, then every few hours until it comes out dry.
Drying methods compared
| Method | Typical time | Safe for | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper stuffing plus fan | 8 to 12 hours | All shoes | Best balance of speed and safety |
| Air drying only | 24 to 48 hours | All shoes | Slow; odour can develop |
| Electric shoe or boot dryer | 3 to 8 hours | Most shoes and boots | Uses gentle warm air; worth it for regular wet use |
| Uncooked rice or silica gel | Overnight | All shoes | Helps with dampness inside; slower than a fan for soaked shoes |
| Tumble dryer | Under an hour | Only if the label allows | Risk of shrinking, warping and sole separation |
How to dry each type of shoe
- Running shoes and sneakers: insoles out, paper in, fan on. Keep them away from radiators; heat breaks down midsole foam and glue.
- Leather shoes and boots: dry slowly at room temperature with paper or cedar shoe trees. Once dry, apply conditioner to replace lost oils. Fast drying causes cracks and creases; see how to uncrease shoes.
- Suede: blot, stuff and air dry, then brush the nap. Details in how to clean suede shoes.
- Canvas: the fan method works well. Dry white canvas in the shade to prevent yellowing.
- Work and hiking boots: a boot dryer is the most practical option for daily use. Loosen the laces fully so air can reach the toe.
Related: How to Lace Boots: 6 Lacing Techniques for a Better Fit
What not to do
- Do not put shoes on a radiator, heater or in an oven. High heat melts glue, warps soles and cracks leather.
- Do not use a hairdryer on high pointed into the shoe for long periods.
- Do not leave them in direct sun for hours. It fades colours and yellows white rubber.
- Do not wear them damp. Wet shoes cause blisters, stretch out of shape and start to smell.
Can you put shoes in the tumble dryer?
Only if the manufacturer says so. If you do, use the lowest heat, put the shoes in a mesh bag or tie them to the door by the laces so they do not bang around, and add a few towels. Leather, suede, and shoes with gel or air cushioning should never go in the dryer. A separated sole is a common result; if it happens, see how to fix shoe sole separation.
How to stop wet shoes smelling
Odour comes from bacteria that multiply in damp material. Drying shoes within a day, insoles out, prevents most of it. Once dry, a sprinkle of baking soda inside overnight absorbs what is left.
Frequently asked questions
How long do shoes take to dry?
With paper and a fan, 8 to 12 hours for most sneakers. Thick leather boots can take 24 hours or more.
Does newspaper really dry shoes?
Yes. Paper draws moisture out of the lining. Plain paper or paper towels are safer than newsprint for light-coloured shoes.
Can I dry shoes overnight for the morning?
Usually, if you remove the insoles, stuff with paper, change it once before bed and leave a fan running.
Does rice dry shoes?
It absorbs some moisture from inside the shoe, but it is slower than moving air. Silica gel packets work better.
