How to dry shoes – Top 5 effective ways

You’re not the only one who has Googled how to dry shoes after stepping in a puddle on a rainy day. 

Wet shoes don’t just make your feet cold; they also make those annoying squeaking sounds that get everyone staring at you as you walk.

But besides the unplanned stepping into cold puddles, you should also wash your shoes to prevent mold and bacteria from building up inside. 

However, the main issue is getting them dry enough, so they don’t dampen and actually breed these germs you’re trying to avoid. Let’s not even talk about the bad smell that follows when the shoes don’t dry out properly. 

In this article, you’ll learn how to dry shoes after a rainy day or overnight after washing them.

Highlights 

• The easiest way to dry your shoes quickly is by stuffing them with rolled-up newspapers. 
• You can also speed up the drying process by investing in a shoe dryer
• Avoid drying your shoes in direct sunlight or heat, so they don’t shrink or get damaged.

How do you dry shoes quickly? 

There are methods you can use to dry your shoes without damaging them. Below are some practical ways to do this.

Drying your shoes with Newspaper

The newspaper method is a quick and easy way to remove excess water from all types of shoes. This hack has been around for a long time, and it’s an excellent way to use those newspapers lying around. 

• Remove the insoles to dry them separately.
• Roll the newspaper pages into balls stuff them in your shoe.
• Place the shoes indoors, either in a dry spot, close to a fan, or a heater if you can. 
• Once you notice the newspapers getting wet, replace it with another newspaper.
• Change newspapers multiple times within minutes or hours, depending on how wet the shoes are. 
• You can also wrap the shoe with a few newspapers to dry the outer part. Once the shoe is covered, use a rubber band to secure it. 

Pros

• Newspapers have good absorption power; not just moisture, they also pull odor in and get rid of them.
• It dries your shoes faster than keeping them out in the air. 
• Low chances of your shoe shrinking.
• The newspaper method is one of the best ways to dry the inside of your shoes.

Cons

• You might need more newspapers for shoes with higher water retention.

How to dry your shoes using clothes

If you have some old clothes or an extra set of towels lying around, you can use it to dry your shoes. 

• Wash off any dirt or debris from the shoe using warm water and mild detergent. You can wash your shoes in the washer or use a wet rag.
• Fill the clothes dryer with dish rags or towels.
• Pair the shoe together with their toes facing up while you hang them with the shoelace. Note: unlace the shoe leaving only one hole laced. 
• Open the dryer and set the sole of the shoe to face the inside of the door.
• Then loop the lace around the top of the dryer door, while you carefully close it to make sure the shoe doesn’t get knocked around in the basin. 
• Now set the dryer to a low or medium circle for not more than an hour. 

Pros

• This technique is favorable for washable shoes and those made of sensitive material. 

Cons

• It’s a bit time-consuming since you would have to properly set the shoes to get them dry. 

Can I dry my shoes with a fan?

Before drying your shoes with a fan, ensure it has a durable gel sole. Using a fan is also good for leather and suede shoes and it’s a great method if you don’t want to dry them with a newspaper.

• Remove the sand and debris from the shoe.
• Find a table fan to dry up those dripping shoes. The fan should be strong and higher than the length of your shoes. 
• Place the shoes in a spot so it faces the fan directly. Then, put a dry towel or rag underneath the shoe to catch excess water as it drops.
• You may then wash the insoles (assuming they aren’t leather) in a low-cycle dryer for a few minutes. You can also put them on a heater to dry.
• Using a wire cutter, cut an old piece of
• Can I dry my shoes with a fan
• Remove the wire off the reel and cut two six-inch lengths of it.
• Once you’ve bent the wires into an ‘S,’ you’ll want to make sure that one end has a smaller hook and the other has a bigger one.
• Now, secure the tiny ends to the fan and space them about eight inches apart so the shoes don’t touch each other.

Pros

• An efficient and simple approach to execute.

Cons

• Shoes that are “soft” or “retain water for a long time” will not benefit from this technique.

How to dry shoes quickly using a shoe dryer

A shoe dryer is one of the quickest ways to dry your wet shoe overnight. This method easily answers the question of how to dry your shoe. 

• Clean the footwear.
• Remove the insoles and air dry them outdoors or in a clothes dryer set to low. Remove the laces, too.
• Stack the footwear on the drying tubes. It’s also important to check that the toe of the shoe is higher than the heel to ensure it dries completely.
• Don’t lay your shoes on the drying tubes without anvils as they are all designed to help circulate warm air.
• There should be a 6-inch gap between the bottom of your shoes and the floor.
• Plug on the shoe dryer and avoid placing any obstacles near the air vents, as this will impede natural airflow and cause the dryer to overheat.
• Avoid putting the shoe dryer near any other heat source as this might damage it.

Pros

• This method is not complicated; it’s easy to use since you just have to put your shoe on the dryer to dry. Some shoe dryers have pleasant scents and other methods to make your shoe smell nice. 
• This method can dry your pair of boots, wet running shoes, gloves, waders, etc.

Cons

The only downside is that you might need a power source to make it work.

Can Refrigerator Dry A Wet Shoe? 

The refrigerator vent is another way of drying your shoes. It blows out warm and dry air at each cooling circle; this air could dry your shoes. Most refrigerator vents could be found below the door.

• Remove the insoles from your soaking-wet shoes and set them aside to dry (if there are any).
• Place your shoes so that the opening faces the refrigerator’s heat vent. If you’re going to place them in the rear, make sure the shoe’s opening is facing the fan.
• For the best results, let them dry overnight.

Pros

• This procedure is appropriate for fabric shoes and those made of canvas such as running shoes.

Cons

• There is a risk of damaging leather shoes due to the direct heat.

Frequently Asked Questions On How To Dry Shoes Overnight

How Long Does A Shoe Take To Dry? 

There isn’t a fixed time for shoes to get dried; some could take thirty minutes while others might take a day. It all depends on the method used and other factors. However, it’s best to dry shoes overnight for the best results.

Can I Dry Shoe With A Hair Dryer? 

Don’t use a hairdryer on your shoes for too long. Hairdryers can be used for a minute or two for quick-drying, however, too much heat can damage the shoes. And could also ruin the dryer.

What’s The Best Way To Dry leather Shoes?

Put the shoe in a dry and cool place where there isn’t moisture. Also avoid the use of excess heat, as it can dry the leather too quickly, causing it to crack and warp. 

How Do I Dry Shoe Overnight? 

Stuff the shoe with newspaper; ensure it goes all the way into the toe. Wrap the outside of the shoe with something soft and absorbent to dry the outer areas. Then place the shoe in a dry area and away from direct sunlight. 

How to dry shoes – final thought

Shoes are very important when we go outdoors, especially if we’re planning to spend a lot of time walking all day. They protect our feet from the elements and keep us comfortable. But they can also become a breeding ground for germs and bacteria, especially when they get wet. So knowing how to dry shoes properly is essential to keeping our feet dry and healthy.