February 28, 2025
How To Dry Shoes Fast: 5 Quick and Easy Tips You Need To Know
Get caught in the rain in your favorite pair? We’ve been there. Wet shoes and wet jeans are probably the two most annoying things to deal with when it comes to clothing mishaps. Nobody likes stepping into cold, soggy shoes.
Before you throw your shoes in the dryer or put them near a space heater, it’s important to consider the risk of damage. Sure, heat may seem like the fastest way, but that doesn’t mean it’s the right way. Many common shoe-drying methods can actually damage your footwear, so it’s important to take the time to dry them properly.
So what about when you don’t have time to wait it out? If you’re desperately researching how to dry shoes fast, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’re breaking down the best ways to dry shoes fast without risking any damage. From using common household items to quick DIY tricks that help speed up the process, each method is simple, effective and safe for your shoes. Let’s get into it!
1. Air Dry in a Well-Ventilated Area
Waiting for your shoes to air dry can take time, but we promise it’s worth it to avoid pulling a pair of scrunched-up or damaged shoes from the dryer. Letting your shoes air dry is the safest way to go, but it works best when you get the setup right. Airflow is everything, especially when it comes to heavy or bulky shoes.
To properly air dry your shoes, start by finding a spot with good circulation, like near a window, a fan, or even outside (as long as it’s not humid or raining). Then, take out the insoles, loosen up the laces and prop the shoes up so air can move through them freely. If they’re left flat on the floor, moisture can get trapped inside, slowing the process down. Try resting them on their sides or upside down against a wall so the air can reach every part. The more exposure they get, the faster they’ll dry.
2. Stuff with Newspaper
Sometimes, the oldest tricks are the most effective — and newspaper has stood the test of time. Stuffing your shoes with newspaper is one of the fastest ways to dry shoes because this specific type of paper works like a sponge, pulling moisture out of footwear while keeping its shape intact.
The trick is to crinkle the paper so it’s loose enough to absorb water but firm enough to fill the space inside. Then pack it in without overstuffing, leaving some room for airflow. After a few hours, check the paper. If it’s damp, swap it out for fresh sheets to keep the drying process going.
Be mindful that newspaper ink can sometimes transfer onto light-colored shoe interiors, like the ever-trendy white sneakers. To avoid any staining, use plain white paper or paper towels as an alternative, placing it between the newspaper and the shoe lining.
3. Use a Room Fan
If you need to know how to dry shoes quickly without heat, a good old-fashioned fan gets the job done. By keeping cool air moving around and inside your shoes, you can pull moisture out much faster than the air drying method.
In order for this trick to work, it’s important to set your shoes in front of the fan without placing them too close. If the fan has a strong enough breeze, try hanging them by the laces on the front grille. For shoes that don’t have laces, like alpargatas or espadrilles, prop them up on their sides or lean them against something sturdy so air can flow directly inside. This way, air circulates through the entire shoe instead of just hitting one side and drying unevenly.
If you’re leaving the fan on to dry when you’re not home, make sure it’s in a safe spot and not overheating. A standard box fan or oscillating fan works well, but even a smaller desk fan can help as long as the air is directed inside the shoes.
4. Pack with Silica Gel Packets
Here’s a trick for how to dry shoes quickly that are made of materials like leather, nothing’s easier than silica gel packets. Yes, those little moisture-absorbing packs that come inside new shoes, bags and electronics packaging can actually be used for something!
Silica gel pulls moisture out without using heat, which makes it a great option for delicate materials that shouldn’t be exposed to direct sunlight or forced drying. These packets are great for things like leather, suede and other more sensitive materials.
Buy them in bulk online or at any hardware store. Simply drop a handful inside each shoe, spreading them out so they can absorb moisture evenly. If you’ve got extras, place a few around the outside, too. The more you use, the faster they’ll work. This trick is especially handy for overnight drying — just set it up before bed and by morning, your shoes will be ready for whatever the day brings!
5. Use a Dehumidifier
While a dehumidifier might not be the fastest way to dry wet shoes, it’s something that works in a pinch when the air itself is working against you. Why? Because if you’re dealing with humidity, your shoes won’t dry as quickly — no matter how much air you get moving.
For the best results, place your shoes in a small room with the dehumidifier running. A closed-off space helps the device work more efficiently. To speed things up, use a fan alongside it to keep air circulating around and inside the shoes. This method is especially useful in damp climates where air drying alone takes too long or just isn’t effective.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Drying Wet Shoes
Putting shoes in the dryer, hitting them with the blow dryer, placing them in the microwave... the internet is full of advice on how to quickly dry shoes. But just because someone in a forum suggested it doesn’t mean it’s a good idea. Some drying methods can do more harm than good, leading to warping, shrinking or even completely ruining your shoes.
Here’s what to avoid when drying shoes:
- Using direct heat sources: High heat from sources like ovens, hair dryers, or microwaves weakens glue, cracks leather, and warps certain materials. Stick to air circulation or moisture-absorbing methods instead.
- Placing shoes in a dryer without protection: Tossing shoes straight into a dryer can break them down and damage the machine. If you must use a dryer, put them in a pillowcase and set it to low heat. But even then, it’s risky, and we don’t recommend it.
- Not removing insoles and laces before drying: Insoles trap moisture, and laces slow the process down. Take them out so air can reach every part of the shoe.
- Leaving shoes in direct sunlight for too long: UV rays can fade colors and make some materials, like leather, brittle. If drying your shoes outside, keep them in a shaded area with good airflow.
- Stuffing shoes with materials that don’t absorb moisture well: Toilet paper, tissues, or cloth don’t pull moisture out as effectively as newspaper or silica gel. Use something designed to absorb water like newspaper or silica gel packets.
- Ignoring regular moisture checks during drying: If your shoes are drying too slowly, mold or odors can start to develop. Make sure to check them every few hours and swap out moisture-absorbing materials if needed.
- Storing shoes before they are fully dry: Damp shoes can trap bacteria, start smelling bad, and even lead to mold growth. Make sure they’re completely dry before putting them away.
- Not cleaning shoes before drying: Drying shoes that still have dirt or sweat on them can lock in stains and bad smells. Wipe them down first so they dry fresh.
- Drying shoes on a heater or vent: While this might seem like a quick fix, placing shoes directly on top of a heat vent or radiator can cause uneven drying, leaving some parts stiff or misshapen. Instead, position them near the heat source but not directly on it.
- Forgetting to reshape shoes while drying: Some materials can lose their shape as they dry, especially when wet for too long. Stuffing shoes with newspaper or using a shoe tree helps them dry properly without shrinking or morphing
Wear TOMS. Wear Good.
Don’t let wet shoes slow you down. The easiest and safest way to dry them is with good airflow, loosening the laces, taking out the insoles, and letting them sit in a well-ventilated space. Need to speed things up? Stuff them with newspaper or place them near a fan to help wick away moisture faster. Just skip the direct heat — hair dryers, radiators, and dryers can do more harm than good.
The best way to keep your shoes in great shape is to start with a quality pair. Shop men’s shoes, women’s footwear shoes and quality shoe care accessories for stylish pairs that look good, feel good and do good. Every purchase helps support organizations making a difference in communities around the world. Learn more about our impact.
FAQs
Still have questions about how to safely dry your shoes? We’ve got answers!
Is it okay to use a hair dryer to dry shoes?
The short answer? It’s not the best idea. High heat can weaken the glue, shrink certain materials and even crack leather. If you’re in a hurry, a fan or moisture-absorbing methods like newspaper or silica gel are a lot safer.
Can I put shoes in the dryer?
Yes, but it’s not recommended. The heat and tumbling can warp the shape, weaken adhesives and cause unnecessary wear. If you absolutely have to, use low heat, place the shoes in a pillowcase, and toss in a towel to further soften the impact.
Is it better to air dry shoes or use a dryer?
Air drying is always the better option. It protects the materials and helps shoes last longer.
What is the fastest way to dry shoes overnight?
Stuffing them with newspaper or using silica gel packets works best for overnight drying. If you can, place them near a fan and/or dehumidifier to speed things up. Just make sure to avoid any direct heat sources that could damage the shoes.