Immediate First Aid for Wet Shoes
The moment you get home, act fast. The longer your shoes stay soaked, the greater the risk of bacteria and mould growth, which causes that dreaded monsoon smell. First, remove the laces and insoles; these parts trap a lot of moisture and should be dried
separately. This also opens up the shoe, allowing air to circulate more freely inside. If your shoes are muddy, wipe them down with a damp cloth to remove any dirt before you begin the drying process. Drying dirty shoes can lock in stains and odours.
The Classic Newspaper Method
It’s an age-old trick for a reason: it works. Crumple up balls of newspaper and stuff them loosely inside each shoe. Newspaper is highly absorbent and will draw moisture out from the interior of the footwear while helping it keep its shape. For very wet shoes, you'll need to be diligent. Check the newspaper every few hours and replace it as soon as it feels damp. For shoes with light-coloured interiors, be aware that ink can sometimes transfer, so you might want to use plain paper towels instead.
Using a Fan for Faster Results
For a speedier solution, turn to a fan. Good airflow is one of the most effective and safest ways to dry shoes. Position your prepped shoes (insoles and laces removed) in front of a table or floor fan. Propping them up on their sides or against a wall allows the air to circulate all around, including the soles. This method is much safer than using direct heat and can dry most pairs overnight. Combining the fan method with newspaper stuffing can be even more effective.
Caring for Different Materials
Not all shoes are created equal, and different materials require different care. Leather: Never use direct heat, as it can cause the leather to crack and become brittle. After blotting dry and stuffing, allow leather shoes to air dry slowly. Once fully dry, apply a leather conditioner to restore essential oils lost from the water exposure. Suede: This material is particularly delicate. Blot gently and stuff with paper to maintain shape. Once almost dry, use a suede brush to restore the texture, or nap. Canvas and Athletic Shoes: These are generally more durable. The newspaper and fan methods work very well. Just ensure they are completely dry before wearing to avoid blisters and odour.
Busting That Musty Monsoon Odour
Even after drying, a faint smell can linger. This is due to bacteria that thrived in the damp conditions. Once your shoes are completely dry, sprinkle a tablespoon or two of baking soda inside each one and leave it overnight. The baking soda will absorb any residual moisture and neutralise odours. Simply tip it out or vacuum it up the next morning. A few drops of essential oil on the newspaper while drying can also help. For persistent smells, a light spray of a one-to-one white vinegar and water solution inside the shoe can help kill bacteria.
What You Must Never Do
Patience is key. Never place your shoes directly on a radiator, in front of a heater, or use a hairdryer on a high setting. Intense, direct heat can melt adhesives, warp synthetic materials, and cause leather to crack permanently. Tossing them in a clothes dryer is also a bad idea, as the tumbling can damage the shoe's structure and the heat can cause them to shrink or fall apart. Also, avoid drying shoes in direct sunlight for too long, as UV rays can fade colours and make materials brittle.
