How to safely dry wet sneakers

• Use newspaper or rice-filled socks to absorb moisture from inside.
• Use a household fan to provide airflow without damaging heat.
• Avoid radiators, hairdryers and direct sunlight to prevent damage.

Getting caught in a downpour is bad enough, but the squishy, waterlogged sneakers that result can be a real problem. The wrong drying method can ruin your favourite pair, causing damage that is often irreversible. Here’s how to do it right.

First, Prep Your Sneakers

Before you begin drying, a little preparation goes a long way. If your sneakers are muddy, give them a gentle clean with a brush and a mild detergent solution. Next, remove the insoles and loosen the laces as much as possible. This allows air to circulate more freely inside the shoe, which is crucial for even and efficient drying. Letting the insoles air dry separately not only speeds up the overall process but also helps prevent the growth of odour-causing bacteria.

The Classic Newspaper Method

One of the most effective and time-tested methods involves using something you might have in your recycling bin: newspaper. Its wood-pulp-based paper is highly absorbent and excellent at wicking moisture from inside a shoe. Crumple up sheets of newspaper and stuff them firmly but loosely into your sneakers, making sure to reach all the way to the toe. For very wet shoes, you may need to replace the damp newspaper with fresh, dry sheets every few hours. This method also has the added benefit of helping your sneakers maintain their shape as they dry. If you have light-coloured shoes, consider using plain paper towels or uncoloured paper to avoid any risk of ink transfer.

Harness the Power of Airflow

For a faster and equally safe option, use a simple household fan. Constant airflow is excellent at evaporating moisture without the damaging effects of heat. Place your prepped sneakers in front of a floor or table fan. You can even get creative by fashioning S-hooks from an old wire coat hanger to hang the shoes from the fan's grille, ensuring air blows directly inside. Position a towel underneath to catch any drips and leave the fan running for a few hours. This is one of the quickest ways to safely dry sneakers.

Try an Unconventional Absorbent

If you don't have newspaper handy, look in your pantry. Uncooked rice is known for its ability to absorb moisture and can be used to dry out shoes. A clever trick is to fill a sock with uncooked rice, tie it off, and place it inside each sneaker. This method works from the inside out, drawing moisture away from the shoe's interior. Cat litter, which is designed for absorption, can also work in a similar fashion. Leave the rice-filled socks in your shoes overnight for best results.

What You Must Absolutely Avoid

The most important part of drying shoes safely is knowing what not to do. Direct, high heat is the biggest enemy of your sneakers. Never place them directly on a radiator, in front of a space heater, or in the oven. The intense heat can melt the adhesives that hold your shoes together, causing them to warp or come apart. It can also make materials like leather brittle and cause them to crack. Similarly, avoid using a hairdryer, as the concentrated heat can cause similar damage and even pose a fire risk. While throwing them in a clothes dryer might seem tempting, the combination of tumbling and heat can shrink, deform, and shorten the lifespan of your shoes. Finally, avoid drying them in direct sunlight, as UV rays can cause colours to fade and materials to degrade over time.