First, Prep Your Footwear
Before you try any drying method, a little preparation goes a long way. As soon as you get home, take off your wet shoes. Remove the laces and pull out the insoles. [3, 9, 18] This opens up the shoe, allowing air to circulate freely and reach every nook
and cranny. [9] Shake out any excess water and, if they are muddy, wipe them down with a damp cloth. This initial step is crucial as insoles and laces can trap a significant amount of moisture, slowing down the entire drying process. [3] Drying these components separately ensures everything becomes thoroughly dry, preventing the growth of mould and odour-causing bacteria. [27]
The Classic Newspaper Trick
This is a time-tested method for a reason: it's incredibly effective and costs next to nothing. The cellulose fibres in newspaper are highly absorbent, wicking moisture away from the shoe's interior. [7] Crumple up balls of old, non-glossy newspaper and stuff them tightly inside each shoe, making sure to pack the toe area well. [8, 12] For extremely soaked shoes, you can also wrap the outside with newspaper sheets, securing them with rubber bands. [6] The paper will quickly become saturated, so for best results, replace the damp newspaper with fresh, dry sheets every few hours. [14] This method is gentle on all materials and can dry most shoes overnight. [11]
Harness the Power of a Fan
Good airflow is your best friend when it comes to safe and speedy drying. Instead of resorting to damaging heat, position your prepped shoes in front of a table or floor fan. [3, 14] You can prop them up against a wall or use the shoelaces to hang them from the fan’s guard (if it’s safe to do so) to ensure the air circulates both inside and out. [14] This constant, cool airflow promotes evaporation without the risk of warping the shoe’s material or melting the adhesive that holds it together. While it might take a few hours, it's one of the safest methods for all types of footwear, from sturdy leather boots to delicate sneakers. [2, 3]
The Uncooked Rice Method
If it works for saving a wet phone, it can work for your shoes too. Uncooked rice is a natural desiccant, meaning it excels at absorbing moisture from its surroundings. [4, 5] For this hack, you have two options. You can fill a box or container with a layer of uncooked rice and place your shoes inside, leaving them for a few hours or overnight. [4, 21] Alternatively, for a less messy approach, fill a couple of old socks with rice, tie them off, and place one inside each shoe. [15] This method is particularly useful as the rice sock conforms to the shape of the shoe, drawing out moisture effectively. [15]
Save Those Silica Gel Packets
Those little white packets you find in new shoe boxes and electronics packaging are filled with silica gel, a powerful moisture absorber. [3] Instead of throwing them away, collect them for a rainy day. When your shoes get wet, just toss a handful of these packets inside each one. [9] They are highly efficient at pulling out dampness and are great for more delicate materials like suede or leather that are sensitive to other methods. [5] If the packets become saturated, you can often refresh them by leaving them out in a dry, sunny spot to use them again.
What You Must Avoid
While getting your shoes dry quickly is the goal, some common shortcuts can cause irreversible damage. The most important rule is to avoid direct high heat. [2, 18] Never place your shoes near a radiator, in an oven, or use a hair dryer on a high heat setting. [3, 14] Intense heat can crack leather, melt glues, shrink fabrics, and warp the shoe's structure. [2] Similarly, while tempting, leaving shoes to bake in direct sunlight can cause the colours to fade and materials to become brittle. [2, 17] Gentle, gradual drying is always the safest and most effective path to preserving your footwear for many more seasons to come.
