How to Dry Wet Shoes Without a Dryer (Without Damaging Them)

Wet shoes are miserable to wear and, if not dried properly, can become permanently damaged — warped soles, shrunken uppers, delaminated glue joints, and embedded mildew odor. Most shoes should not go in a dryer at all. The good news is that a few simple techniques dry most footwear quickly and safely without any heat equipment.

This guide covers the best methods for drying wet shoes by type, how fast each method works, and the mistakes that cause lasting damage.

Step 1: Remove Insoles and Laces Immediately

As soon as you get home with wet shoes, remove the laces and insoles. These trap moisture and dry much more slowly inside the shoe. Laying them flat separately exposes maximum surface area and allows the inside of the shoe to breathe properly.

Laces can be blotted with a dry towel and left to air dry. Insoles should be placed flat in a well-ventilated area — propped upright slightly for better airflow.

Step 2: Blot Excess Water

Before stuffing the shoe, blot as much external water as possible with a clean dry towel. Press the towel against the upper and squeeze gently — don't scrub, as this can damage finishes. Turn the shoe upside down and pat the sole as well. Removing surface water first makes the stuffing method significantly more effective.

Step 3: Stuff with Newspaper or Paper Towels

This is the most effective no-heat drying method. Crumpled newspaper or paper towels absorb moisture from the inside of the shoe while helping the shoe maintain its shape as it dries.

• Crumple sheets loosely (tight packing restricts moisture absorption)
• Fill the toe box and work toward the heel
• The stuffing should be snug but not so tight it stretches the shoe
• Change the stuffing every 2–4 hours if the shoes are very wet — the newspaper saturates and stops absorbing

Cedar shoe trees are an excellent long-term alternative — they absorb moisture, deodorize, and maintain the shoe's shape all at once. Worth the investment for quality shoes.

Step 4: Position for Maximum Airflow

Where you place the shoes matters as much as how you stuff them. Good airflow accelerates drying significantly.

• Best position: Upside down on a shoe rack or propped against a wall with the opening facing outward
• Near a fan: Placing shoes in front of a fan reduces drying time by 30–50% compared to still air
• Near (not on) a vent or radiator: Warm air circulating past shoes helps; direct contact with a heat source damages adhesives and warps soles
• Indoors is better than outdoors: If it's humid outside, outdoor drying is slower and risks mildew

Drying Methods by Shoe Type

Canvas Sneakers (Converse, Vans, Canvas Slip-Ons)

Canvas dries quickly and tolerates moderate warmth. Stuff with newspaper, place near a fan, and change the stuffing once. Most canvas shoes dry fully in 8–12 hours. Canvas is the most forgiving material for drying.

Leather Shoes and Boots

Leather requires careful drying. Wet leather that dries too fast (near heat) cracks and stiffens. Wet leather that dries too slowly develops mold.

• Stuff immediately with newspaper to absorb moisture and maintain shape
• Let dry at room temperature in good airflow — never near a direct heat source
• Change stuffing every few hours
• Once dry (this can take 24–48 hours for heavy leather), apply a leather conditioner to restore suppleness
• If white salt stains appear from drying, wipe with a damp cloth before conditioning

Running Shoes and Athletic Sneakers (Mesh Uppers)

Mesh breathes well and dries faster than most materials. Remove insoles (these are often the slowest part to dry), stuff lightly, and place near a fan. Mesh athletic shoes often dry fully in 6–10 hours with good airflow.

Running shoe insoles are often thick foam — they need significant time to dry fully. Standing them on their edge increases surface exposure. If they develop an odor, sprinkle baking soda on them once dry.

Suede and Nubuck

Suede is the most delicate material for drying. Water causes suede to stiffen, develop water marks, and lose its texture permanently if dried improperly.

• Stuff with tissue paper (not newspaper — ink can transfer)
• Let dry completely at room temperature — no heat at all
• Once dry, use a suede brush to restore the nap (texture) by brushing in one direction
• For water stains that remain after drying, lightly dampen the entire surface and let dry evenly — this can eliminate the tide mark

Rubber Rain Boots and Wellington Boots

The exterior dries instantly with a towel wipe. The interior — which traps sweat and water — is the challenge. Turn upside down to drain, then stuff with newspaper and stand them upside down (opening down) for several hours. A boot dryer or a fan directed into the opening is ideal for heavy rain boots.

Winter Boots (Insulated)

Insulated boots take the longest to dry — often 24–48 hours for heavy insulation. Remove liners if possible (many hiking and ski boots have removable liners) and dry the liner and shell separately. Stuff both with newspaper and change it frequently. Never place insulated boots near heat — the insulating material can compress or melt at high temperatures.

Using a Fan or Hair Dryer Safely

Fan

A regular household fan is the best mechanical aid for drying shoes. Position shoes in front of it, opening facing the fan, to maximize airflow through the interior. A box fan laid flat with shoes placed opening-down on the fan face is highly effective.

Hair Dryer (Use Carefully)

A hair dryer can work if used correctly. Use the cool or low-heat setting only and keep it moving — never hold it in one spot. Keep the dryer at least 6 inches from the shoe. Focus on the interior rather than the exterior. Avoid using a hair dryer on leather, suede, or shoes with visible glue — heat degrades adhesives.

Preventing Odor After Drying

Shoes that dry slowly or incompletely often develop a musty odor from mold and bacteria. To prevent this:

• Ensure shoes are completely dry before wearing — the interior should feel room temperature and dry to the touch
• Sprinkle baking soda inside once fully dry and leave overnight, then tap out before wearing
• For persistent odor, place activated charcoal shoe inserts inside overnight
• If mildew has already developed, clean the interior with a diluted vinegar solution (1:1 water and white vinegar), let dry completely, then deodorize

FAQ: Drying Wet Shoes

Can I put shoes in the dryer?

Some canvas sneakers can go in a dryer on low heat — tie the laces together and hang them over the dryer door to prevent banging. However, most shoes — leather, suede, structured athletic shoes, anything with foam insoles or visible glue — should not go in a dryer. The heat warps, shrinks, and delaminates.

How long does it take to dry wet shoes?

Lightweight canvas: 6–10 hours. Mesh athletic shoes: 6–10 hours. Leather shoes: 24–48 hours. Heavy insulated boots: 24–48 hours or more. All times assume proper stuffing and good airflow.

What's the fastest way to dry shoes without a dryer?

Stuff with newspaper and position directly in front of a fan. Changing the newspaper every 2 hours speeds the process. This can dry most sneakers in 4–6 hours.

How do I dry the inside of a shoe that I can't stuff?

Point a fan directly into the opening. A small portable USB fan positioned at the opening of the shoe works well. You can also place a crumpled paper towel at the opening (rather than stuffed inside) to wick moisture from the entrance.

Conclusion

Drying wet shoes without a dryer is simple when you use the right method for the material. The core approach — remove insoles and laces, stuff with newspaper, place near airflow — works for almost every shoe type. The key thing to avoid is impatience: high heat seems faster but causes lasting damage. A fan and patience beats a hair dryer every time.