How to Dry Shoes Fast: Quick Tips and Tricks

2025-06-06 13:27:47

Wet shoes are the ultimate mood killer. Whether you've been caught in a sudden downpour, stomped through a muddy festival, or accidentally soaked your sneakers during a wash, soggy shoes can feel gross, smell worse, and take forever to dry. Not only are they a totally unpleasant experience, they’re also not good for the health of your feet – specifically the skin of your feet. It can cause infections and rashes that will make it difficult for you to wear any kind of footwear comfortably. 

However, it’s not always possible to keep switching shoes every time one gets wet. This is especially true for the monsoons when almost every single day is a chance to get your shoes splashed while commuting. So, a lot of us are left wondering how to dry wet shoes fast but without causing them any damage. 

That's where we come in. This guide has all the easy hacks you need to understand how do you dry shoes fast but also in a safe way, without wrecking the material or the shape. From hair dryers to newspaper stuffing, here are smart, go-to methods to speed up the drying process for all your favourite pairs. 

Fast and Effective Methods to Dry Shoes 

If you’ve been in a situation where you’re wondering how to dry your shoes quickly, you might have felt confused between various methods. This could be because you weren’t sure about which method of drying your shoes quickly is also safe or saves time. However, it’s not that difficult to understand how to dry shoes fast. Here are some methods you can explore. 

1. Towel Wrap + Pressure Absorption 

The first step in this process is to remove the insoles and laces. Then, you should move on to wrapping the shoes in a clean, dry towel. Apply light pressure to absorb excess water that emerges from the shoe. This quick and easy step can pull out surprising amounts of moisture and make your next methods even more effective. 

2. Newspaper or Paper Towel Stuffing 

This one is a tried-and-true trick that has been used for ages. You start by crumpling up some old newspaper or paper towels and stuffing your shoes tight. Now, as you give the paper time, the paper will absorb moisture from the inside out. For the optimal results in extracting the water and moisture, change it every couple of hours. This method works especially well on canvas sneakers and trainers due to their fabric construction. 

3. Use a Fan for Air Circulation 

The next one uses good old air to further improve the drying. You need to place your shoes in front of a fan (with the opening facing the airflow). Then, leave them there for a few hours and let the air do its thing. You can also hang them using a coat hanger with clips. This is one of the safest ways to dry shoes quickly without applying heat and works well for a wide range of materials. 

4. Hair Dryer (Low Heat, Careful Distance) 

There are times when you can’t afford to wait for the normal methods to get your shoe dry. In such situations, where your drying chops need a speed boost, your hair dryer is the answer. Use a hair dryer on the lowest heat setting and hold it at least 20 cm away from the shoe. Keep moving it around to avoid concentrating heat on one spot. You should limit its use to 5-10 minutes at a time. This one is ideal for emergencies but not for daily use as prolonged use can damage many materials. 

5. Dryer Use (ONLY If Allowed) 

This one requires you to do your groundwork. Check the care tag for your shoe. If your shoes are dryer-safe (some sports shoes and sneakers), you can toss them in on a no-heat or air-dry cycle in the dryer. If you want to, you can use a pillowcase to reduce thumping noise and protect the drum against damage from harder parts of the shoe. 

6. Sun-Drying (With Caution) 

If you want to go all natural, place your shoes in a well-ventilated, shaded area that gets indirect sunlight. Direct sun might cause fading or stiffening of materials like leather or suede, so it’s better to avoid harsh heat. Then, over time, watch as the sun does its magic with some assistance from the breeze. 

What to Avoid While Drying Shoes 

Some methods might seem like shortcuts but can seriously damage your footwear. In a bid to get quicker or better results, you’ll end up damaging your footwear permanently if you don’t know about the damage these methods can cause. When you’re looking to dry your shoes quickly, here’s what not to do: 

• Don’t put leather or suede shoes in direct sunlight. They can crack, fade, or stiffen. 

• Don’t use a heater or radiator. Concentrated heat warps soles and breaks down adhesives. 

• Avoid microwaves or ovens. This isn’t just bad for the shoes—it’s dangerous. 

• Don’t use high heat settings in a dryer. Only use dryer-friendly shoes with air-dry or no-heat options. 

• Don’t forget the insoles. Let them air dry separately to avoid musty odours. 

Always remember that when it comes to shoes, the gentler your care is, the longer the lifespan of your footwear will be. 

Prevention Tips for the Future 

While we have taken you through the steps to deal with wet shoes, why deal with soggy shoes at all when you can avoid the situation altogether? Here are some tips to help your pairs stay dry even when the weather or terrain isn’t on your side: 

• Use a water-repellent spray on fabric or leather shoes to prevent moisture absorption, and watch the water slide off the surface of the shoe. 

• Keep a backup pair (like flip flops or slides) in your bag during monsoons, and use these when you’re commuting to avoid your main footwear getting drenched at all. 

• Always dry your shoes after getting wet to avoid long-term mould or bad smells – use one of the quick methods mentioned above if necessary. 

• Store shoes in a dry, airy space. Avoid plastic boxes for damp shoes and get humidity absorbers for the shelves where you store them. 

• Try moisture-absorbing pouches or silica gel packets in storage. 

If you're frequently on the go or love spontaneous adventures, having an easy-dry shoe care kit can be a total game changer. 

Conclusion 

Knowing how to dry shoes fast isn’t just about convenience—it’s about protecting your footwear investment. With just a few simple tricks and the right tools, you can avoid squishy socks, foul odours, and warped soles. 

No matter what type of shoe you're rocking—from trendy sneakers to leather loafers to comfy sandals—keeping them dry keeps them fresh, clean, and ready for your next adventure. 

Whether you’re drying out your shoes for men after a long walk, saving your women shoes from a downpour, or helping your little one air out their soaked boys shoes or shoes for girls, these hacks will come to your rescue. 

Stay dry, stay stylish, and let no puddle come between you and your plans!