How to Dry Wet Shoes: Air, Newspaper, and Heat Risks to Avoid

Why fast heat is bad for wet shoes

When shoes get wet, the instinct is to speed up drying with a clothes dryer, radiator, or hair dryer. That instinct is worth resisting. High heat damages the materials in several ways, and the damage is usually permanent.

Leather is particularly vulnerable. Heat pulls moisture out of the leather too quickly, which causes it to shrink, stiffen, and crack. The same heat can melt or weaken the adhesives that bond the sole to the upper, leading to sole separation. For mesh and knit uppers, heat can shrink the synthetic fibers and distort the shape of the shoe.

The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) emphasizes foot health in its patient resources, and while the APMA does not publish shoe-drying instructions, podiatrists generally recommend against exposing footwear to high heat because it can alter the fit and support of the shoe. A shoe that has shrunk or warped no longer provides the stability it was designed to offer. You can read more about how shoes should fit in our guide on shoe width and guide on toe room.

The safer approach is to slow down and let evaporation do the work at room temperature. This takes longer, but it preserves the shape, fit, and lifespan of the shoe.

Preparing wet shoes for drying

Before you start drying, take a few minutes to prepare the shoes. This step makes a significant difference in how evenly and how quickly they dry.

First, remove the laces and the insoles. These components dry faster when separated from the shoe, and leaving them inside can trap moisture and lead to odor. Pat the shoes with a dry towel to remove excess water. Do not wring or twist the shoes, especially leather ones, because this can distort their shape.

Next, stuff the shoes with newspaper or dry towels. The absorbent material pulls moisture from the inside of the shoe, which is where most of the water sits after walking in rain or puddles. Replace the stuffing every few hours as it becomes damp. For leather shoes, avoid colored newspaper, as the ink may transfer to the leather; plain paper towels or a clean white cloth are safer choices.

Place the stuffed shoes in a well-ventilated room at normal room temperature. A fan aimed at the shoes can help circulate air without applying heat. Avoid direct sunlight, which can fade colors and dry leather too quickly. For more on how shoe materials respond to moisture, see our guide on leather vs suede vs synthetic.

Drying advice by material: leather, mesh, and knit

Different shoe materials need slightly different drying approaches.

Leather shoes are the most sensitive to heat. They should be dried slowly at room temperature, away from any heat source. After the shoes are mostly dry, you can apply a leather conditioner to restore moisture that was lost. Do not wear leather shoes before they are fully dry, because the leather will stretch and lose its shape. For more care details, see our leather shoe care guide.

Mesh and knit shoes, common in athletic and casual styles, tolerate airflow better than leather. You can use a fan to speed up drying, but still avoid heat. The synthetic fibers in mesh can melt or shrink when exposed to high temperatures, which would ruin the fit of the shoe. Knit uppers, like those in many modern slip-on and running shoes, are also prone to shrinkage.

If the shoes are heavily soaked, consider using a shoe tree or crumpled paper to hold the shape while they dry. A shoe tree helps maintain the structure of the upper and prevents the toe box from collapsing. This is especially important for leather dress shoes and boots.

For suede or nubuck shoes, the same principle applies: air dry away from heat. Suede that dries too fast can become stiff and may lose its nap. After drying, a suede brush can restore the texture. See our suede and nubuck care guide for more.

Drying methods to avoid: dryers, radiators, and direct sunlight

Several common shortcuts can damage shoes or create safety risks. Here is what to avoid:

Clothes dryer: The tumbling action and high heat can warp the shoe shape, shrink the upper, and weaken the glue that holds the sole. Even on a low-heat setting, the mechanical stress of tumbling is risky.

Radiator or space heater: Placing wet shoes on a radiator concentrates heat in one area. The sole can soften, and leather can crack. The adhesive can also fail, causing the sole to peel away from the upper.

Hair dryer: The focused heat is too intense for most shoe materials. It can scorch leather and melt synthetic mesh in seconds.

Direct sunlight: UV light fades colors, and the heat from sunlight dries leather unevenly. Drying in the shade is always safer.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), part of the CDC, publishes guidance on workplace safety, including foot protection, but does not endorse any shoe-drying method. The agency's focus is on preventing injuries and illnesses in the workplace, not on how to dry personal footwear. The advice here follows general material science and the guidance of reputable health organizations like the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, which publishes patient education through OrthoInfo (orthoinfo.org).

Instead of these shortcuts, the best approach is to plan ahead. If you frequently get your shoes wet, consider owning two pairs of the shoes you wear most often, so you can rotate them and allow each pair to dry completely. This is especially useful for work shoes and boots. You can find recommendations in our guides to best rain or snow shoes and best work boots.

How long does it take to dry shoes with air?

Air drying is not fast. Depending on the material and how wet the shoes are, it can take anywhere from 12 to 24 hours, or longer for heavily soaked leather boots. Mesh and knit shoes dry faster, often within 6 to 12 hours, because the open weave allows more air circulation.

To speed up the process without heat, you can:

Remove the insoles and laces so they dry separately.

Stuff the shoes with newspaper or a dry towel to draw moisture out from the inside.

Point a fan at the shoes to increase airflow.

Place the shoes near a dehumidifier if you have one, which removes moisture from the air.

Change the stuffing every few hours to keep absorbing capacity high.

If you need a pair of shoes ready by the next morning, start the drying process as soon as you get home. Remove the worst of the moisture with towels, stuff the shoes, and leave them in front of a fan overnight. In most cases, they will be dry enough to wear by morning, though leather may need an additional day.

When to consider repairs or replacement

If a shoe has been through extreme moisture, like a full submersion in a flood, it may not be worth saving. Water can break down the adhesives and the insole materials from the inside, even if the exterior looks fine. A shoe that feels softer, has a collapsed heel counter, or shows visible sole separation after drying is beyond what a home dry can fix.

In that case, a cobbler can sometimes replace the sole or re-glue the upper, but for many shoes the cost of repair is not justified. It is often simpler to replace the pair. If you are in the market for a new pair, our best men's shoes and best women's shoes guides compare options by specifications and can help you find a pair that suits your needs.

What to pick for your use

Questions

Can I put wet shoes in the dryer?

No. The heat and tumbling can shrink, warp, and delaminate the shoe. Air drying is the only method that preserves the shoe's shape and fit.

How long does it take for shoes to air dry?

Mesh and knit shoes usually dry in 6 to 12 hours with good airflow, while leather can take 24 hours or more. Stuffing with newspaper and using a fan shortens the time.

Does newspaper damage leather shoes?

Newsprint can transfer ink to light-colored leather. Use plain paper towels or a white cloth instead, and remove the stuffing as soon as the shoes are dry.

Why do shoes smell after getting wet?

Moisture trapped inside the shoe creates a breeding ground for bacteria and fungus. Drying the shoes completely, removing insoles, and using odor-control products can help. See our guide on odor control for more.

Can I wear wet shoes to dry them faster?

Wearing wet shoes is bad for the shoe and for your feet. The leather will stretch and lose shape, and your feet can develop blisters. Let the shoes dry completely before wearing them again.