How to Dry Shoes – Go-To Guide for Saving Shoes the Right Way

We’ve all been there—caught in the rain, stepped in a puddle, or finished a sweaty workout with soaked shoes. Trust me, I’ve tried rushing the drying process before (hello, warped sneakers and crispy soles). So, if you’re wondering how to dry shoes quickly and safely, this guide is here to help.

I’ll walk you through the best ways to dry shoes at home, avoid common mistakes, and keep your Ardur shoes looking and feeling brand new. Let’s dive right in.

Why You Shouldn’t Rely on Your Dryer?

You might be tempted to toss your shoes in the dryer—especially if you're short on time. But using a dryer can do more harm than good. High heat can shrink, warp, or even melt parts of your shoes. The glue holding the sole? It can loosen. The fabric lining? It might fray or lose its softness.

Even if your dryer has a shoe rack, the heat can still damage delicate materials like full-grain leather, suede, or canvas. So if you're wondering "can you put shoes in the dryer?"—the short answer is: it’s not worth the risk.

Method 1: How to Dry Shoes with Newspapers – My Tried & Tested Method

This old-school hack is my absolute favorite when it comes to drying shoes without any special tools. It works on everything—from sneakers and loafers to boots and trainers.

1. Clean the Shoes First

Before drying, always remove any dirt or mud. Otherwise, those stains can set in once they’re dry. Use a damp cloth or Ardur’s Shwipes Shoe Cleaning Wipes to gently clean the surface.

2. Take Out the Insoles

Moisture can get trapped inside your insoles and cause bad odor or bacteria buildup. Take them out and let them air dry separately.

3. Remove or Loosen the Laces

Loosening the laces helps air reach inside your shoes, allowing them to dry more evenly and quickly.

4. Stuff with Newspapers

Roll newspapers into small balls and stuff them tightly inside the shoes. This helps soak up moisture and also keeps your shoe shape intact. If you're drying sneakers, dress shoes, or Chelsea boots, this is a lifesaver.

5. Wrap the Outside in a Towel

For extra wet shoes, wrap them in an old towel or cloth to absorb surface moisture. This step really helps speed up the drying process.

6. Place in a Dry, Ventilated Area

Set your shoes in a cool, dry spot—like near a fan or a window with indirect sunlight. Avoid placing them in direct heat or harsh sunlight.

7. Replace Newspaper Every Few Hours

Once the newspaper feels damp, switch it out for dry paper. Repeat this a couple of times to pull out as much moisture as possible.

8. Wait 12–24 Hours

Depending on how wet they were, shoes typically dry overnight. But if they’re really soaked, give them up to 24 hours. Patience pays off!

Best part? This method works for drying leather shoes, canvas shoes, and running sneakers alike—without using any heat.

Method 2: How to Dry Shoes with a Fan – Quick & Safe

When I need my shoes ready fast—like for a next-day trip or early morning gym session—I use the fan method. It’s a safe and effective way to dry shoes fast at home.

Step-by-Step:

• Hang your shoes using twist ties or hooks so they dangle in front of a fan.
• Remove insoles and laces to let air flow freely inside.
• Place the fan in a ventilated room for best results.
• Run the fan on medium or high for 1–3 hours.

This works great for athletic shoes, mesh sneakers, and gym shoes. It’s also a smart way to dry shoes overnight without risking heat damage.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Drying Wet Shoes

Drying shoes the wrong way can lead to shrinking, cracking, odor, and even mold. Here are mistakes I’ve made (so you don’t have to):

• Using a hair dryer or heater: Too much heat can ruin the material and cause the glue to separate.
• Leaving them in sunlight for too long: Sun exposure can fade color and dry out the fabric.
• Skipping the insoles: Wet insoles = smelly shoes. Always take them out.
• Not cleaning them first: Dirt and grime can cause stains if left on during drying.

Common Questions About Drying Shoes

Can You Dry Shoes in the Oven?

No, please don’t put your shoes in the oven—ever. Ovens get way too hot and aren’t meant for drying fabric, leather, or glue-based materials. The intense heat can melt the glue, shrink or burn the fabric, and distort the shape of your shoes permanently. If you’re wearing Ardur sneakers made with premium leather or suede, even a few minutes in the oven can cause irreversible damage.

It’s also a fire hazard. Most shoes have rubber soles or synthetic parts that can catch fire or give off toxic fumes when exposed to high heat.

Instead, always use low-heat, no-heat methods like newspaper stuffing or fan drying to dry your shoes safely and preserve their structure.

Can You Dry Shoes with a Hair Dryer?

Using a hair dryer to dry shoes might sound like a quick fix, but it’s not a good idea—especially for shoes made with natural materials like leather, suede, or canvas. Direct heat from a hair dryer can cause:

• Cracks in leather
• Color fading or discoloration
• Melting of synthetic soles
• Weakening of glue and stitching

Even in the “cool” setting, hair dryers blow air unevenly and often too forcefully. This can dry out the surface but leave the inside damp, leading to mold or odor later on.

If you really must use a dryer, keep it at a safe distance (at least 12 inches away) and use the lowest heat or cool setting—but honestly, I still don’t recommend it. A fan or newspaper method is way more gentle and effective.

Can You Dry Shoes in a Dryer with a Drying Rack?

Some dryers come with a dedicated shoe rack that prevents the shoes from tumbling around. While this sounds like a safer way to dry shoes, it’s still risky. Most dryers generate heat that can:

• Cause shrinking or warping
• Loosen glued parts
• Make rubber soles brittle
• Create noise and wear on the shoe structure

Plus, the constant warm airflow can make materials like suede or leather lose their natural texture.

Unless the shoes are made of synthetic, machine-washable materials (and are labeled as dryer-safe), I recommend sticking with air drying or fan drying. That way, you don’t ruin the shape or finish of your favorite pair of Ardur shoes.

Can You Take Shoes to the Dry Cleaner?

Dry cleaners are great for clothing—but not always equipped to handle shoes, especially when they’re wet. Most dry cleaners do not offer shoe drying services, and even if they do clean shoes, they often rely on chemical cleaning methods that aren’t meant for everyday water damage or soaking.

Also, drying shoes properly takes time, airflow, and care—not industrial machines.

Unless your shoes are extremely delicate or expensive (like luxury suede boots that need restoration), you’re better off learning how to dry shoes at home. Using safe methods like stuffing with newspaper or drying with a fan is just as effective—and much more affordable.

Where Should You Air Dry Shoes?

The best place to air dry shoes is somewhere that’s cool, shaded, and well-ventilated. This could be:

• Near an open window with a gentle breeze
• Under a ceiling fan
• In a dry corner of your room away from direct sunlight
• On a covered balcony or patio during the day

Avoid leaving shoes in direct sunlight, especially leather or colored fabrics, as this can cause fading, hardening, or cracking.

Also, don’t place them near a heater, fireplace, or radiator, as the heat can damage the soles and material. Always remove the insoles and loosen the laces to allow better airflow inside. If you’re in a humid area, consider placing a small dehumidifier nearby to help speed up the drying process.

FAQs – Quick Answers to Drying Shoe Questions

How can I dry shoes fast without a dryer?

Use a fan or stuffed newspaper. Both methods dry shoes quickly without heat.

How long does it take for shoes to dry naturally?

Usually 8 to 24 hours, depending on the material and how soaked they are.

Will my shoes smell after drying?

Not if you clean them first and let the insoles dry separately. You can also spray them with Ardur’s Zefiros Deodorant Spray to keep them fresh.

How do I dry leather or suede shoes?

Avoid stuffing with newspapers. Instead, use a shoe tree and dry in shade. Also, apply Ardur’s Leather Nourishing Cream afterward to prevent cracks.

Can I wear my shoes while they’re still slightly damp?

Not recommended. Damp shoes can cause blisters and odor, and ruin your socks. Wait until they’re completely dry.

Final Thoughts: Be Kind to Your Shoes

Now that you know exactly how to dry wet shoes fast and safely, you’ll never have to panic the next time your shoes get soaked—whether it’s from a rainy walk, an accidental spill, or even a deep clean. I’ve learned the hard way that drying shoes the wrong way can totally ruin the shape, comfort, and style of a pair I love. That’s why I always take a little extra time to do it right—and trust me, it makes all the difference.

From my everyday Ardur sneakers to leather boots and even summer sandals, I use the same gentle techniques to help each pair stay in perfect shape. Proper drying not only keeps them looking fresh—it also helps prevent odors, cracking, stiffness, and unnecessary wear. And if you’re someone who invests in high-quality shoes like Ardur (like I do), taking care of them properly is a must.

So whether you're drying after a cleaning session or just got caught in a storm, stick to safe, no-heat methods like newspaper stuffing or fan drying. Your shoes will last longer, feel better, and always be ready for your next step—literally.

Take the Next Step in Shoe Care

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