How to Properly Dry Your Sneakers: The Dos And Don’ts of Caring for Wet Shoes

Per Google Trends, a significant amount of people are wondering about the best way to go about caring for their sneakers — more specifically, they want to know how to dry them when they get wet or washed, and if it’s OK to put them in the dryer.

While seasoned sneakerheads might know the answer to this question, FN understands that not every shoe box comes with a manual that tells you what to do when your sneakers are wet. Laundering shoes can be quite the undertaking. Some materials in particular should not go in the washer or dryer, namely leather, suede, vinyl and rubber; shoes with metal cleats should also stay out of the machines.

While we’re officially in the cooler months, sneakers are a year-round go-to shoe — so we understand why people are researching how to care for their athletic footwear. So below, find steps on what to do and what not to do when it’s time to dry your sneakers.

Air drying is your best bet

While it may not be the speediest option, air drying your sneakers is the best and safest option. After cleaning or washing your sneakers, put them in a well-ventilated area, or outside, and let them air dry. If possible, remove the insoles and shoe laces and allow the air to get inside the shoe. It may take a few days before the shoe is thoroughly dry and able to be worn again, so give this process a few days.

Avoid putting sneakers in a clothes dryer

While it’s okay to put certain shoes in the washing machine, depending on their material, it’s not typically recommended to throw your favorite footwear in the dryer afterward — the heat and tumbling poses a threat to the size and fit of the shoe, causing them to shrink, and can cause damage beyond that as well — like melting in some cases. Sneakers are typically held together with a glue that might not survive your dryer temperature. So while the dryer might seem temptingly efficient, it’s better to let your sneakers air dry to preserve their integrity.

The sun can also damage your shoes

Leaving your shoes outside or by a window can help speed up the drying process. Beware, however, of placing your clean sneakers in direct sunlight, which can wear them out and alter the color; leaving them in a ventilated indoor space away from the sun is a safer choice.

Newspaper can help dry wet sneakers

Another way to address a wet shoe is to stuff it with newspaper, since the material is absorbent and malleable. For this method, Nike specifically suggests trying to hide areas with a great deal of ink to avoid staining the shoe. The footwear giant also says that the newspaper can be replaced along the way if needed. If you want to expedite the process of drying your sneakers, try using a fan. Read more about Nike’s drying recommendations here.

Direct heat is dangerous

While it might be tempting to place your sneakers in front of a space heater, radiator or in an oven (which is a huge no-no and completely dangerous), not only will this not help, it might instead leave you shoeless, or worse. Direct heat can make sneakers bend or melt, leave burn marks and damage your sneakers. As an alternative, a cold air fan or air conditioner at a distance can help speed up the drying process and protect the quality of leather or suede shoes.

Click here for tips on how to best wash your sneakers.