After a rainy run or a deep clean, knowing how to dry running shoes is an essential skill for any athlete. Properly drying your running footwear extends its lifespan and maintains comfort for your next run. Doing it wrong can lead to damage, odor, and a less supportive feel.
This guide provides clear, step-by-step methods. We will cover the best practices and common mistakes to avoid. You can protect your investment and keep your feet happy.
Let’s get started with the immediate post-run steps.
How To Dry Running Shoes
The core process for drying running shoes involves preparation, method selection, and patience. Rushing this process is the most common error runners make. A careful approach ensures the shoes’ materials, glue, and structure remain intact.
First, you need to assess how wet your shoes are. Light dampness from sweat requires a different approach than a full soaking from a puddle. The following steps form the foundation for all drying methods.
Immediate Post-Run Preparation Steps
What you do right after your run sets the stage for effective drying. Never leave soaking wet shoes sitting in your gym bag or a dark corner. Immediate action prevents material breakdown and stops odor-causing bacteria from taking hold.
Follow these steps as soon as you take your shoes off.
- Remove the Insoles and Laces: Take out the removable insoles or sockliners. Pull out the laces completely. This allows air to circulate inside the shoe, reaching the damp areas that are normally covered.
- Wipe Off Excess Debris and Water: Use a dry cloth or paper towel to wipe away mud, dirt, and surface water from the upper and outsole. This removes heavy moisture before it soaks in further.
- Stuff the Shoes with Absorbent Material: This is a critical step. Loosely stuff the toe box and main body of each shoe with crumpled newspaper, paper towels, or clean, dry cloths. Avoid using colored newspaper that may bleed. The stuffing absorbs internal moisture and helps the shoe retain its shape as it dries.
With these prep steps complete, you are ready to choose a drying method. The best method depends on your available time and resources.
Air Drying: The Safest Method
Air drying is the most recommended method by shoe manufacturers. It is gentle, effective, and requires no special equipment. The key is to optimize the environment for airflow.
Here is how to air dry your running shoes correctly.
Choosing the Right Location
Not all spots in your home are equal for drying. You need a place with good, consistent air movement and moderate temperature.
- Well-Ventilated Area: Choose a spot near an open window, in a breezy hallway, or under a ceiling fan. A gentle cross-breeze is ideal.
- Avoid Direct Heat and Sunlight: Never place shoes directly in front of a heater, radiator, or in a sunny window. Intense, direct heat can warp the synthetic upper, weaken adhesives, and cause colors to fade.
- Use a Drying Rack or Shoe Tree: Position the shoes on their side or heel, or use a specialized shoe drying rack. This exposes more surface area to air. Avoid letting them rest flat on the sole for extended periods, as this can trap moisture underneath.
Maintaining the Shoes Shape
As shoes dry, they can lose their form. The stuffing you inserted earlier is your primary tool for shape retention.
- Replace the damp newspaper or paper towels every few hours. As the material absorbs moisture, its effectiveness decreases. Fresh, dry stuffing will continue to pull moisture from the interior foam and lining.
- You can also use cedar shoe trees, which absorb moisture and odor while holding the shoe’s shape. Avoid forced shapes like tennis balls, as they can over-stretch the upper.
Air drying can take 12 to 24 hours for a moderately wet shoe, and up to 48 hours for a thoroughly soaked pair. Patience is crucial here.
Using A Fan For Faster Air Drying
If you need to speed up the air drying process slightly, a common household fan is a safe tool. It accelerates evaporation without adding damaging heat.
- Place your prepared shoes (with insoles removed and stuffed) on a stable surface.
- Position a standard box fan or pedestal fan a few feet away, aiming the airflow directly at the shoes.
- Set the fan to a cool or room-temperature setting. Do not use a hair dryer or a fan with a heating element.
- Rotate the shoes every few hours to ensure all sides recieve even airflow.
This method can cut drying time by a several hours. It is still a gentle process that prioritizes the shoe’s integrity.
What About Using A Dryer Or Direct Heat?
This is where many runners cause unintentional damage. Applying direct, high heat is one of the worst things you can do for your running shoes.
Here is why you should avoid clothes dryers, radiators, and hair dryers.
- Damages Materials: The intense heat from a dryer can melt the glue that holds the shoe together, separate the outsole from the midsole, and warp the synthetic mesh upper. The midsole foam can also break down and lose its cushioning.
- Creates Fire Hazard: Shoes tumbling in a dryer can damage the appliance’s drum. Some materials may also pose a risk if they overheat.
- Shrinks or Warps Components: Leather or suede accents can shrink and crack. The shoe’s overall shape can become distorted, making them uncomfortable or unwearable.
The short time savings is not worth ruining a expensive pair of running shoes. Always opt for gentler, no-heat methods.
Specialized Drying Products And Hacks
Several products are marketed specifically for drying shoes. Some are effective, while others are gimmicks. Here is a breakdown of common options.
Electric Shoe Dryers
These are devices with flexible tubes that insert into the shoe, blowing room-temperature or slightly warm air. They can be a good investment if you run frequently in wet conditions.
- Pros: They are designed for the task, often include UV light for odor control, and dry shoes uniformly from the inside out.
- Cons: They are an additional cost. Ensure you choose a model that uses very low, gentle heat or no heat at all.
Silica Gel Packs and Cat Litter
These are dessicants, meaning they absorb ambient moisture. They can be helpful in a pinch.
- Method: Fill two clean socks with silica gel packs (the ones that come in electronics boxes) or unused, clay-based cat litter. Tie the socks closed and insert one into each shoe. This can help absorb residual moisture after the initial air drying phase, especially in humid climates.
The Refrigerator Freezer Method (A Myth)
You may have heard about putting wet shoes in the freezer to kill odor and dry them. This is not effective for drying. Freezing temperatures will not remove liquid water; it will simply turn it to ice inside the materials. Once removed, it will melt again. This method does little for drying and is not recommended.
Drying Specific Components Of Your Running Shoes
Different parts of your shoe dry at different rates and may need specific attention. Treating each component properly ensures the whole system works.
How To Dry Running Shoe Insoles
Insoles absorb a tremendous amount of sweat. They are often the source of persistent odors.
- Remove them from the shoes immediately after your run.
- Wipe them down with a cloth dampened with a mild soap solution if needed, then rinse.
- Pat them dry with a towel and place them in a well-ventilated area, preferably standing on their edge. They can air dry completely in just a few hours.
Managing the Midsole and Cushioning
The foam midsole (like EVA or polyurethane) is the heart of your shoe’s cushioning. It can retain water for a long time.
- The consistent use of dry newspaper stuffing is the best way to draw moisture from deep within the foam. Change the stuffing regularly until it comes out completely dry.
- Be patient. A fully saturated midsole may feel slightly damp for up to two days even when the upper seems dry.
Cleaning and Drying the Outsoles
The rubber outsole dries quickly but can trap dirt and debris in the tread.
- Use an old toothbrush or a soft brush to scrub out gravel and mud from the grooves while the sole is still damp. This prevents it from hardening and affecting traction.
- Wipe it dry with a towel; it will be ready quickly.
Preventing Odor During The Drying Process
Moisture leads to bacterial and fungal growth, which causes unpleasant smells. Drying quickly is the first defense, but you can take extra steps.
- Use Baking Soda: Lightly sprinkle baking soda inside the shoe after removing the damp newspaper and before the final air drying stage. Let it sit for an hour, then tap it out. It absorbs odors effectively.
- Essential Oil Sprays: A light mist of a water-and-tea-tree-oil or water-and-lavender-oil spray inside the dry shoe can have antimicrobial properties and leave a fresh scent. Avoid saturating the materials.
- Ensure Complete Dryness: The most important step is making sure the shoe is 100% dry before you wear it again or store it. Any residual moisture will allow odor to return quickly.
Common Mistakes To Avoid When Drying Shoes
Even with good intentions, it’s easy to make errors. Here are the top mistakes that shorten your shoe’s life.
- Applying Direct Heat: As stated, this is the number one cause of premature shoe death. Always avoid dryers, heaters, and hairdryers.
- Skipping the Stuffing Step: Letting shoes dry without internal support leads to a misshapen, clumpy interior and much longer drying times.
- Storing Shoes While Damp: Placing slightly damp shoes in a closed closet or gym bag guarantees mildew and permanent odor.
- Using Too Much Cleaning Product: Soaking shoes in detergent or bleach can break down fibers and adhesives. Use cleaners sparingly and rinse thoroughly.
- Not Replacing Insoles: Over time, insoles wear out. If they constantly smell despite thorough drying, it’s time for a new pair.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about drying running shoes.
How long does it take to air dry running shoes?
For shoes damp with sweat, air drying usually takes 12 to 24 hours. For shoes that have been fully submerged or soaked in rain, it can take up to 48 hours to dry completely, especially the thick midsole foam. Using a fan and regularly changing the newspaper stuffing can reduce this time.
Can I put my running shoes in the washing machine?
It is generally not recommended. The agitating action of a washing machine can damage the shoe’s structure, midsole, and upper. If you must, use a gentle, cold cycle, remove laces and insoles, and place the shoes in a mesh laundry bag. Never put them in the dryer afterwards. Hand washing is always the safer choice.
Is it okay to dry shoes in the sun?
No, drying shoes in direct sunlight is not advised. The UV rays can degrade and fade the materials, and the heat can be just as damaging as a radiator. The sun can also make certain materials brittle over time. Indirect, shaded airflow is far superior.
How can I dry my shoes quickly overnight?
The fastest safe method combines preparation and airflow. Follow all prep steps (remove insoles, wipe down, stuff with newspaper). Then, place the shoes in front of a cool fan in a dry room. Replace the stuffing once during the night. They may not be 100% dry by morning, but they will be close.
Why do my shoes still smell after drying?
Persistent odor usually means bacteria or mold is still present deep in the materials, or the shoes were not completely dry before storage. Try a baking soda treatment or a specialized shoe deodorizer. Ensure they are bone-dry before your next wear. If the smell remains, the insoles may need replacement.
Knowing how to dry running shoes properly is a simple but vital part of your running routine. By taking the time to air dry them correctly, using absorbent stuffing, and avoiding direct heat, you protect the cushioning, structure, and materials that make your shoes effective. This care directly translates to more miles, better comfort, and a longer lifespan for your favorite pair. Implement these steps after your next wet run, and you will feel the difference.