Getting caught in the rain or hitting a deep puddle can leave your favorite running shoes soaked. Knowing how to dry wet running shoes properly is essential to get you back on the track and to extend the life of your gear. Drying soaked running shoes quickly requires methods that prevent material damage and odor. Rushing the process with high heat can ruin the cushioning, warp the shape, and cause the materials to break down prematurely.
This guide provides clear, step-by-step methods to dry your shoes safely. We will cover everything from immediate post-run actions to long-term drying techniques. You will learn what to avoid and how to tackle persistent smells.
Following these tips will ensure your shoes are ready for your next run without compromising their fit or performance. Let’s get started with the most important first steps you should take.
How To Dry Wet Running Shoes
The core process for drying running shoes involves preparation, choosing a safe drying method, and allowing adequate time. Never be tempted to use direct high heat like a clothes dryer, radiator, or hairdryer on a hot setting. The intense heat can melt glues, shrink materials, and permanently damage the midsole foam, which is the heart of your shoe’s cushioning.
Start by removing your shoes as soon as possible after your run. This simple step prevents excess moisture from settling deeper into the materials. Your first actions set the stage for effective and safe drying.
Immediate Post-Run Steps
What you do in the first few minutes after a wet run makes a big difference. The goal is to remove as much surface water and moisture as you can before the main drying process begins.
First, take off your shoes and remove the insoles. The insoles absorb a significant amount of sweat and water. Pulling them out allows them to dry separately and improves air circulation inside the shoe.
Next, untie the laces completely and open up the shoe’s tongue as wide as possible. This opens the shoe’s interior to air flow, which is crucial for drying the toe box and heel counter.
If your shoes are extremely wet, use a dry, absorbent towel to pat down the exterior. Gently press the towel against the mesh, leather, or synthetic materials. Avoid vigorous rubbing, as this can grind dirt deeper into the fabric.
For the interior, you can loosely crumple some newspaper or paper towels and stuff them inside the shoe. The paper will help wick moisture away from the inner lining. Replace the paper every few hours as it becomes damp.
Removing Insoles And Laces
This step deserves its own focus because it is so important. Insoles and laces trap moisture and slow down the drying process considerably.
Take out the removable insoles after every wet run. Bend them gently to check if they are the removable kind; most running shoe insoles are. Lay them flat in a well-ventilated area, away from direct heat.
Removing the laces is also a good idea. It allows you to open the shoe up fully. You can rinse the laces if they are muddy and let them dry separately. This also gives you a chance to inspect the lace holes and eyelets for debris.
Why This Step Is Non-Negotiable
Drying the shoe with the insole still inside can take up to twice as long. The trapped moisture between the insole and the shoe’s base creates a perfect environment for bacteria and mold to grow, leading to persistent odors and material degradation. Giving each component its own space to dry is a simple win.
Effective Drying Methods
Once you’ve prepped your shoes, you can choose from several safe and effective drying methods. The best method for you will depend on your available equipment, time, and climate.
Air Drying at Room Temperature
This is the safest and most recommended method. It requires patience but guarantees no heat damage.
Place your prepared shoes in a dry, airy spot indoors. A room with good circulation, like near a ceiling fan or in a breezy hallway, is ideal. Avoid damp areas like basements or closed closets.
Position the shoes on their side, and alternate which side is down every few hours. This prevents water from pooling in one area of the midsole. You can also point a standard desk fan at them to significantly speed up air circulation. This process can take 12 to 24 hours for a thorough dry.
Using Newspaper or Paper Towels
As mentioned in the prep stage, stuffing your shoes is a highly effective technique. It’s particularly good for pulling moisture from the interior that air alone cannot reach.
- Crumple sheets of newspaper or paper towels into loose balls.
- Stuff them tightly into the toe box, midfoot, and heel of the shoe.
- Replace the stuffing every 2-3 hours until the paper comes out mostly dry.
This method is inexpensive and works very well in conjunction with room-temperature air drying. The paper acts as a blotter, absorbing moisture directly from the shoe’s interior lining and padding.
Utilizing a Portable Shoe Dryer
For runners who frequently train in wet conditions, a portable shoe dryer is a worthwhile investment. These devices blow gentle, room-temperature air into your shoes.
They are designed specifically for footwear, so they are safe for running shoe materials. Simply insert the dryer’s nozzles into your prepped shoes, turn it on, and let it run for a few hours or overnight. Most models are quiet and energy-efficient. They are the fastest, most set-and-forget method available that doesn’t use damaging heat.
What Absolutely Not To Do
Some common drying shortcuts can ruin a good pair of running shoes. Avoid these practices at all costs to protect your investment.
- Do Not Use a Clothes Dryer: The tumbling action and high heat will warp the shoes, break down foams, and weaken adhesives.
- Do Not Place on a Radiator or Heater: Direct, concentrated heat can cause materials to crack, shrink, or melt. It’s one of the fastest ways to destroy shoe structure.
- Do Not Use a Hair Dryer on High Heat: The intense, focused blast of hot air can damage synthetic overlays and melt glue in seconds. If you must use one, only use the cool setting from a distance.
- Do Not Leave in Direct Sunlight: Prolonged UV exposure can fade colors and weaken fabric fibers, making them brittle over time.
- Do Not Force Dry Near an Open Flame or Oven: This is an extreme fire hazard and will certainly melt shoe components.
Tackling Odor And Bacteria
Moist shoes often develop a unpleasant smell caused by bacteria growth. Drying them properly is the first defense, but you can take extra steps to keep them fresh.
After drying, sprinkle a small amount of baking soda inside each shoe. Let it sit for several hours or overnight, then shake it out. Baking soda is a natural odor absorber.
For a more proactive approach, use a disinfectant spray designed for shoes or a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Lightly mist the interior after a run (before drying) to help kill odor-causing bacteria. Always let shoes dry completely after any treatment.
Consider using moisture-wicking socks for your runs, as they will keep your feet drier and transfer less sweat to the shoe’s interior in the first place.
Drying Shoes In A Hurry
Sometimes you need your shoes dry faster than room-temperature air allows. While you should still avoid high heat, these methods can safely accelerate the process.
- Maximize Airflow: Place shoes directly in front of a circulating fan or in a breezy doorway. The moving air pulls moisture away much faster than still air.
- Combine Methods: Use the newspaper-stuffing technique while the shoes are in front of a fan. Change the paper frequently.
- Use a Dehumidifier: If you have one, place your shoes in a small room with a dehumidifier running. It will pull moisture from the air and the shoes efficiently.
- Cool Air from a Hair Dryer: As a last resort, you can use a hair dryer on its absolute coolest setting. Hold it at least a foot away from the shoe and keep it moving constantly to avoid concentrating air on one spot.
Even when in a hurry, remember that slow and steady preserves the shoe. Rushing with heat is never worth the risk of permanent damage.
Preventative Care For Wet Conditions
If you often run in rain or snow, some preventative measures can make the drying process easier and protect your shoes.
Applying a water-repellent spray designed for footwear can help. These sprays create a protective barrier on the shoe’s outer fabric, causing water to bead up and roll off rather than soak in. Reapply the spray every few weeks or after several runs for consistent protection.
Having a second pair of running shoes in your rotation is one of the best strategies. This allows each pair a full 24-48 hours to dry completely between runs, which is better for the shoe’s materials and your foot health. Alternating shoes also extends the overall lifespan of both pairs.
For winter runs, consider wearing a thin pair of waterproof socks or using gaiters to prevent snow and slush from entering the shoe from the top.
Long-Term Storage For Damp Shoes
Never store running shoes while they are even slightly damp. This is a sure way to promote mildew and permanent, foul odors.
Before putting shoes away for an extended period, ensure they are bone dry. Remove the insoles and check the deepest part of the toe box by feeling inside. A good test is to leave them in a dry area for a full 24 hours after you think they’re dry.
Store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid sealing them in airtight plastic containers, as this can trap residual moisture. A breathable shoe bag or open shelf is a better option.
FAQ Section
Here are answers to some common questions about drying running shoes.
Can I put my running shoes in the washing machine?
It is generally not recommended. The agitation and spin cycles can damage the structural integrity of the shoes. For cleaning, it’s safer to hand-wash with mild soap, a soft brush, and cold water, then follow the air-drying methods outlined above.
How long does it normally take for running shoes to dry?
With proper preparation and room-temperature air drying, it typically takes between 12 and 24 hours for shoes to dry completely. Using a fan or newspaper can reduce this time. Very thick shoes or those soaked through may take longer.
Why do my shoes still smell after drying?
Persistent odor usually means bacteria are still present. Ensure you dried them thoroughly; hidden moisture can remain. Try a baking soda treatment or a sanitizing spray. The odor may be coming from the insole, which might need a deeper clean or replacement.
Is it okay to dry shoes outside?
Drying outside in a shaded, breezy area can be acceptable, but avoid direct sunlight and never leave them outside overnight where dew or rain can re-wet them. Bringing them inside for the primary drying phase is more controlled and reliable.
What should I do if my shoes get wet with salt water?
Salt can be corrosive. If soaked in saltwater, rinse the shoes thoroughly with clean, fresh water as soon as possible to remove the salt residue. Then, follow the standard drying steps carefully. This helps prevent material breakdown and white salt stains.
Taking care of your wet running shoes is a key part of maintaining your running gear. By avoiding heat and allowing for proper air circulation, you protect the cushioning and structure that make your shoes comfortable and supportive. Remember the simple steps: remove insoles, stuff with paper, and air dry with patience. Implementing these practices will keep your shoes in top condition, mile after mile, no matter what the weather brings on your run.