How to Dry Shoes Quickly and Safely: Tips and Tricks

May 20, 2025

We’ve all been there—caught in a sudden downpour, stepping into a puddle, splashed by a car passing by or dealing with the aftermath of a long day out. Wet shoes aren’t just uncomfortable—they can lead to odour, structural damage, and even ruin premium materials if not handled correctly. They also affect your foot’s skin health, so not only is it an aesthetic problem, but also a health problem. That’s why knowing how to dry shoes fast—and more importantly, safely—is essential for any well-dressed individual. It can help you wear your favourite shoes quickly after they’ve suffered a water-related incident.

Whether it's your leather loafers, suede boots, or your child’s school sneakers, drying shoes quickly without compromising their shape or finish requires the right approach. It can be the difference between getting the desired drying results and damaging the finish and fabric of the footwear. To help you avoid such mistakes, we’ve created this guide to help you out. In this guide, we share effective methods, common mistakes to avoid, and simple ways to prevent moisture damage, so your favourite pairs stay looking sharp and feeling fresh.

Quick and Effective Methods to Dry Your Shoes

If you're searching for how to dry wet shoes fast, there are multiple techniques—each suited to different materials and needs. The goal is always the same: speed without sacrificing style or structure. Knowing the right method for the right material is what this guide is all about. So, without further ado, let’s take a closer look at each of these methods.

1. The Newspaper Trick

A classic and reliable method, this one is inexpensive and used across households since ages. Here’s how to implement it.

• Remove the insoles and stuff the shoes with crumpled newspaper – this will start the absorption process for the water in the shoe.
• Change the paper every 1–2 hours to speed up drying. This is the day you’ve been saving up those old newspapers for.
• Place the shoes in a well-ventilated space—avoid direct sunlight. While it might be tempting to put it in the sun to heat it up and speed up the drying, it may also cause discolouring and damage to the upper material.

Best for: Leather, faux leather, and structured sneakers.

2. Fan Drying

Place your shoes in front of a fan (not heater!) with the opening facing the airflow. This will allow the air from the fan to go into the shoe.

• In case your fan allows this, use a clip hanger or a shoelace loop to suspend them for even ventilation.
• Within a few hours, the shoes will feel significantly drier without facing any potential damage.

Best for: Athletic shoes, canvas styles, and kids' shoes that are for daily wear.

3. Use a Shoe Dryer

If you deal with damp shoes frequently, invest in an electric shoe dryer.

• It emits low heat and gentle airflow - perfect for safe, quick drying, as it is designed for this purpose.
• Protects premium materials from cracking or shrinking and even features built in mechanisms to prevent overheating and any such related damage.

Best for: Delicate or high-end pairs, like luxury women's shoes or premium leather boots, but it works for all types of shoes.

4. Towel Wrap Method

Wrap your shoes in a dry towel to soak up initial moisture. This is the basic method that should work across the board as the first step.

• Gently press and blot rather than rubbing, as that might cause lint to pass on to the surface.
• Helps with initial drying before using other methods, so works with a wide range of options.

Best for: Soft fabrics, canvas, and shoes with removable parts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Drying Shoes

Knowing how to dry your shoes quickly isn’t just about what to do, but what not to do. The wrong move can warp soles, fade colours, or damage the structure permanently. In trying to dry your shoes quickly, you must avoid causing harm to them that is irreversible.

1. Never Use Direct Heat (Hair Dryer, Radiator, or Heater)

Extreme heat can shrink or crack leather, melt glue, and deform soles. Always choose gentle, indirect airflow to preserve and extend the lifespan of your footwear.

2. Avoid Direct Sunlight for Extended Periods

Sunlight may help with drying, but prolonged exposure fades colour and causes material fatigue, especially on shoes for men in darker tones. Keep them healthy and flexible by avoiding drying them in sunlight.

3. Don’t Skip Drying the Insoles

Neglecting the insoles can lead to odour and bacterial growth. Always remove and dry them separately. Not doing this can cause significant issues for your foot health.

4. Don’t Skip Cleaning Before Drying

If your shoes are muddy or stained, gently clean them before drying. Allowing dirt to sit can leave permanent marks, especially on light-coloured or suede materials. This will later require scraping, which will cause lasting damage.

How to Prevent Your Shoes from Getting Wet Again

Once your shoes are clean and dry, prevention is your next power move. Protecting them from moisture damage saves both time and money in the long run. Prevention is better than a cure, even for your footwear.

1. Use a Waterproofing Spray

Invest in a water-repellent spray that’s suitable for leather, suede, or fabric shoes. Apply it regularly to form an invisible barrier against rain and splashes. There are many useful options available in the market for you to choose from.

2. Choose the Right Footwear for Wet Weather

If you know rain is in the forecast, reach for weather-resistant styles or rubber-soled boots. Save your premium leather pairs for drier days, as is recommended by all genuine-leather shoe brands.

3. Carry a Shoe Bag

Keep a lightweight foldable shoe bag in your work tote or backpack. If your shoes get wet, you can change into dry ones and avoid trapping moisture against your feet all day. Invest in a good pair of washable shoe bags that can be perfect for this use case.

4. Maintain Regular Care

Well-maintained shoes resist moisture better. Clean them weekly, apply leather conditioners, and always allow shoes to rest between wears. This is not just to protect them against moisture but to keep them healthy in general.

Final Thoughts: Keep Your Shoes Dry and Long-Lasting

Learning how to dry shoes fast is a game-changer, especially when you want to preserve the look, comfort, and durability of your footwear. Whether you're dealing with your child’s soaked school shoes, your office loafers, or a delicate pair of suede pumps, time, technique, and gentle care make all the difference.

At Metro, we know that your shoes are more than just accessories—they’re a reflection of your lifestyle and style choices. That’s why our curated collections for shoes for men, women shoes, and kids shoes are crafted with premium materials designed to look good and last long.

Protect your investment, maintain your look, and walk confidently—rain or shine.

Style starts from the sole. And smart care keeps it walking. Explore the full Metro collection now at Metro Shoes.

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