How to Dry Shoes in Dryer Without Destroying Them (Or Your Sanity)
I learned the hard way that throwing soaking wet sneakers into a dryer is basically asking for disaster. Picture this: it's 2019, I'm rushing to get ready for work after an unexpected downpour, and I desperately need my running shoes dry. Twenty minutes later, I'm staring at what used to be my favorite pair of Nikes – now warped, shrunken, and making a sound like a dying cat when I walk. That expensive mistake taught me everything I never wanted to know about properly drying shoes.
The truth is, most people's instinct to just chuck their wet shoes in the dryer comes from the same place as microwaving fish in the office break room – it seems logical until you understand why it's absolutely not. Your dryer wasn't designed with shoes in mind, and shoes definitely weren't designed with tumble drying in mind. But sometimes you genuinely need dry shoes fast, and waiting 24 hours for air drying isn't an option.
The Science Behind Why Shoes and Dryers Usually Don't Mix
Let me paint you a picture of what happens inside that metal drum. Your average dryer reaches temperatures between 125-135°F on medium heat. Now imagine your shoes – a complex sandwich of rubber, foam, adhesives, leather or synthetic materials – all expanding and contracting at different rates while being violently tumbled around. The glue holding everything together starts to soften. The rubber sole begins to warp. Any leather components shrink like a wool sweater in hot water.
I once watched a shoe repair guy fix a pair of expensive dress shoes that someone had tried to dry. He shook his head the entire time, muttering about how the heat had basically cooked the leather. "It's like trying to un-fry an egg," he told me. That stuck with me.
The foam midsoles in athletic shoes are particularly vulnerable. They're designed to compress and rebound thousands of times while you run, but they're not meant to withstand sustained high heat. The cellular structure breaks down, and suddenly your cushioning feels like walking on cardboard. Trust me, I've been there.
When You Actually Can Use the Dryer (With Major Caveats)
Here's where I might ruffle some feathers: you can successfully dry certain shoes in the dryer if you're smart about it. Canvas sneakers, some synthetic athletic shoes, and certain kids' shoes can survive the experience – but only if you follow specific protocols that I've refined through years of trial and error (mostly error).
First, check the care label. I know, I know – who actually reads those tiny tags? But manufacturers sometimes indicate dryer safety, and ignoring that is like ignoring the "bridge out ahead" sign because you're in a hurry. If you see a circle with an X through it, that's universal for "don't even think about it."
The shoes that handle dryer treatment best are typically:
- Canvas tennis shoes without leather components
- Synthetic mesh running shoes (some brands, not all)
- Certain water shoes or beach shoes
- Some children's play shoes made entirely of synthetic materials
Never, and I mean never, attempt to dry:
- Leather shoes of any kind
- Suede anything
- Shoes with gel inserts
- Vintage or delicate sneakers
- Anything with significant rubber components
- Dress shoes
- Boots with steel toes
The Right Way to Prep Your Shoes
Assuming you've decided to proceed (against my better judgment for most shoe types), preparation is everything. Start by removing the laces completely. Those thin strings will either disappear into the netherworld of lost socks or wrap around everything like vindictive snakes. Wash them separately in a mesh bag or just let them air dry.
Pull out the insoles if they're removable. These almost always fare better drying flat on a towel. Plus, removing them allows better airflow through the shoe itself. I've seen too many insoles come out looking like pretzels after a dryer cycle.
Here's something most people miss: clean your shoes first. Drying dirt and grime essentially bakes it into the material. Use a soft brush or old toothbrush to remove visible dirt, then wipe down with a damp cloth. For canvas shoes, a paste of baking soda and water works wonders on stubborn stains.
Stuff each shoe with old towels or clean rags. This serves two purposes: it helps maintain the shoe's shape during drying and reduces the violent tumbling that causes most dryer damage. Some people swear by newspaper, but I find it leaves ink stains when wet.
The Towel Method That Actually Works
After years of experimentation, I've found the most reliable method involves old towels – lots of them. Wrap each shoe individually in a towel, securing with rubber bands or hair ties. Then place these bundles in the dryer with several additional dry towels. The extra towels act as buffers, reducing the impact as shoes tumble.
Set your dryer to air dry or the lowest heat setting possible. Yes, it takes longer. Yes, you'll be tempted to crank up the heat. Resist. Think of it like cooking – low and slow prevents burning. I usually run 20-minute cycles, checking between each one. Most shoes need 40-60 minutes total, depending on how waterlogged they started.
The sound will drive you crazy at first. Even wrapped in towels, shoes make an unholy racket in the dryer. It's like someone playing drums with baseball bats. This is normal, though your neighbors might disagree.
Alternative Methods That Won't Risk Your Footwear
Let's be honest – using a dryer for shoes is like using a sledgehammer to hang a picture. It might work, but there are better tools for the job. If you have even a few hours, these methods are infinitely safer:
The fan method has saved me countless times. Position a box fan horizontally (facing up) and balance your shoes on top, soles facing the airflow. The constant air circulation dries them surprisingly fast – usually within 4-6 hours. Pro tip: put a towel under the fan to catch drips.
For winter months, placing shoes near (not on!) a heating vent works well. I prop mine against the wall about 6 inches from the vent. The warm air circulation does the job without the tumbling trauma. Just remember to rotate them every hour or so for even drying.
Rice isn't just for wet phones. Fill old socks with uncooked rice, tie them off, and stuff them in your shoes overnight. The rice absorbs moisture like nobody's business. I keep a dedicated bag of "shoe rice" in my laundry room – just don't accidentally cook with it later.
The Newspaper Trick Your Grandmother Knew
Speaking of old-school methods, crumpled newspaper remains surprisingly effective. The paper wicks moisture while helping maintain shoe shape. Change the paper every few hours as it becomes saturated. Yes, your hands will get inky. Yes, it's worth it to save your shoes.
I learned this from my Italian neighbor who swore it was the only proper way to dry shoes. She'd stuff them with newspaper, then place them in a warm, dry spot – never direct sunlight, which can fade colors and crack leather. "Patience," she'd say, wagging her finger at my dryer. She was right.
Emergency Situations and Last Resorts
Sometimes you genuinely need dry shoes in 30 minutes. Job interview, important date, zombie apocalypse – whatever. In true emergencies, here's my nuclear option: use the dryer on air-only setting for 10-minute intervals, removing shoes between cycles to let them cool. Stuff with dry towels between rounds. It's not ideal, but it's better than showing up in squelching shoes.
For leather shoes in emergency situations, skip the dryer entirely. Use a hair dryer on cool setting, keeping it moving constantly and at least 6 inches away. Follow up with leather conditioner once dry – the process strips natural oils.
The Aftermath: Dealing with Dryer Damage
So you ignored all advice and your shoes came out looking like modern art. Don't panic entirely. For minor warping, stuff shoes tightly with paper and let them sit for 24 hours. Sometimes the material relaxes back to almost-normal shape.
For separated soles, shoe glue (not super glue!) can work miracles. Clean both surfaces, apply glue sparingly, and use rubber bands or clamps to hold while drying. I've rescued several pairs this way, though they're never quite the same.
Shrunken shoes are usually toast, but you can try the freezer stretch method: fill zip-lock bags with water, stuff them in the shoes, and freeze overnight. As water expands to ice, it gently stretches the material. It sounds insane but has actually worked for me twice.
Final Thoughts from Someone Who's Made Every Mistake
After destroying more shoes than I care to admit, I've reached a simple conclusion: the dryer should be your absolute last resort for shoe drying. The risk rarely justifies the time saved. But I also understand that life happens, and sometimes you need dry shoes NOW.
If you must use the dryer, treat it like defusing a bomb – carefully, methodically, and with full awareness that things could go very wrong. Low heat, short cycles, lots of towels, and constant vigilance are your friends. Better yet, invest in a second pair of everyday shoes and avoid the whole dilemma.
The best advice I ever got came from that shoe repair guy: "Shoes are meant to get wet sometimes. They're also meant to dry slowly." In our instant-gratification world, waiting 24 hours for shoes to air dry feels like torture. But it's a lot less painful than explaining to your spouse why you just destroyed their favorite shoes in the dryer. Trust me on that one.
Remember, every shoe is different, every dryer runs differently, and what works for your beat-up canvas sneakers might spell doom for anything nicer. When in doubt, choose patience over heat. Your shoes (and wallet) will thank you.
Authoritative Sources:
American Cleaning Institute. The Cleaning Encyclopedia. New York: St. Martin's Press, 2018.
Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America. Shoe Care and Maintenance Guidelines. Washington, DC: FDRA Publications, 2020.
Laver, James. Costume and Fashion: A Concise History. London: Thames & Hudson, 2012.
Rossi, William A. The Complete Footwear Dictionary. Malabar: Krieger Publishing Company, 2000.
Textile Research Journal. "Effects of Heat and Moisture on Adhesive Bonds in Athletic Footwear." Vol. 89, No. 15, 2019, pp. 3102-3115.
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. "Clothes Dryer Safety Standards." CPSC.gov, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 2021, www.cpsc.gov/Safety-Education/Safety-Guides/General-Information/Clothes-Dryer-Safety.