How to Dry Wet Running Shoes (Fast, Safe & Damage Free)

A few months back, I got caught in one of those classic Bali downpours mid-run. One minute I’m cruising, the next I’m soaked head to toe—and my shoes? Waterlogged like they just finished a triathlon.

I made it home sloshing and dripping, staring at my soaked trainers like, “How am I supposed to run tomorrow in these?”

Sound familiar? Yeah, if you run long enough, this will happen to you. Whether it’s rain, creek crossings, or just a sweaty summer long run, your shoes are going to get wet.

But here’s the thing—drying them fast matters, and doing it the wrong way can absolutely trash your shoes. I’ve learned that the hard way too. So here’s how to get ’em dry, quick and safe, without cooking the glue or wrecking the foam.

Why Drying Them Properly Actually Matters

Running in wet shoes isn’t just uncomfortable—it’s straight-up dangerous for both your gear and your body.

Here’s What You’re Risking:

• Blisters & Funk: Wet shoes = skin softening = friction. You’ll be nursing hot spots by mile three. And the moisture? It’s a breeding ground for mold and athlete’s foot. Gross.
• Destroyed Cushioning: Wet midsoles lose their bounce. EVA foam soaks up water, and that “cloud-like” feel turns to soggy pancake real quick. A study even found that midsole shock absorption can drop by up to 50% when wet. That’s brutal on your joints.
• Altered Gait & Injury Risk: Wet shoes weigh more, sag differently, and throw off your foot’s alignment. That instability can mess with your stride and increase your risk of shin splints, knee pain, or worse.
• Shortened Shoe Lifespan: Moisture messes with everything—foam, glue, upper fabric. Dry ’em wrong (like, say, tossing them over a heater) and you’re cutting miles off their life.

💡 As I always say: heat ruins shoes faster than training miles do.

Step-by-Step: Dry Your Shoes Like a Pro

Step 1: Break ’Em Down

First thing—disassemble the crime scene.

• Pull out the insoles. These little guys hold a ton of water. Let them dry separately in open air or near a fan.
• Loosen or remove the laces. Open the tongue wide and give the shoe some breathing room.
• Brush off dirt and mud. No need to dry mud into your shoes. Use a soft brush or damp cloth and clear that junk first. If they’re seriously dirty? Give them a light rinse, then follow this drying routine.

👉 This step is all about access. Moisture hides in creases and foam. You want to expose every inch to airflow.

Step 2: Newspaper to the Rescue

The OG move. It’s old-school, but it works. Like, really works.

Why it’s clutch:
Newspaper is ridiculously absorbent. It wicks water from every part of your shoe—especially deep inside where fans or towels can’t reach.

How to do it:

• Crumple up a few sheets and stuff them into the shoe. Push it into the toe box, under the arch, and around the heel.
• Wrap a sheet around the outside if the upper’s soaked too. Use a rubber band if needed.
• Put the shoes in a dry, well-ventilated area—NOT in direct sunlight or next to a heat source (seriously, don’t roast your shoes).
• Replace the newspaper every 1–2 hours at first. You’ll be amazed at how fast that paper gets soggy. Fresh paper = faster drying.

🧠 Pro tip: If you’ve got light-colored shoes and worry about ink smudges, use paper towels or blank newsprint. I’ve dried dozens of pairs with newsprint and never had an issue—but it’s something to watch if you care about aesthetics.

By the end of the night, your shoes will go from swampy to just damp. Then you’re ready for the final touch.

Next Step: Bring in the Airflow

Once you’ve done the stuffing game for a few rounds, the shoes should feel damp but not dripping. This is where a fan becomes your MVP.

Set the shoes up under or in front of a fan. Point the airflow right into the shoe opening. You can even rig them up with a wire hanger or clip to hold them upright if you’re fancy. No heat needed—just steady air. Leave them overnight and you’ll usually be good to go by morning.

What NOT to do

• Don’t toss your shoes in the dryer. Even on low heat, the tumbling will warp the shape and break down glue.
• Don’t put them on a radiator or heater. Foam hates heat. So does mesh. So does your wallet when you’re replacing wrecked $150 shoes.
• Don’t dry them in direct sunlight for hours. UV rays can fade and weaken the fabric, especially on darker shoes.

Step 3: Use a Fan — Kickstart the Drying With Airflow

After soaking up the worst of the water with newspaper, it’s time to move air. Fans are your secret weapon. They don’t just dry your shoes faster—they do it safely, without cooking your midsoles or warping your fit.

Here’s how to set it up:

• Grab a floor or tabletop fan. The stronger the breeze, the better.
• Aim the airflow directly into the mouth of each shoe—that’s where moisture lingers most.
• Remove any soaked newspaper or stuffing first. You want air getting inside the shoes, not blocked by soggy paper.
• Need to get creative? Hook shoes to the front of the fan grill using a wire hanger or bungee cord. You can also tie the laces together and hang them over the top of a box fan.
• No floor fan? Set shoes under a ceiling fan, elevated if possible. Flip them sideways or upside down to let air reach the insides.
• Don’t forget the insoles and laces—lay them out nearby so they dry too.
• Watch those laces! If they’re flapping near the fan, either tie them up or remove them completely.

Real-world tip: I angle a box fan toward my shoes and leave it running for a couple hours. They go from soaked to almost bone-dry. A runner on Reddit swears by his little 6-inch fan—says his shoes are ready by the next morning.

If you’ve got one of those blower-style fans or a tilting model, try setting your shoes right on top—so air flows straight into the footbed. It’s like a mini boot dryer, minus the price tag.

Once they’re “paper dry” to the touch? Time to finish with the last step.

Step 4: Let Them Air Dry in a Ventilated Space

After the fan, your shoes should feel damp but no longer squishy. Now it’s just about giving them space and time to finish the job.

Here’s how to air dry the right way:

• Pick a spot that’s dry, well-ventilated, and not humid. Near a window with a breeze works. Bonus points for a room with a dehumidifier.
• Don’t trap them. That means no closets, no gym bags. Let them breathe.
• If you can, elevate the shoes—like on a drying rack or shelf—so air can reach them from all sides.
• Keep the room warm, not hot. Room temp or slightly warmer is perfect. If you’ve got a heating vent nearby, set the shoes near it (but not directly on it).
• Avoid direct sun. UV rays can break down shoe glue and warp materials.
• If they still feel a little damp, you can loosely stuff them with dry paper towels or a clean cloth. Just remember to remove that stuffing after an hour or so so it doesn’t trap new moisture.
• Give it time. For most shoes, a night in a dry, well-vented room is enough.

👉 Why this matters: The final bit of drying prevents mildew, stink, and long-term damage. Shoes that get almost-dry and then get shoved into a dark bag? That’s how you end up with moldy insoles and shoes that smell like a wet locker room.

Once everything is dry, pop the insoles back in, re-lace, and they’re ready to run.

Shoe-Drying 101 (for Runners Who Hate Wet Feet)

If you train in the rain, run trails, or sweat like a beast—wet shoes are just part of life. But they don’t have to be a nightmare. Drying your shoes properly can extend their life, keep your feet healthy, and save you from slipping into soggy misery the next morning.

Once you’ve pulled the insoles out, untied the laces, and wiped off the worst of the mud, here are two solid options for getting your shoes dry fast—and without wrecking them.

Option 1: Electric Shoe Dryers (Set It and Forget It)

This is the Cadillac of drying options. If you’re constantly training in wet weather, buy a legit shoe dryer and thank yourself later.

• What it is: A small plug-in device that blows gently warmed air (not hot!) into your shoes.
• How long it takes: 3–8 hours depending on how drenched your shoes are.
• Top picks: PEET dryers, DryGuy, and similar rack or tube-style models.

“I’ve been using a PEET dryer for 6 years. Zero damage, no mildew, and 500+ miles from every pair.” — trail runner in the PNW

Pro tips:

• Look for low or no-heat models (~90–110°F). You don’t want an oven—you want a warm breeze.
• Make sure the brand is reputable and safety-certified (this is electricity + fabric = play it safe).
• Use it for gloves, ski boots, insoles too—it’s a multi-tool for wet gear.

Downsides? It costs a bit ($50–100) and needs an outlet. But if your shoes are wet more than twice a week, it pays for itself in saved gear and fewer blisters.

Option 2: Moisture-Absorbing Inserts (Portable, Passive, Still Awesome)

No plug? No problem. Try a silica gel insert, cedar pouch, or boot banana.

• How it works: These suck moisture out of your shoes overnight. Like a sponge for your sweat-soaked Hokas.
• Good picks: DrySure, cedar-filled pouches, silica bags, or odor-absorbing inserts with minerals.

They’re great for travel or the gym. You can even toss them into your shoes after a muddy trail run and forget about them until morning.

One ultrarunner said his drying inserts were “non-negotiable” during race season. Always dry shoes, no mildew, no stink.

💡 Bonus: Combine them with the fan method and you’ve got a dry-shoe express lane.

Extra Tips to Dodge the Dreaded Wet Shoe Situation

Look, wet shoes happen. It rains. You misjudge a puddle. A surprise creek shows up mid-trail. But with a little planning, you can dodge the worst of it—or at least deal with it like a pro.

Here’s how I help my runners stay dry (or at least dry faster):

1. Rotate Your Shoes (Seriously, Do It)

If you run more than three days a week, you need a second pair.

Not just for recovery and performance—but because wet shoes need time to dry. Rotate pairs, and you’ll always have a dry set ready to go.

Bonus: Your shoes last longer and your legs get a little variety. Even the Cleveland Clinic recommends this for injury prevention. No-brainer.

2. Prep for Bad Weather Like You Mean It

• Waterproof shoes (like Gore-Tex trail runners) are great for keeping rain out—but if water gets in, it stays in.
• Use gaiters or waterproof socks to block water at the ankle.
• My old-school emergency trick? Plastic baggies over your socks, inside the shoes. Not breathable, but for short runs in pouring rain, it works.

Key takeaway: Don’t let wet feet ruin your training—plan for it.

3. Pick Shoes That Drain Well

If you’re hitting creeks or soaking trails, look into quick-dry trail shoes—the kind made to get wet and bounce back.

• Brands like Salomon, Merrell, or SwimRun models often include drainage ports.
• Breathable mesh sheds water faster than thick padding or waterproof liners.

👉 You’ll still get soaked—but you won’t slosh for the next 10 miles.

4. Wear the Right Socks

Cotton? That’s a hard no.

Go with:

• Merino wool – stays warm even when wet
• Technical synthetics – labeled “moisture-wicking” or “ultra-dry”

💡 Pro tip: Bring a spare pair if you’re going long. Changing into dry socks mid-run can save your feet from blisters—and keep your shoes from turning into swamps.

5. Bring Newspapers (Yes, Really)

Old school but wildly effective:

• Stuff your soaked shoes with newspaper.
• It absorbs water quickly—way faster than just air drying.
• Even better: use a fan + newspaper combo = dry shoes by morning.

I keep a few newspaper sheets and a towel in my race bag just in case. Muddy trail race? Wet relay leg? You’ll be glad you did.

6. Dry Them Right Before Storing

Tossing damp shoes into a closet is the fast track to funky smells and mold.

If you rinse mud off, let them air out first. Use a fan. Set them near a vent. Just don’t stash them wet.

Pro move: Sprinkle a little baking soda inside after drying to cut down odor.

How Long Do Wet Running Shoes Take to Dry?

Here’s a quick cheat sheet:

Best combo: absorption + airflow. Start drying them as soon as you get back from your run. Swap the newspaper after an hour or two to keep the drying efficient.

Clothes dryers? Yeah, they’re fast—but they can melt glue, warp midsoles, or shrink materials. Trust me, it’s not worth ruining $100+ shoes for a shortcut.

Material Tip

• Mesh shoes dry faster than anything with leather overlays or waterproof membranes.
• Padded collars and tongues hold water longer—squeeze gently with a towel to speed up drying.

Respect Your Tools

Your shoes are your foundation. You don’t need a $250 carbon-plated super shoe for every run—but you do need them to be dry, secure, and not smell like death.

As I always say:
“The better you take care of your gear, the more your gear will take care of you.”

Drying your shoes right is one of those behind-the-scenes habits that make a difference in the long game. Over time, it adds up—fewer injuries, longer shoe life, better performance.

You’ve Got a System Now

Next time you stumble in from a stormy run or pull your soaked shoes out of a duffel, don’t stare at them like you’re stuck. You’ve got a system:

• Insoles out
• Stuff ‘em up
• Fan, airflow, or old-school window drying
• Skip the heat
• Let ‘em breathe

No gimmicks. Just smart recovery for your gear—so you can recover better too.

Your Turn

What’s your go-to shoe-drying trick?

Got a horror story involving melted soles, newspaper fails, or next-level MacGyver hacks?

Drop a comment below. Let’s trade tips, swap cautionary tales, and help each other survive the next rainy season like seasoned pros.

Because in running, you don’t just train hard—you maintain smart.
And that includes your shoes.

Now get back out there. Dry shoes, dry feet, strong legs—repeat.

– David D. 🏃‍♂️💨