Quick Answer
To dry shoes in a dryer, use it only for canvas, mesh or fabric sneakers. Remove the laces and insoles, tie the laces together and shut them in the dryer door so the shoes hang inside, or use a dryer rack, then run the air-fluff or lowest heat setting in 20-minute intervals until dry, usually 40 to 60 minutes. Never machine-dry leather, suede or glued dress shoes.
Key Takeaways
- Only canvas, mesh and fabric athletic shoes are generally dryer-friendly; check the care label first.
- High heat can soften shoe glue, warp foam soles and shrink fabric, so use no heat or the lowest heat.
- Hanging shoes from the door or using a stationary dryer rack stops the loud banging and protects the drum.
- Stuff shoes with paper or a towel first to absorb water and keep their shape.
- Air-drying with newspaper and a fan is the safest option for any shoe you care about.
Wet sneakers after a rainy run or a wash cycle are a common annoyance, and the dryer looks like the quick fix. It can work, but the wrong settings ruin shoes fast. This guide shows you which shoes can go in, the safest dryer method, and better alternatives when the dryer is not a good idea.
Can You Put Shoes in the Dryer?
Some shoes, yes. Canvas sneakers, fabric slip-ons and many mesh running shoes tolerate a low-heat or no-heat cycle. Shoes made from leather, suede, nubuck, patent materials or rubber-heavy designs should not go in the dryer, and neither should shoes with lights, heated elements or glued-on decorations.
The biggest risk is heat. Most athletic shoes are assembled with adhesives, and heat can loosen the bond between the upper and the sole. Foam midsoles can also shrink or warp. Always check the care label inside the tongue or the manufacturer’s website before you start.
| Shoe Type | Dryer Safe? | Best Drying Method |
|---|---|---|
| Canvas sneakers | Usually, on low or no heat | Hang in dryer door or rack |
| Mesh running shoes | Sometimes; check label | Air-dry preferred; dryer on air fluff |
| Leather shoes and boots | No | Air-dry away from heat, then condition |
| Suede and nubuck | No | Air-dry, then brush the nap |
| Rubber rain boots | No | Air-dry upside down or boot dryer |
| Light-up or electronic shoes | No | Wipe clean and air-dry only |
What You Need
- A clothes dryer with a no-heat (air fluff) or low-heat setting
- Old towels
- Newspaper or paper towels for stuffing
- A dryer rack, if your dryer came with one, or a mesh laundry bag
- The shoe laces (you will use them to hang the shoes)
How To Dry Shoes in a Dryer Step by Step
Step 1: Check the Care Label and Material
Confirm the shoes are canvas, mesh or fabric and that the care label does not say to air-dry only. If you are unsure, skip the dryer. A ruined pair costs more than a slower drying method.
Step 2: Remove Laces and Insoles
Take out the laces and pull out removable insoles. Insoles hold a lot of water and dry better on their own, laid flat away from heat. Removing them also lets air reach the inside of the shoe.
Step 3: Blot and Stuff the Shoes
Press out excess water with a towel, then stuff each shoe loosely with newspaper or paper towels for 15 to 30 minutes. Swap in dry paper once it is soaked. This pre-drying step shortens dryer time and helps the shoes keep their shape.
Step 4: Hang the Shoes in the Dryer Door
Tie the laces together through one eyelet of each shoe, or knot two long laces. Put the shoes inside the drum and close the door on the knotted ends so the shoes hang against the door, not tumbling. If your dryer has a stationary drying rack, set the shoes on it instead.
Step 5: Choose No Heat or the Lowest Heat
Select air fluff, delicate or the lowest heat setting. Toss in a couple of old towels if the shoes are tumbling in a mesh bag, to cushion them and absorb moisture. Avoid regular or high heat entirely.
Step 6: Dry in 20-Minute Intervals
Run the dryer for about 20 minutes, then check the shoes for heat and dampness. Repeat until dry, which often takes 40 to 60 minutes in total. If the shoes feel hot, switch to air fluff or finish by air-drying.
Step 7: Finish and Re-lace
Let the shoes cool and air out for 30 minutes, then check the toe box, which dries last. Re-lace them and reinsert the fully dry insoles. If any odor remains, sprinkle in baking soda overnight and shake it out.
How Long Does It Take To Dry Shoes?
| Method | Typical Time | Risk to Shoes |
|---|---|---|
| Dryer, low heat, hanging | 40-60 min | Low to moderate |
| Dryer, air fluff | 60-90 min | Low |
| Newspaper stuffing + fan | 4-8 hours | Very low |
| Air-drying indoors | 12-24 hours | Very low |
| Electric boot/shoe dryer | A few hours | Low |
Times vary with how wet the shoes are, the thickness of the padding and the humidity in your home.
What Are the Best Alternatives to the Dryer?
- Newspaper and a fan: Stuff shoes with crumpled newspaper and set them in front of a fan. Replace the paper every hour or two.
- Electric shoe or boot dryer: These push gentle warm air into the shoe and are safe for most materials, including leather, when used as directed.
- Rice or silica gel container: Place shoes in a sealed bin with uncooked rice or silica packets around them to pull out moisture overnight.
- Sunny, breezy spot: Fine for canvas, but avoid long direct sun on colored or leather shoes, which can fade or crack.
Safety: Never dry shoes on a radiator, space heater, fireplace or hair dryer on high. Concentrated heat can melt soles, scorch fabric and, near heaters, create a fire hazard.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Using high heat. It is the fastest way to separate soles and shrink uppers.
- Letting shoes bang loose. Tumbling shoes can dent the drum and damage the dryer.
- Drying with laces in. Laces tangle, and metal aglets can scratch the drum.
- Skipping the pre-dry. Soaking-wet shoes take far longer and spend more time exposed to heat.
How Do You Wash Shoes Before Drying?
If the shoes are muddy, brush off dry dirt first, then wash canvas sneakers in a mesh bag on a gentle cold cycle with a few towels to balance the load. Use a small amount of mild detergent and skip bleach on colored fabrics. The same gentle-cycle logic applies to other sturdy fabrics; see our guide to cleaning a tote bag.
For sticky messes on shoes or clothes, pretreat before washing so the dryer does not set the stain. Our guides on getting tree sap out of clothes and getting caulk out of clothes explain how.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the dryer shrink my shoes?
It can. High heat may shrink canvas and fabric uppers and warp foam midsoles, which changes the fit. Using air fluff or the lowest heat, hanging the shoes instead of tumbling them, and checking every 20 minutes keeps the risk low.
How do you keep shoes from banging in the dryer?
Tie the laces together, place the shoes inside the drum and close the door on the knotted laces so the shoes hang still against the door. A stationary dryer rack also works. If you tumble them, put them in a mesh bag with several towels.
Can you put Nike or other running shoes in the dryer?
Many running shoe brands, including Nike, recommend air-drying rather than machine drying, because heat can affect adhesives and foam. Check the care guidance for your specific model. If you use a dryer, choose no heat and hang the shoes.
What is the fastest way to dry shoes without a dryer?
Stuff the shoes tightly with crumpled newspaper, replace it every hour or two, and set the shoes in front of a fan. An electric shoe dryer is also fast and gentle. Most shoes dry in several hours this way.
Can you dry shoes in the dryer with towels?
Yes. Adding two or three old towels cushions shoes tumbling in a mesh bag, reduces noise and absorbs moisture. Use the lowest heat or air fluff setting and check the shoes regularly so they do not overheat.
