Drying your wet shoes wrong? How improper drying can ruin your favorite footwear
The sun or a heater can be a popular choice for drying shoes, but many are unaware that these methods can permanently deform our beloved sneakers. Heat and sunlight react with the water trapped in the fabric, causing it to puff up and soften. This makes the shoes unwieldy, inviting creases to form. Want to avoid this? Consider learning the correct ways to dry your shoes.
3:15 PM EST, January 10, 2024
How not to dry wet shoes
We all have that favorite pair of shoes, perfect for long distances. When they get wet, proper drying is crucial for their longevity. Forcing the natural drying process can have destructive consequences for our footwear.
Exposing sneakers to the sun might cause them to shrink or change shape. Consequently, the once-perfect fit could become a source of discomfort, potentially leading to posture issues.
Additionally, be mindful of the glue bonding the sole to the shoe. Exposure to high heat can melt this adhesive, rendering your shoes useless. Surely, no one would want to quite literally step into hole-ridden shoes. So, before you reach for a hairdryer or decide to leave your shoes under the sun, consider whether it's worth the risk. After all, there are safer options available.
What's the proper way to dry shoes?
The easiest way to wick away moisture trapped within the shoe material is to insert paper towels into your shoes. As excellent absorbers of moisture, they protect your shoes from deformation effectively. It's optimal to place them in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight and heaters.
The method varies slightly for winter boots, which often have extra insulation. These boots can deform quickly. Hence, it’s advisable to stick wooden shoe trees in them. Shoe trees help maintain the shoe’s original shape while soaking up most moisture. Paper towels or newspapers will suffice in the absence of shoe trees, provided you use enough to maintain the shoe's proper shape.
