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By: Andrew Forrest - December 2024
Whether you're a hiker, runner, or simply someone who enjoys outdoor activities, having a reliable boot dryer is essential for keeping your footwear dry, fresh, and ready for use.
Wet boots and shoes can lead to discomfort, unpleasant odours, and even damage to your footwear. This is where a boot dryer comes in.
Dry footwear can prevent issues like mildew, blisters, and odours, promote comfort and health for feet, and extend the life of footwear.
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Below are our top recommendations for the best boot and shoe dryers. These models are perfect for hiking boots, boots, running shoes, football boots, golf shoes, wet shoes and any socks, gloves, hats or other outdoor gear that needs to stay dry and fresh.
We have included our best electric boot dryer choices below. Before buying, make sure that they are suitable for your footwear. Some electric dryers dry footwear quite quickly, which can cause leather boots and shoes to crack if used often.
The Snowpea Electric Shoe Dryer is a versatile device designed to dry, warm, and deodorise various footwear and accessories. Equipped with a 360-degree heat distribution system, it ensures even drying through its design, featuring over 1,500 ventilation holes. The dryer offers adjustable timer settings of 3, 6, or 9 hours, allowing users to customise drying times based on their items' material and moisture level. Constructed with fire-retardant materials and a durable cable, it prioritises safety during operation. The heater is kept at 55°C to protect shoes from overheating.
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They claim this electric shoe dryer is suitable for a wide range of footwear, including cotton slippers, canvas shoes, work boots, snow boots, and sneakers. Besides drying wet shoes and boots, it is also effective for drying gloves and socks. Regarding leather footwear, which can be sensitive to rapid drying that may cause cracking, the Snowpea Electric Shoe Dryer's adjustable timer and gentle heat distribution help mitigate this risk. The leather items are dried slowly and safely by selecting appropriate timer settings, preserving their quality.
I have dried my various hiking boots, shoes, and gloves with this, and they all dried quickly, ready for use the following day. It did dry my leather boots, but I may stick to the slower moisture absorber types as I do not wear them often these days. There was a little bit of a plasticky smell for the first few uses, but that soon disappeared.
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The Renogy Boot Dryer Shoe Dryer is a versatile device designed to dry and warm various footwear and accessories effectively. Operating at a constant temperature range of 104-122°F (40-50°C), it utilises multiple air vents to ensure efficient drying. The device features an intelligent timer, allowing users to set drying times up to 99 minutes, accommodating different moisture levels and material sensitivities. Its 90° folding design enhances portability and storage convenience, making it suitable for travel and outdoor activities.
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This dryer suits a wide range of footwear, including boots, sneakers, flats, oxfords, and children's shoes. It is also effective for drying wet shoes and boots, golf shoes, football boots, gloves, hats, socks, helmets, and berets. Regarding leather footwear, which can be prone to cracking if dried too quickly, the Renogy Boot Dryer's adjustable timer and moderate heat settings help mitigate this risk by allowing for controlled, gentle drying.
I bought mine over two years ago, and it is drying as well now as it did then. They also make very good presents for a wide range of people!
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The MaxxDry Heavy Duty Boot, Shoe, and Glove Dryer is engineered to dry up to two pairs of footwear or gloves simultaneously. Utilising a combination of gentle heat and forced air, it operates at a temperature of approximately 105°F (40.5°C), ensuring safe drying without damaging materials. The device includes removable extension tubes, accommodating taller boots by directing airflow deep into the footwear. They even dried my Wellington boots. A built-in three-hour timer with automatic shut-off enhances user convenience and safety. Additionally, the dryer offers a heat on/off switch, allowing for unheated air circulation when preferred.
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They claim that this dryer is suitable for a wide range of items, including wet shoes, boots, and gloves made from leather, PVC, rubber, neoprene, canvas, synthetics, cloth, fleece, felt, and microfibers. They say its gentle heat setting makes it appropriate for drying leather footwear, as it minimises the risk of leather cracking due to excessive heat. The device's design ensures that moisture is effectively eliminated, preventing the growth of odour-causing bacteria and extending the lifespan of the items.
This one costs almost twice the price of the first two boot dryers, around £59, but if you have more items that need drying quickly and often have wet boots and shoes, this is worth it as you can dry two pairs at once. They claim it can dry up to four items using the heated air and fan in about an hour. Whilst my very wet, non-waterproof hiking boots and gloves didn't dry in the hour claimed, they were comfortably dry within two hours. The extra drying prongs also allowed my gloves to be dried simultaneously as my boots or two pairs of gloves at once.
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In the old days, I used to stuff old newspapers inside my boots and shoes when they were wet. The paper slowly absorbed the water from the boot. After a few changes of paper and a long wait, the boot was dry.
Things have moved on a little now with moisture-absorbing boot dryers. These dryers are eco-friendly and energy-efficient, using desiccants like silica gel or activated charcoal to absorb moisture without electricity. I find them ideal for delicate footwear like leather boots, where they avoid heat damage. Though slower than electric models, they are silent, portable, and perfect for use in power-free areas.
Boot Bananas Active Mineral Moisture Absorbers are eco-friendly, reusable inserts designed to dry and deodorise footwear without needing electricity or heat. Filled with highly absorbent silica minerals, they effectively extract moisture from boots and shoes, making them suitable for various types of footwear, including leather boots. They also prevent potential heat damage and cracking associated with traditional drying methods.
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These moisture absorbers are particularly beneficial for drying sports shoes, hiking boots, and everyday footwear. Their gentle, heat-free drying process ensures that delicate materials, such as leather, remain undamaged, preserving the integrity and extending the lifespan of the footwear. Additionally, their portability and ease of use make them convenient for travel and outdoor activities where electric drying options are unavailable.
I've used these now for quite a few years. I originally bought a pair as a gift, as I thought they were a bit of a novelty at the time in that they looked just like bananas. I've used these numerous times over the last few years - mainly in summer when my boots are more damp than wet. They claim they dry footwear that isn't soaked in as little as 4-6 hours. When my footwear is very wet, it does take longer than that, but they are usually dry if I leave them overnight.
If your footwear is very wet, I recommend just standing them upside down for about 30 minutes to let any standing water drain out and then removing and drying the insoles separately. Like reusable hand warmers, they do need to be regenerated. You can dry them on a radiator or put them in a very low oven, less than 110°C, for 1 to 2 hours. This fully regenerates them. Remember to pack them back in the airtight bag so they are ready for your next use.
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If you like having 'bananas' in your boots, they also sell a cheaper 'banana' that is just a
shoe deodoriser.
Boot dryers are designed to dry wet shoes, boots, and gloves quickly and efficiently. They are a convenient and hygienic way to dry footwear, especially during wet weather. Boot dryers use advanced technology to circulate warm air and evaporate moisture, leaving your footwear dry and comfortable. Besides hiking boots and shoes, they can be used to dry a wide range of outdoor footwear, including running shoes, golf shoes and football boots.
Whether dealing with soaked snow boots, trainers, or everyday shoes, a boot dryer ensures your gear is ready for the next adventure. These devices are suitable for various types of footwear, making them a versatile addition to any household. By keeping your boots and gloves warm and dry, boot dryers help maintain the integrity and comfort of your gear.
Electric boot dryer and moisture-absorbing boot dryers
Personally, I use a mixture of boot dryers. I use an electric boot dryer for most of my synthetic boots, fell shoes and training shoes, and a moisture-absorbing one for my leather boots and shoes, where drying too quickly with an electric shoe dryer could crack the leather.
If I can, I prefer my boots to dry a little more naturally outside in the fresh air, but this only really works on warmer spring and autumn days and in the summer - when it isn't raining! Otherwise, if I want my boots to be dry for the next day, I use a boot dryer.
If the boots or shoes are dirty and covered in mud or need reproofing, ensure that they are done before drying. If you are unsure how to do that, check out our guide on cleaning, drying, and caring for your hiking boots.
Choosing the right boot dryer, including shoe dryers, is essential for preserving your footwear's condition. Boot dryers effectively dry wet shoes quickly to prevent issues like athlete's foot and fungal development. There are several types of boot dryers, each suited to different needs. Below, we break down the most common types of boot dryers and their unique benefits.
Electric boot dryers are popular for drying wet shoes and boots quickly and efficiently. These dryers use heat and airflow to evaporate moisture from the boots, ensuring they are dry and comfortable for your next use. They are especially effective for drying heavy-duty footwear like hiking boots, ski boots, and running shoes.
Gloves being dried on an electric boot dryer
Many electric boot dryers feature fans that help circulate the warm air, speeding up the drying process. These dryers can often handle multiple pairs of boots at once, making them ideal for families or outdoor enthusiasts who need to dry several pieces of gear. The convenience and speed offered by electric shoe dryers are particularly beneficial for hikers and others whose footwear often gets wet.
Hiking boots on an electric boot dryer
Moisture-absorbing boot dryers offer a more eco-friendly and energy-efficient option for drying boots. These dryers don't require electricity; instead, they rely on desiccants such as silica gel or activated charcoal to absorb moisture from the boots, leaving them dry without heat.
Boot Banana moisture absorbers in a pair of hiking boots
These dryers are especially useful for drying delicate footwear like leather boots, as they don't use heat that could potentially damage the material. While they take longer to dry boots than electric models, they are silent, portable, and can be used in areas without power.
Combination boot dryers combine heat and moisture-absorbing elements, providing a versatile drying solution. These dryers allow you to choose between drying methods based on your needs—use the heat function for quicker drying after hiking or skiing or use the moisture-absorbing feature for delicate boots that need a gentler drying process.
Combination boot dryers use both heated air and desiccant materials. The heating element dries boots quickly, while the desiccants absorb moisture for a slower, gentler drying process that is safe for more sensitive materials.
When selecting a boot dryer, consider the following features to ensure you get the best performance:
Countdown timer on the Renogy Electric Boot Dryer
Running shoes drying on an electric boot dryer
Here are some tips for using a boot dryer effectively:
Choosing the best boot dryer for your needs depends on your footwear, drying needs, and budget. Electric dryers are ideal for quick, efficient drying of hiking boots, running shoes, and gloves, offering features like timers and adjustable heat settings. However, they all may not suit delicate materials like leather.
Moisture-absorbing dryers provide a gentle, eco-friendly solution for sensitive footwear that avoids heat damage. They are also a great option for preserving leather and other delicate materials. With options to suit all needs, a reliable boot dryer ensures your footwear stays dry, fresh, and ready for your next adventure.
December 2024
