How to dry wet shoes
Reading time: 4 min | Last updated: 11 December 2025
You check the weather before leaving the house – yes! It’s going to stay dry. Off you go. But halfway through, you realise the forecast was more fiction than fact. You’re caught in a proper downpour. Drenched! And worst of all – soaking wet shoes. Not great for your feet, we can tell you that. Luckily, there are a few smart ways to get your favourite shoes dry and back in top shape. Read on for all our best tips on how to dry wet shoes!
How to dry wet shoes
1 | Remove the insoles and laces
First things first – take your shoes apart. Remove the insoles and laces. Extra handy if your insoles are removable (like with Wolky shoes!). Wet insoles and laces tend to hold moisture and dry slowly. Taking them out means they can dry separately – and it also helps air circulate better inside your shoes.
2 | Ventilate, ventilate, ventilate!
Place your shoes in a dry, well-ventilated area. You could even use a fan to blow a gentle stream of air across them. A steady, cool breeze works best. Wet shoes can start to squeak – and squeaky shoes are nobody’s friend. Good ventilation really does help.
Reading tip: How do you get shoes to stop squeaking.
3 | Shoe trees
Find yourself getting caught in the rain regularly? It might be worth investing in cedarwood shoe trees. They absorb moisture and help combat unpleasant odours. Already dealing with smelly shoes? We’ve got tips for that too.
4 | Care for the material
Leather shoes need a little extra TLC once dry. Treat them with a nourishing shoe cream or leather conditioner to keep them soft and supple – and prevent cracks. You can read more about cleaning leather shoes here.
For suede, use a suede brush to gently remove any marks or rough spots. More on cleaning suede shoes here.
5 | Prevention is better than cure
Avoid the drama altogether by treating your shoes in advance with a water-repellent spray. This is especially useful for leather and suede, as they’re naturally more sensitive to moisture. Regular spraying helps stop water and dirt from penetrating the material in the first place.
DIY tricks to dry wet shoes (try at your own risk!)
1 | Newspaper
Good old newspaper works wonders. Stuff your shoes with scrunched-up paper to draw out the moisture. Replace it every few hours, especially early on when it gets soaked fast. Bonus: it helps your shoes hold their shape.
2 | Kitchen roll or cotton cloths
No newspaper or shoe trees handy? No problem. Try using paper towels or an old cotton cloth. Just make sure it’s colourfast so it doesn’t stain your shoes.
3 | Rice bath
Just like rice can dry out a phone, it can absorb moisture from shoes. Place your shoes in a tub of uncooked rice overnight. Not ideal for leather shoes, though – the grains might cause tiny scratches. And yes, you’ll need a lot of rice!
4 | Cat litter
Strange but true! Cat litter is incredibly absorbent. To avoid making a mess, put some into an old sock, tie it up, and pop it in your shoe overnight. It works surprisingly well!
What not to do when drying shoes
1 | Don’t put them on a radiator (or use a hairdryer!)
Tempting as it is to speed things up, don’t put your shoes directly on a heat source like a radiator or heater. It might dry them, but it can also cause leather to crack, suede to harden, and soles to warp. Patience really is a virtue here!
2 | Don’t spin-dry them
Never put your shoes in the washing machine or tumble dryer. It can ruin their shape and damage the material beyond repair.
3 | Avoid direct sunlight
Sunlight might seem like a quick fix, but it can dry out the material and cause fading. Best to keep them out of the sun and let them dry gently.
Stay in the know
- Early access to exclusive collections
- Our best offers, 2-3 times a month
Need personal advice? Don't hesitate to contact our customer service team!
Comment on this blog
Relevant blogs
Good choice!
These shoes are of excellent quality. With proper care, they'll stay beautiful for a long time – sustainable for the planet and smart for your wallet. Our maintenance tips: