Should I Put My Shoes In The Dryer?

When It Makes Sense

• Good fit: When you have sturdy, heat‑tolerant shoes such as canvas sneakers, athletic trainers, or non‑leather work boots that are specifically labeled as dryer‑safe, a short tumble on low heat can restore comfort quickly after a rainy run.
• Good fit: When you need a rapid solution for a single pair of shoes that will be worn again the same day—such as running shoes after a misty morning—using a dryer with a low‑temperature or air‑only cycle reduces the risk of mold and odour while preserving performance.

When You Should Avoid It

• Warning sign: Shoes made of leather, suede, delicate fabrics, or with glued components (e.g., dress shoes, high‑heeled shoes, or some hiking boots) can become warped, the glue may melt, and the material can crack when exposed to heat.
• Warning sign: If your dryer lacks a “tumble‑dry low” or “air fluff” setting, or if you cannot add a protective dryer bag, the risk of heat damage and noisy banging increases, making the method unsuitable.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Speed: A dryer can reduce drying time from many hours to under an hour, which is useful when you need footwear ready for the next activity.
• Convenience: No need to set up a separate drying rack or use active heat sources; the dryer is often already in use, consolidating chores.

Cons

• Potential damage: Excess heat can shrink, warp, or separate adhesives, especially in shoes with synthetic glue, foam, or leather uppers.
• Noise and abrasion: Shoes can clatter against the dryer drum, potentially damaging both the dryer’s interior and the shoe’s structure.

Decision Checklist

• Is the shoe’s material listed as dryer‑safe by the manufacturer?
• Can you use a low‑heat or air‑only cycle, and do you have a mesh laundry bag to protect the shoes?
• Do you have an alternative method (e.g., newspaper stuffing, fan) that would take longer but pose less risk?

Alternatives to Consider

For shoes that are not dryer‑safe, try these lower‑risk options: stuff the interior with crumpled newspaper or paper towels to absorb moisture, place the shoes near (but not directly on) a fan or a gentle heat source, use a dedicated shoe dryer or a boot dryer rack, or simply allow them to air‑dry in a well‑ventilated area. These methods take longer but preserve the shoe’s shape and integrity.

Final Recommendation

If your shoes are made of canvas, nylon, or other heat‑tolerant synthetics and you can set the dryer to a low‑heat or air‑only cycle, putting them in the dryer for a short period is generally acceptable. For leather, suede, glued components, or any shoe without a clear dryer‑safe label, avoid the dryer and use a gentler drying method. When in doubt, consult the shoe manufacturer’s care instructions or seek advice from a cobbler to prevent costly damage.