How to dry wet work boots

Why heat is a mistake on leather boots

Leather contains oils that keep it flexible. Drying it quickly with high heat drives those oils out and can shrink, harden and crack the leather, especially at flex points such as the toe crease. Heat can also weaken the adhesives in cemented boots, which can lead to the sole separating. Synthetic parts, foam midsoles and some waterproof liners can also be damaged by high heat.

Placing boots right next to a wood stove, on a radiator, in front of a space heater, in a clothes dryer or under a hair dryer on high are the usual culprits. Slow drying at room temperature with good airflow is gentler and works for most boots overnight or within a day or two.

Note.Do not dry boots in an oven, microwave or clothes dryer, or directly against a heater or fire. Besides damaging the boot, it can be a fire risk.

How to air dry work boots step by step

1. 1

   Knock off mud and rinse off any salt or chemicals with a damp cloth.

2. 2

   Remove the insoles and dry them separately.

3. 3

   Loosen the laces fully or take them out, and pull the tongue forward to open the boot.

4. 4

   Stuff the boots loosely with newspaper, paper towels or a cotton cloth, all the way into the toe.

5. 5

   Replace the paper every hour or two at first, then less often as it stops getting soaked.

6. 6

   Stand the boots upright or tilted with the openings up, at room temperature, with a fan blowing nearby if possible.

7. 7

   Once dry to the touch, let them sit a few more hours to dry inside the toe and under the footbed.

8. 8

   Condition the leather with a product suited to it. See how to clean work boots.

Using a boot dryer

Boot dryers circulate air through the boot, sometimes with gentle warmth. Low-heat or no-heat models are designed for footwear and are much gentler than a heater. They are useful if you wear the same boots every day or work in wet conditions most of the time.

Use the lowest effective setting, follow the dryer maker's instructions, and still remove the insoles. Check the boot maker's care guidance too, since some recommend air drying only for certain leathers or liners.

How to dry steel toe boots

Steel toe boots dry the same way, but the toe area takes longest because the cap blocks airflow and lining fabric is trapped around it. Push paper all the way into the toe and replace it more often. A boot dryer that reaches into the toe helps. Metal caps can also feel cold and damp if the lining stays wet, which is uncomfortable in winter.

If a steel toe boot gets soaked often, rust can affect metal parts over time, though caps are usually coated and sealed inside the boot. Drying fully between wears is the best prevention. If your boots are always wet, consider a waterproof work boot or a composite toe boot.

Drying waterproof and insulated boots

Waterproof boots are usually wet from the inside, from sweat, or from water coming over the top. The membrane keeps water in as well as out, so they can take longer to dry. Remove insoles, open them wide and use paper or a low-heat dryer. If they get wet inside every time it rains, see waterproof work boots leaking.

Insulated boots hold moisture in the insulation. Give them extra time and do not wear them damp into the cold, since wet insulation keeps you less warm. A second pair to rotate is the simplest fix if you work in snow. See insulated work boots.

After drying: protect the leather

• Apply a conditioner or oil suited to the leather once it is dry, focusing on creases.
• Reapply a waterproofing treatment if the leather no longer beads water. See how to waterproof leather work boots.
• Check for white salt stains and wipe them with a damp cloth before conditioning.
• Look for cracks, sole separation or stitching damage that wet conditions can reveal. See work boot sole separating.

Frequently asked questions

How do I dry work boots overnight? Remove insoles and laces, stuff with newspaper, replace the paper before bed, and leave them in a warm room with a fan or on a low-heat boot dryer.

Can I put work boots in the dryer? No. The heat and tumbling can damage leather, adhesives, membranes and the dryer itself.

Is it bad to wear wet work boots? Wearing them wet often softens the skin and raises the risk of blisters and fungal problems. Rotate two pairs if your boots are often wet.

Why do my boots smell after drying? Moisture lets bacteria grow. Dry them fully each time, wash or replace insoles, and let them air out between wears.