Soaked boots at the end of a shift are a problem when you need them again at 6 a.m. The quick fixes most people reach for, like the heater, the fireplace or the dashboard vent, are the ones most likely to wreck them. Here is how to get boots dry overnight without cracking leather or softening glue.
Key points
- Remove insoles and laces and open the boot up.
- Use absorbent stuffing or a low-heat boot dryer.
- Keep boots away from direct heat and direct sun.
- Condition leather once it’s dry.
Why direct heat ruins boots
Leather is skin, and it holds natural oils and moisture. High heat drives water out too fast and takes the oils with it. The leather shrinks, stiffens and cracks along flex lines. Heat can also soften the adhesives in cement-construction boots, loosen the sole, and warp polyurethane midsoles or plastic heel counters.
The overnight method
- Rinse off mud and salt. Wet dirt dries into the leather. Wipe boots down with clean water first.
- Take out insoles and laces. Dry insoles separately. They hold a lot of water.
- Open the boot wide. Pull the tongue forward so air can move.
- Stuff with newspaper or paper towels. Pack it in loosely, all the way into the toe. Replace it after an hour or two, and again before bed.
- Put boots in a warm, airy room, at room temperature and off the floor if possible. A fan blowing across the room speeds things up without heat.
- Stand them upright or tilted so water can drain from the toe.
Tip: a cedar boot tree helps shape and dry the boot once most of the water is out, and it absorbs odour. Put it in after the newspaper stage.
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Using a boot dryer
A boot dryer pushes gentle warm or room-temperature air into the boot through tubes or pegs. Most models dry a pair overnight. Look for:
- Low or ambient heat settings suitable for leather
- Tall tubes for 8-inch and taller boots
- A timer, so boots aren’t dried for longer than needed
Follow the boot manufacturer’s advice. Some specifically recommend against heated dryers for certain leathers or membranes.
Compare boot dryers on AmazonWhat not to do
- Don’t use radiators, space heaters, fireplaces, wood stoves or car heaters.
- Don’t use a clothes dryer, oven or microwave.
- Don’t use a hair dryer on high heat.
- Don’t leave boots in direct sun.
- Don’t wear boots wet day after day. Leather stays weak while it’s wet, and damp boots breed bacteria and fungus.
After they’re dry
Water leaches oils out of leather, so feel the uppers once they’re dry. If they’re stiff, pale or rough, apply a thin coat of conditioner (see our cleaning guide). If they soaked through easily, re-treat them before your next wet shift.
Preventing soakings
- Keep a second pair and rotate them in wet seasons so each pair gets a full day to dry.
- Wear boots tall enough for the conditions, or add gaiters.
- Keep treatments up to date so water beads off.
- Wear merino socks. They stay warm when damp and dry faster than cotton.
Frequently asked questions
Can I dry work boots by the fire or on a radiator?
No. High direct heat dries leather too fast, causing shrinking and cracking, and can soften the adhesives that hold the sole. Dry at room temperature or with a low-heat boot dryer.
How long do wet work boots take to dry?
With insoles out and newspaper or a boot dryer, most boots dry overnight in 8 to 12 hours. Fully soaked insulated boots can take 24 hours or more without a dryer.
Are boot dryers safe for leather?
Low-heat or ambient-air boot dryers are designed for leather and are generally safe. Avoid high-heat settings and follow the boot manufacturer's guidance.