Wet tennis shoes are more than uncomfortable: staying damp can leave them smelly, weaken adhesives over time, and make them feel heavy for your next session. The safest way to dry them is usually simple—take them apart, absorb the moisture, and let air circulate without blasting them with heat.
Whether your shoes got soaked in the rain or are sweaty after a long match, these tennis shoe drying methods can help them dry faster while protecting the cushioning, upper, and outsole. A few inexpensive tools can make the routine easier, too.
Start by Preparing Your Tennis Shoes
Before choosing a drying method, remove the insoles and loosen or take out the laces. This opens up the shoe and lets air reach damp areas around the tongue and footbed. Wipe off mud or court grit with a cloth, especially around the outsole, so dirt does not dry onto the shoe.
If the shoes are dripping wet, press them gently with a towel first. Don’t twist or wring them; that can distort the upper and put stress on seams. Then dry the insoles separately. Check the care instructions if your shoes have special materials or removable parts.
Effective Tennis Shoe Drying Methods
1. Air-dry them with good airflow
For routine post-match sweat or light rain, air-drying is a safe first choice. Place the shoes in a dry, ventilated room, away from direct sunlight and heat. Set them on their sides or with the openings facing a fan so air can move through the interior. Leave space between the shoes and turn them over once if one side is staying damp.
Air-drying can take several hours or overnight, depending on how wet the shoes are and how humid the room is. A fan speeds up evaporation without adding heat. Avoid leaving shoes in a closed gym bag, where moisture and odor can linger.
2. Use paper to absorb moisture
Loosely crumpled, unprinted paper can pull moisture from inside a wet shoe. Fill the toe and midfoot without packing the paper tightly, which would block airflow. Replace it when it feels damp. Newspaper may work, but choose plain pages if you are concerned about ink transferring to light-colored linings.
This method is handy after a rainy walk to the courts. It works best alongside room-temperature airflow, not as a substitute for it. Don’t leave paper stuffed in the shoes once it is saturated.
3. Dry the parts separately
Insoles often hold sweat and water, so leaving them inside can slow the whole process. Set them flat in a ventilated spot, and hang laces loosely or lay them on a towel. Keep all parts out of direct sun and away from heaters. Once everything is fully dry, put the shoes back together before your next practice.
4. Use a purpose-built shoe dryer
A shoe dryer can be useful if you play often, live in a damp climate, or need shoes ready sooner. Choose a model intended for footwear and follow its instructions. A gentle, low-temperature setting is safer for most tennis shoes than intense heat. If the dryer has a timer, start with the shortest recommended cycle and check the shoes before running it again.
Use dryers cautiously with shoes that have delicate materials, unusual construction, or manufacturer warnings against heat. Even a dryer made for boots may be too warm for a particular tennis shoe.
Drying Gear Worth Considering
| Item | Best use | Pros | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microfiber towel | Blotting rain or sweat from the upper and lining | Reusable, quick to use, and useful in a tennis bag | Removes surface water but won’t dry the inside by itself |
| Plain absorbent paper | Drawing moisture from the toe and footbed | Low-cost and easy to replace | Needs frequent changing when shoes are very wet |
| Room fan | Improving airflow during overnight drying | Moves air without applying direct heat | Requires a ventilated place and some time |
| Cedar shoe trees | Helping manage odor and maintain shape after shoes are mostly dry | Reusable and easy to store | Not a fast-drying tool; don’t use them to force a fit in wet shoes |
| PEET Original Shoe Dryer | Regular drying at home with a purpose-built appliance | Designed for footwear and uses a gentle drying approach | Takes more time than some fan-powered models; check compatibility with your shoes |
| DryGuy Force Dry DX | People who want a powered dryer with airflow | Offers a faster option than passive air-drying, depending on conditions | Costs more than household methods; use only the settings allowed by the shoe maker |
For most players, a microfiber towel and a fan are enough for everyday sweat. If you often finish a match with soaked shoes, a purpose-built dryer may be worth the space and cost. Cedar shoe trees are better for shape and odor management once the shoes are dry, not for drying a saturated pair.
Drying Methods to Avoid
- Radiators, space heaters, and heat vents: concentrated heat can affect adhesives, foam, and synthetic uppers.
- Clothes dryers: tumbling and high heat can damage the shoe’s shape and construction.
- Hair dryers on hot settings: close, direct heat can create hot spots. If you use one at all, choose cool air and keep it moving.
- Direct sunlight for hours: strong sun can fade or age some materials and may heat the shoe unevenly.
- Putting damp shoes straight into a bag: trapped moisture slows drying and encourages odor.
When a pair is soaked, plan ahead rather than trying to force it dry before the next match. Rotating between two pairs is a practical option for frequent players: one pair can air out while the other is on court.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do tennis shoes take to air-dry?
Lightly sweaty shoes may dry overnight in a well-ventilated room. Shoes soaked by rain can take longer, especially in humid conditions. Remove the insoles, blot the inside, and check that the toe area is dry before wearing them again.
Can I put tennis shoes in the dryer?
It’s best to avoid a clothes dryer. Heat and tumbling can damage the shoe’s shape, cushioning, or adhesives. Use room-temperature airflow or a footwear dryer that follows the shoe manufacturer’s care guidance.
Should I use newspaper inside wet shoes?
Yes, plain absorbent paper can help draw moisture out. Loosely fill the shoes and replace the paper when it becomes damp. Don’t pack it tightly, and use unprinted paper if you want to avoid possible ink marks.
How can I stop tennis shoes from smelling after drying?
Let the shoes and insoles dry fully between sessions, and avoid storing them in a closed bag while damp. Wash or replace removable insoles when needed, following their care instructions. Cedar shoe trees may help manage odor after drying, but they do not replace cleaning.
Final Thoughts
The safest tennis shoe drying routine is straightforward: blot away excess water, remove the insoles and laces, and let the shoes dry with steady airflow. Paper can speed moisture removal, while a fan or purpose-built shoe dryer can help when time is short. Keep intense heat away from your court shoes, and give them enough time to dry before the next match.
