How To Dry Wet Hiking Boots? 6 Best Methods

Have you ever been on a hiking trip and suddenly got caught in the rain and your boots wet? The wet hiking boots can be uncomfortable and even dangerous, as they may cause blisters or slips on slippery trails. 

So how to dry out wet hiking boots without damaging them? The answer is simple. You can dry your hiking boots using a boot dryer. A boot dryer is a tool which dries out your shoes thoroughly and quickly. Not only does it prevent discomfort on future hikes, but it also helps extend the life of your footwear by preventing mould and bacteria growth.

Further, we’ll explore the most effective ways of how to dry wet hiking boots to ensure they’re ready for your next adventure.

How To Dry Wet Hiking Boots? 6 Best Methods

Hiking boots can get wet during hikes or outdoor activities like camping and fishing. Wet boots make the trail difficult to navigate and lead to discomfort and blisters on your feet. Drying your hiking boots properly is important to prevent damage and odours that may result from moisture.

Fortunately, there are several ways to dry wet hiking boots quickly and effectively.

Use A Kitchen Roll or Newspaper

One of the easiest ways to dry wet hiking boots is by using newspaper or a kitchen roll. The newspaper helps absorb excess moisture inside the shoe and keeps its shape while drying out. Let’s do it in easy steps. 

• Remove any dirt or debris from the outside of your shoes.
• Remove the insoles and laces from your shoes.
• Stuff them with either crumpled newspaper or a kitchen roll until they are full.
• Ensure you change the newspaper every few hours until your shoes are completely dry.
• Leave the shoes in a cool, dry place overnight for best results.

Use A Boot Dryer

If you are an avid hiker, have a good investment, and are worried about how to dry wet hiking boots, then you must try my favourite method. I highly recommend to you Buy a boot dryer.

A boot dryer is an electric device that uses gentle heat and air circulation to dry your boots quickly and effectively. These devices come in different shapes and sizes, from portable models you can take on your hikes to larger units designed for home use. Some models even have additional features like built-in UV lights to kill bacteria that cause odours.

To use a boot dryer, remove any excess water from your boots using a towel or paper towel before placing each boot onto the device’s heating tubes.

Then insert each boot onto the attachment points on the device and turn it on for several hours until all moisture has been removed.

Use A Towel

One of the simplest and most effective ways to dry wet hiking boots is with a towel.

Remove any excess water from the outside of your boots by wringing them out or using a second towel. Next, stuff each boot with crumpled newspaper or paper towels to help absorb moisture from the inside. Then wrap a clean towel around each boot and gently press down, allowing the towel to soak up more water. 

Leave the towels wrapped around your boots for several hours or overnight in a well-ventilated area for the best results, away from direct sunlight or heat sources such as heaters or fireplaces.

Use a Table Fan

You can dry your wet hiking boots by using a table fan. This is such an easy and safe method. First, remove the laces and any loose debris from the shoes. Then Place your shoes on a flat surface close enough to a table fan so that air can circulate them. Please turn on the table fan and set it on high speed. If you need to wear them on the next day, then allow fans all over the night.  

Use Rice

Rice is one of the most effective ways to dry wet hiking boots. You only need to pour some uncooked rice into the boots and let them sit for several hours or overnight. The rice will absorb the boots’ moisture, leaving them dry and ready for your next adventure.

Remove the insoles and loosen the laces as much as possible to allow airflow through the boots.

Place your stuffed boots in an airy environment away from direct heat sources such as radiators or fireplaces.

Stuff each boot with uncooked rice until it’s full.

Rice has excellent moisture-absorbing properties, which will help to dry out your boots quickly. Ideally, they should be placed where there’s plenty of circulating air. 

Use a Hairdryer

You can use a hair dryer to wet your hiking boots. It is an effective method. But Avoiding overheating certain materials like leather or synthetic fabrics is essential as they can melt or warp under high heat. Keep an eye on how hot your hair dryer is getting and adjust as necessary.

Remove any excess water from the boots using a towel or cloth. This will help speed up the drying process. Next, set your hairdryer to medium heat and blow hot air into the boot from about 6 inches away. Move the dryer around inside the boot so that all areas receive equal amounts of heat.

Tips for Expedited Drying

When time is of the essence, you may need to employ additional techniques to expedite the drying process. Here are some tips to help you dry your wet hiking boots faster:

1. Utilizing External Heat Sources: Place your boots near a gentle heat source like a fan or a dehumidifier. However, ensure the heat source is not too hot or direct, which can cause damage.
2. Employing Moisture-Absorbing Materials: Besides the above methods, you can use moisture-absorbing materials like baking soda or cat litter. Place a small amount inside a sock or cloth bag and insert it into the boots. These materials are known for their moisture-wicking properties and can help speed up the drying process.
3. Rotating Between Multiple Pairs of Boots: If you have multiple pairs of hiking boots, alternate between them. This allows one pair to dry completely while you wear the dry ones, ensuring you always have dry boots available for your outdoor adventures.
4. Special Considerations for Leather Boots: If you have leather hiking boots, it’s essential to take extra care when drying them. Leather requires specific maintenance to prevent damage. Here are some considerations for drying leather hiking boots:

• Clean the boots with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or debris.
• Stuff the boots with newspaper or paper towels to help absorb moisture.
• Avoid placing leather boots near direct heat sources, which can cause the leather to crack or shrink. Opt for gentle drying methods like air drying or using a boot dryer specifically designed for leather.

Storing and Maintaining Of Dry Hiking Boots

Once you’ve successfully dried your hiking boots, proper storage and maintenance are essential to keep them in good condition and ready for your next adventure. Here are some tips for storing and maintaining dry boots:

Proper Storage Conditions:

1. Store your dry boots in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area.
2. Avoid areas with high humidity or extreme temperatures, as they can damage the boots.
3. Keep them away from direct sunlight, which can cause fading or drying out of the materials.

Regular Inspections for Mold and Mildew:

1. Periodically inspect your stored boots for any signs of mould or mildew growth.
2. If you notice any, clean the affected area immediately using a mild solution of water and vinegar.
3. Allow the boots to dry thoroughly before storing them again.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure the best care for your hiking boots, it’s crucial to avoid common mistakes that can hinder the drying process or cause further damage. Keep the following points in mind:

1. Avoiding Heat Sources: While it may be tempting to expedite the drying process using direct heat sources like radiators or heaters, excessive heat can warp or damage the boots. Stick to gentle drying methods like air drying or using a boot dryer.
2. Not Removing Insoles or Laces: Take out the insoles and loosen the laces before drying your boots. This allows better airflow, accelerates drying, and prevents the growth of bacteria and odours.
3. Ignoring Signs of Damage or Wear: Use the opportunity of drying your wet boots to inspect them for any signs of damage or wear. Check for cracks, tears, or worn-out soles. Addressing these issues promptly can prevent further damage and ensure the longevity of your boots.

Conclusion

It is important to know how to dry wet hiking boots to maintain their quality and ensure they are comfortable to wear on future hikes. Whether you choose to air dry them or use a drying method such as stuffing them with newspaper or using a boot dryer, taking the time and effort to dry your boots correctly will pay off in the long run. Remember to avoid direct heat sources and be patient, as drying may take several hours. By following these tips, you can prolong the life of your hiking boots and continue to enjoy the great outdoors comfortably and safely.

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