How To · Fashion · Grooming Basics
How to Dry and Deodorize Wet Shoes Without Ruining Them
Wet shoes are a breeding ground for bacteria and funk. The key is speed, airflow, and strategic deodorizing—not heat.
5 min read · IrisWet shoes aren't just uncomfortable—they're a petri dish. Moisture traps bacteria and fungi, which means the smell gets worse the longer you wait. The good news: you don't need expensive shoe dryers or heat guns. You need patience, paper, and air.
Whether your shoes took a soaking from rain, a puddle, or sweat, the drying and deodorizing process is the same. Start immediately, use the right materials, and resist the urge to speed things up with direct heat. Your shoes—and your nose—will thank you.
Heat is the enemy. High temperatures warp leather, shrink fabric, and can permanently damage shoe structure. Slow and steady wins.
What you'll need.
- 01Newspaper
- 02Baking soda
- 03Activated charcoal packets (optional)
- 04White vinegar (optional)
- 05Fan (optional)
- 06Towel
Step one · 2 minutes
Remove insoles and open everything up
Take out the insoles immediately and set them aside to dry separately. Open the shoe's tongue fully and unlace it completely. If your shoes have a removable heel cup or padding, pull that out too. The goal is maximum air exposure inside the shoe. Don't skip this step—trapped moisture is what creates odor.
If insoles are soaked, rinse them under cool water to remove salt and sweat residue before drying.
Step two · 3 minutes
Stuff with newspaper (change every 2–3 hours)
Crumple newspaper loosely and pack it inside both shoes. Don't compress it too tightly—you want air to circulate. The paper will absorb moisture from the inside out. Replace the newspaper every 2–3 hours for the first 8–12 hours. This is the most critical phase. Each fresh batch of paper pulls more water out of the shoe material.
Black-and-white newspaper works best. Colored ink can sometimes transfer onto light-colored shoe interiors.
Step three · 1 minute
Place in a cool, dry, well-ventilated space
Set your shoes in a room with good airflow—near a window, in a hallway, or in front of a fan. Avoid direct sunlight, radiators, or heat vents. Room temperature is ideal. A basement, closet, or shaded porch works well. The combination of air circulation and time does the heavy lifting here.
A fan pointing at (not directly on) your shoes speeds up evaporation without applying heat.
Step four · 2 minutes (repeated)
Deodorize with baking soda or activated charcoal
Once the shoes are mostly dry (after 12–18 hours), sprinkle baking soda generously inside both shoes. Alternatively, use activated charcoal packets or crumpled newspaper soaked in white vinegar. Baking soda is the cheapest and most effective option. Let it sit for 4–8 hours, then shake out the excess. If odor persists, repeat the process.
For stubborn smells, mix baking soda with a few drops of essential oil (lavender or tea tree) before applying.
Step five · 1 minute
Dry insoles separately and replace
Insoles need their own drying time. Stuff them with newspaper too, or lay them flat on a towel in a warm room. Once fully dry (24–36 hours), return them to the shoes. If insoles smell after drying, sprinkle baking soda on them and let it sit overnight before wearing.
If insoles are permanently stained or smelly, this is a good time to replace them with fresh ones.
Step six · 0 minutes
Prevent future moisture buildup
Once your shoes are dry and deodorized, keep them fresh by airing them out after wear. If they get damp from sweat or light rain, stuff them with newspaper and leave them in an open space overnight. Store shoes in a cool, dry place with good ventilation. Cedar shoe trees or activated charcoal packets in the closet help prevent odor from returning.
Rotate your shoes. Wearing the same pair every day doesn't give them time to dry completely between wears.
How to know it works.
Your shoes should smell neutral or faintly fresh, not sour or musty. The material should feel dry to the touch, and the insoles should sit flat without any dampness. If you catch even a hint of funk, repeat the baking soda treatment.
Questions at the mirror.
Can I use a hair dryer or heat gun to speed things up?
No. Direct heat damages shoe materials, shrinks fabric, warps leather, and can melt adhesives. It also drives moisture deeper into the shoe. Stick with air drying.
What if the smell comes back after a few days?
Bacteria may still be present. Repeat the baking soda treatment, or try white vinegar-soaked newspaper inside the shoes for 8 hours. If the problem persists, the insoles may be permanently compromised and need replacement.
Is it safe to wear shoes that are still slightly damp?
No. Damp shoes create the perfect environment for fungal infections and blisters. Wait until shoes are completely dry before wearing them again.
How long does the whole process take?
Typically 24–36 hours for full drying and deodorizing. The first 12 hours are most critical for moisture removal. Patience pays off.