How to save wet shoes?

Soaked shoes are not the end of the world!

A huge puddle on the road that you absolutely did not notice? A tray full of drinks that suddenly fell from the waiter's hands right onto your shoes? A long walk in too thick socks and shoes not suited to the sunny weather?

No matter why your shoes got wet, you don't have to part with them. All you have to do is follow a few simple tips, be patient and soon you will be able to enjoy your favorite pair of shoes again. We reveal the most effective tricks thanks to which you will save your soaked shoes. To work!

How to save wet shoes?

Whether your wet shoes are suede, leather or fabric, there are a few rules to follow when drying to keep them looking good.

First, take off your shoes as soon as possible. In this way, you will not only prevent colds, but also make your shoes no longer exposed to moisture. If you've been caught in heavy rain unexpectedly, it's a good idea to put bags on your shoes. This way you will prevent any damage before you get home.

Secondly, stuff the inside of the shoe. For this purpose, you can use old newspapers rolled into balls, a paper towel or cotton socks or gloves. Thanks to this, you will be sure that your shoes will not lose their original shape after drying, and their uppers will not have unsightly bends or even cracks.

Third, avoid direct heat sources. They can cause the joints between the upper and the sole to come apart and contribute to the deformation of the shape of the shoe. Instead of supporting yourself with a hair dryer, it is better to be patient and use the proven methods that we have discussed in this article.

How to dry shoes?

To prepare your shoes for drying, remove the laces and insoles. This will speed up the whole process significantly. Before you start drying your shoes, you should thoroughly clean them of all dirt.

You will also need old newspapers to stuff the inside of the shoes to prevent deformation. However, watch out for places with colorful prints that could leave marks on delicate footwear. If your shoes are heavily soaked, newspapers will probably need to be changed several times.

Instead of newspapers, you can use ... uncooked rice, which will absorb moisture and absorb unpleasant odors.

Put the prepared shoes in a dry place, away from direct sunlight. Make sure the place you choose is well ventilated.

The most common mistakes

To help you save your wet shoes, we've rounded up some of the most common mistakes people make. This should definitely be avoided! 

Drying shoes in a tumble dryer this is usually a very bad idea. Shoes can bruise and break, and heat can cause changes in the shape of the upper. If you care about a perfect fit, don't risk it! However, if you want to find out for yourself, and the manufacturer ensures that your dryer offers this option, choose a short cycle and fill the dryer drum with towels that will reduce the bumping of shoes.

It is equally unfavorable drying shoes with a hair dryer. In this way, the glue can dissolve and the shoes become deformed. If you decide to do this anyway, make sure the airflow is cool and keep the dryer at a safe distance so as not to cause a fire! 

Under no circumstances do not use an oven or microwave. On the Internet you can find really weird ideas for drying wet shoes. Heat can damage your shoes, and bacteria accumulated on their soles and uppers can easily get to the place where you prepare food. Shocker!

Soaked suede boots. What's next?

It's no secret that suede shoes require special care. Regular cleaning and impregnation is still not enough when a huge downpour unexpectedly catches you outside. Are your suede boots soaked? Relax! We know how to fix it. 

Go home as soon as possible and take them off. Stuff the inside of the shoes with newspapers rolled into balls, which will prevent the formation of unsightly bruises and folds on the upper, and at the same time speed up the drying process. Then, brush them gently in one direction to restore the good look of the soaked material and get rid of impurities. Attention! Keep your footwear away from direct heat sources.

Once the boots are completely dry, re-seal them with a suede sealant. Ready! You can hit the road!

Learn from your mistakes

Man learns best from mistakes. When planning a walk, be sure to check the weather forecast. If rain is forecast, replace suede boots with wellies. Regularly impregnate your shoes, which will reduce the risk of damage when it suddenly rains. 

Additionally, try to prevent excessive sweating. Make sure that the inserts inside the shoe are made of natural, breathable materials. Also, use special foot antiperspirants to keep them dry.