Quick Answer
Remove the insoles and laces, brush off mud, stuff the boots loosely with paper or similar absorbent material, and let them dry at room temperature in a ventilated spot, ideally with some gentle airflow. Avoid strong heat. Direct heat can stiffen or crack leather, weaken adhesives and distort the sole, which is why most boot makers recommend slow drying.
Why Heat Is a Problem
Hiking boots combine leather or fabric, foam midsoles, rubber outsoles and glue. Strong heat from a radiator, campfire or hair dryer can dry leather too fast, leaving it stiff and prone to cracking, and can weaken the bonds that hold the sole on. Check your boot manufacturer’s care instructions, as materials vary.
Step-by-Step: How to Dry Hiking Boots
- Knock off the mud. Brush or rinse off dirt. A muddy boot holds water longer, and dirt can wear the material.
- Take out the insoles and dry them separately.
- Loosen or remove the laces and pull the tongue forward so the inside is open to air.
- Shake out loose water and blot the inside and outside with a towel.
- Stuff with absorbent material. Crumpled newspaper or paper towels are common choices. Pack them loosely rather than jamming them in, and swap them for dry ones after the first hour or two while the boots are very wet.
- Place in a ventilated room at normal room temperature, out of direct sun and away from heaters.
- Add gentle airflow if you like. A small fan pointed at the opening speeds things up without heat.
- Check inside by hand before wearing them. Pay attention to the toe area and the seams.
Drying Boots Overnight and Faster
Fully drying a soaked boot overnight is not always realistic, particularly with waterproof-lined or heavy leather boots. Things that help:
- Start as soon as you can after the hike
- Change the paper a few times
- Use a fan, or a low-heat boot dryer designed for footwear
- Wear dry socks the next day (see are wool socks good for hiking) and keep a spare pair
A designated low-temperature boot dryer is generally a safer option than improvised heat, but follow its instructions.
Can You Put Hiking Boots in the Dryer?
It is generally best not to. The heat and tumbling can shrink or warp materials and weaken glue. Most boot makers advise against it. If you are tempted because of a tight schedule, the fan method above is a better compromise.
How Long Does It Take?
It varies widely with the boot, how wet it is, and room conditions. Lightweight fabric boots may dry in a day, while thick leather boots with waterproof liners can take a couple of days. Avoid judging by the outside alone; the inside and the footbed take longest.
Leather, Fabric and Waterproof-Lined Boots
- Leather: is most sensitive to heat. Dry slowly, and condition it afterwards if the maker recommends it.
- Fabric or mesh: dries faster, but still avoid direct heat that could damage glue.
- Waterproof membranes: once water gets in over the cuff, the liner can slow drying, so allow extra time (more in our waterproof hiking boots review).
Drying on a Multi-Day Trip
- Take off boots and socks at camp, pull out the insoles and loosen the laces.
- Put them in the sun and breeze if possible, not next to a campfire, or in the vestibule of your tent (see easiest backpacking tents to set up if you are choosing a tent).
- Stuff with a spare dry sock or a bit of dry clothing only if you can spare it.
- Sleep with wet socks in your sleeping bag only as a last resort; carry a dry pair for sleeping if you can.
After Drying
Once dry, brush off remaining dirt and check seams and soles. Leather boots may need conditioning, and many boots benefit from a re-treatment of their water repellent finish following the manufacturer’s directions. Make sure laces and insoles are fully dry before putting them back, and see how to store backpacking gear for storing boots between trips. If boots stay damp often, they may also feel different, so recheck how your boots fit after repeated soaking and drying.