If you regularly wear boots, you’re likely all too familiar with the unpleasant feeling of putting on wet footwear. Boots seem to take forever to dry out, no matter whether they’re made from leather or canvas. That’s especially unfortunate given winter boots are far more likely to be worn during inclement weather than the average footwear. And, while you can find a thousand hacks for drying boots on Pinterest, a more reliable way to get the job done is by investing in one of the best boot dryers.
Boot dryers are usually small devices that move warm air into a pair of shoes (or ski boots) when you are finished wearing them for the day. This has several benefits. Boot dryers:
- Dry out footwear, shoes and clothing overnight or in a few hours
- Prevent the growth of mildew and mold
- Keep your boots smelling fresh and odor-free
Of course, these devices are also useful for a variety of footwear and other clothing items, like hats, gloves and socks, too. If you’re ready to say goodbye to wet boots forever, check out the 16 best boot dryers available on Amazon.
1. PEET Boot Dryer
BEST OVERALL
With over 4,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, the PEET Dryer takes our top spot. This original invention holds one pair of shoes or two items of clothing and can dry them overnight. But, the best part is that the process is whisper quiet. That’s because it relies on science rather than a fan to move hot air up to your shoes or boots from the heating element. While you might think this would require a lot more electricity as the heating element has to do all the work, this device actually uses less energy than a low wattage light bulb and will add just a few cents a day to your electric bill when left to run 24/7. As an added bonus, PEET offers an excellent 25-year warranty on this product.
Related Stories
2. KOODER Boot Dryer
BEST VALUE
A cheap and simple option for drying boots and other shoes, the KOODER Boot Dryer comes with two inserts that you can leave in your shoes overnight to have a warm and comfy pair in the morning. The inserts are powered by electricity sent through a heavy-duty cord. They send heat through the top and side holes, allowing it to fill the space in your shoes and remove any moisture lingering inside. This, in turn, sanitizes the footwear and prevents and removes odor due to mold or fungus growth. The plastic around the exterior of the device is heat resistant, but we recommend unplugging the dryer a few minutes before you attempt to remove the device from your shoes.
3. DryGuy Force Dry Boot Dryer
BEST ROTATING
By offering rotating drying ports, the DryGuy Force Dry Boot Dryer makes it possible to accommodate all types of footwear, including heavier boots and ski boots. Its versatility makes it great for boots, shoes and gloves. It uses 105-degree air to quickly and safely dry your clothing in a timespan usually between 60 and 120 minutes. The device also features a 180-minute auto shut-off timer which allows you to leave it on without needing to worry.
4. DryGuy DX Forced Air Boot Dryer
BEST SPLURGE
Although it may be more expensive than others on our list, the DryGuy DX Forced Air Boot Dryer really is one of the best boot dryers on the market. The forced-air contraption takes in ambient air and passes it over a heating element. It then expels this air through four different tubes for four different items of clothing at 105 degrees Fahrenheit. As a result, clothing, including heavy-duty work boots, can be dried in one to three hours. In addition to a convenient timer and the ability to turn the heating element off, this handy device also includes two extension tubes, so that you can dry boots that are up to 16 inches tall.
5. Wiland Boot Dryer
LONGEST TIMER
With a long-acting timer and flexible, individual wires, the Wiland Boot Dryer is a convenient and versatile answer to getting your footwear dry. Simply place one of the two oval-shaped dryers into each shoe, switch the device on and select between the three, six and the impressively long nine-hour timer options. In addition, this deodorizing, drying and sterilizing boot dryer is silent and includes a premium power cord as well as short circuit and overheating protection.
6. Rack’Em Racks Boot & Wader Rack
BEST POWER FREE
If you’re not interested in a boot dryer that uses electric heating to speed the process along, the Rack’Em Racks Boot & Wader Rack should fit the bill. This wall-mounted rack is available for one, two, three and four pairs of boots and comes with the necessary screws for fitting. Not only does the process of moving your footwear off the floor help dry shoes faster, but it also lessens odors and mold growth by improving air circulation. Additionally, the smart design is capable of housing both children’s and adult’s footwear, no matter the size. Add a couple of balled-up newspapers, and your boots will dry overnight.
7. DryGuy Travel Dry DX Boot Dryer
BEST FOR TRAVEL
The DryGuy Travel Dry DX Boot Dryers come with both an AC/DC power adapter and an in-car adapter, which allows you to dry your footwear no matter where you find yourself. In addition, each dryer’s compact, individual design allows it to be easily stored and transported, making them a particularly good choice for outdoor people who travel a lot. The device also includes a hybrid air and convection system which is able to heat to 99 degrees to dry your items in less time than many other competing dryers.
8. Manledio Portable Boot Dryer
MOST PORTABLE
If you travel for outdoor work or you take frequent skiing vacations, having a portable boot dryer, like this Manledio version, could make the experience a lot more enjoyable. The seven-by-11-inch device weighs just two pounds, meaning it can be kept in a suitcase if need be. Yet, its small size doesn’t mean it isn’t powerful. The heating element can warm air up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit, and the included motor quickly moves that warm air up into your boots. In addition, the arms are telescopic up to 14 inches, allowing you to dry a wide variety of footwear.
9. PEET Power Cell Shoe and Boot Dryer
COMPACT PICK
The PEET Power Cell Shoe and Boot Dryer is a great option for anyone who wants an easily stored, flexible and fast-acting boot-drying device. The dryer has received positive reviews from over 90% of Amazon users and works to effectively remove sweat and water as well as unpleasant odors from your footwear in as little as one hour. It’s also compact in size, making it great for throwing in your backpack or suitcase for wet weather or snow-filled adventures.
10. JobSite Original Shoe Boot Dryer
BEST 1-PAIR DRYER
The JobSite Shoe Boot Dryer claims to be the original device on the market. Whether or not that is true, this boot dryer is one of the best. It relies on the fact that warm air rises to dry out boots and other garments without a noisy fan or motor. It takes just eight hours to dry damp shoes or overnight to dry soaked boots. The sturdy base means that this dryer can hold even the heaviest of footwear safely. And, the included LED on/off button is an improvement over some other models which require you to unplug the device to turn off the dryer. Grab this device for a silent solution to your stinky boot problem.
11. Dr. Prepare Boot Dryer Shoe Dryer
BEST SKI BOOT DRYER
No one likes slipping soaking wet ski boots on, or any kind of footwear for that matter, which is why you’ll want the Dr. Prepare Boot Dryer Shoe Dryer in your home. This versatile device can dry shoes as well as other clothing items, including gloves, socks and hats. For added convenience, the heating arms extend and fold, allowing you to adjust their position to accommodate even the largest shoes. Additionally, the constant 104 to 122-degree heat is often capable of drying shoes in a matter of minutes.
12. PEET, GO! Portable 2-Shoe Electric Dryer
BEST IN-CAR
With their compact size and the included 12V car adapter, the PEET, GO! Portable 2-Shoe Electric Dryers are an ideal choice for in-car drying. No matter whether you work in a damp environment or have particularly unpredictable weather where you live, with these dryers in the car, you’ll always have a way to get rid of sweat, odor and moisture from your shoes. They’re great for all kinds of shoe materials, including leather, rubber vinyl and neoprene, and they silently work to dry your footwear in three to eight hours, depending on the dampness of your shoes.
13. Kendal Shoes Boots Gloves Dryer
BEST WALL-MOUNTED
Somewhat resembling a hairdryer or portable air conditioner, the Kendal Shoes Boots Gloves Dryer is a wall-mounted option that can dry two pairs of shoes at once. Many reviewers like this device as it boasts flexible tubes rather than rigid arms for directing warm air where you need it to go. This means you can even put two tubes in the same shoe to speed up the drying process. In addition to the wall-mounted device, Kendal also includes a tabletop glove warmer which is capable of drying two pairs of gloves or socks simultaneously.
14. OdorStop Boot Dryer and Deodorizer
BEST DEODORIZER
If you’re looking to dry your shoes and remove that damp and unpleasant smell at the same time, it’s definitely worth checking out the OdorStop Boot and Shoe Dryer and Deodorizer. This well-reviewed device comes in both two and four-boot models, meaning there’s an option for individuals and multi-person households alike. The device uses a high-output fan to force air through your footwear for up to 180 minutes per drying session using the built-in timer. You’ll also be able to choose between having the heater and the deodorizer on or off for a truly customizable shoe treatment.
15. NANANA Boot Dryer
BEST TWO-PAIR DRYER
For couples who enjoy winter sports or one person who often has both wet boots and gloves, it is really worth buying a device that can dry four items at once. That’s exactly what the NANANA Boot Dryer does. The 200-watt heating coil and motor force warm air up through the arms to dry damp boots and gloves in as little as 60 minutes. Soaked garments will take slightly longer, although the longest the device will run for is 180 minutes. This dryer is safe to use on a large variety of materials, from neoprene to leather. As an added bonus, it’s fairly compact and lightweight for a boot dryer, so it’s easy to transport from place to place, room to room or simply keep it stored away when you don’t need it.
How to Dry Boots with the Best Boot Dryers
In days gone by, you might have stuffed wet boots full of newspaper overnight to let them dry. While the newspaper trick still works moderately well, drying boots with the best boot dryers is both fast and super simple. The most common style of dryer sports between two and four upright heating arms and requires nothing more than inverting your boots and hanging them over each arm to dry. This style is ideal for homes and stationary use.
A second common style of dryer features individual, fully movable drying arms that can be inserted into boots. These tend to be more compact and portable, meaning they’re better suited for vacation use or in vehicles.
Finally, it’s important to note that when using either style, make sure not to block the airflow as this may cause damage to the dryer or your shoes.
How Long Does a Boot Dryer Take to Dry Boots?
Given that boots can be all different levels of wetness, there is no one answer to this question. However, most forced-air boot dryers aim to have a wet pair of boots dry in 60 minutes or less. Obviously, this time increases with the amount of water in your shoes, but as most devices feature timers which top out at 90 minutes, you can be confident your footwear will be warm and ready to go within this window, no matter how wet it is.
Winter Weather Will Never Be a Problem With These 10 Snow Boots