When you wear the same boots for work every day, your feet will sweat, and your boots don’t always dry out in between uses.
So, what’s the solution?
A boot dryer easily gets those boots dry and is a handy item for every home, whether you live in a wet or dry climate.Â
But what should you look for?
We’ll go through all you need to know in this article. In the meantime, these are the ten best boot dryer models on the market right now:
We recommend you check out our guide below before making your final decision on the best boot dryer, especially if you aren’t sure if a boot dryer is for you…
Why Should You Buy a Boot Dryer
Wet boots and sneakers don’t just feel nasty on your feet. They also start smelling faster and make you develop nasty conditions, such as athlete’s foot.Â
And, if you or your kids play hockey, lacrosse or other sports with gloves that get stinky, a boot dryer is a smart buy. You can use them on skates, boots, gloves and just about every piece of sports equipment to keep the smells controlled.Â
With the best boot dryer models, you can maximize the lifespan of all shoe types. The humidity won’t fester inside, and your shoes won’t rot. This will save you money in the long run because you won’t have to replace them as often.
Also, if you live in a rainy climate, there’s nothing better than knowing you have a warm pair of shoes every morning, rain or shine.
Boot Dryer Types
The best boot dryer options come in two forms:
- Forced-air models with a fan.
- Thermal convection.
Forced-Air Boot Dryers
The fastest boot dryers, like the DryGuy DX, usually have forced-air technology that takes room-temperature air and heats it. It then pushes the hot, dry air inside your shoes.Â
With some dryers, you can turn the heat off and just leave the fan on. These won’t dry your shoes as fast as hot air and aren’t as effective at reducing the humidity inside them. But, they save a little on your energy bill, given that using the fan alone doesn’t use as much power.
As a negative for forced-air dryers, they do have a slightly higher noise level, usually close to a table-top fan.
Thermal Convection Mechanism
Thermal convection boot dryers, like the Peet Original, don’t push the air inside the shoe with a fan. Rather, rely on warm air rising through the drier arm to get into the tip of your shoe.
Some of the best boot dryer models that use thermal convection are very energy-efficient. Since they don’t have a fan, you can leave them on overnight or even around the clock.
They’re also silent, so are great for drying boots, shoes and gloves overnight without keeping you awake.
Despite their advantages, they can take quite a bit longer to dry your shoes. They can usually get the job done overnight, especially with sneakers and smaller shoes.Â
If you use heavy work boots and you tend to get your feet soaked every day, forced-air boot dryers might suit you better.
Non-Mechanical
If you want to be eco-friendly, the best boot dryer for you might be a non-mechanical one that uses the heating system in your home. One good example of this is GreenGloveDryer’s “TheEcoDryer”.
The idea behind the design is super simple. Just place it over any floor heater vent, and the dryer takes advantage of the warm air coming out. It directs the air into the shoe through the tubes, without adding to your energy bill.Â
DIY Dryers
Sometimes, the best boot dryer is self-made. When you don’t want to spend extra on a boot dryer, you can also improvise one.
Just use the warm air from your vacuum cleaner’s exhaust!
Top Features in a Boot Dryer
Now you might have your eye on which best boot dryer type to go for, look out for these features before checking our reviews:
Size
Don’t assume that all dryers will fit your boots or that they’ll suit your situation.
Some of the best boot dryer models are perfect for massive ski boots but won’t fit handily in your luggage.Â
Other boot dryers are lightweight and portable but might not be powerful enough to dry out a fully-soaked pair of Timberlands, even though they’re good for snow.
If you want to dry more than one pair of shoes simultaneously, a large dryer can do the trick. For families, we recommend going for the four-shoe models that take up a little more space but have more capacity. This way, nobody has to leave home with wet shoes or sweaty gloves.
Timer
Many of the best boot dryer models, such as the Kooder Boot Dryer, have a timer that automatically shuts the machine off after it’s finished. Timers can be especially useful for the forgetful and those who spend long hours outside the home every day.Â
The negative is that you might need more than one timer cycle to dry out your shoes. If you leave the shoes at night and you’re not there to turn the timer back on, they can still be wet in the morning.
Heat
High heat can ruin some shoes, especially delicate materials, like leather and some synthetics. The same goes for when you’ve washed your Allbirds. If you’re worried about your shoes getting ruined, make sure the dryer uses low heat, like the Peet Original. Other models, like the DryGuy DX, turn the heat off.Â
Turning the heat off can be a good choice for the most sensitive shoes, but remember that it will take longer to dry them.
Heating your shoes can also use more energy than merely using a fan. Sometimes, especially if you’re using a sub-par boot dryer, the heater can consume a lot of power. In these cases, the option to turn off the heat can make it more eco-friendly.
Deodorizing
Just drying your boots with a good dryer will keep them smell-free and usable for longer. Taking care of humidity inside the boots regularly and not letting it increase is important.Â
But, in special situations, like with sports gear, you might need a little extra help to keep the odors under control. Some of the best boot dryer models include an ozone generator that can help kill bacteria and stop fungus from forming in your shoes. One such example is the OdorStop Boot and Shoe Dryer.
Warning: The ozone concentration you need to kill bacteria can be too high for human safety. Ozone generators can also smell bad and make it harder to breathe.Â
If your boot dryer has an ozone mode, be sure to use it in an unoccupied space without humans or pets. A garage with a window or door slightly open or a balcony are ideal.
Tips for Using a Boot Dryer Safely
The best boot dryer models are generally safe, and they use low temperatures of around 105 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. This isn’t enough to cause a fire hazard but will be sufficient to dry your shoes overnight.Â
If you’re still worried about using a boot dryer, here are some tips to make sure you and your family stay safe.
Only Use a Real Boot Dryer
To best take care of your shoes, especially delicate materials like leather, don’t use a hairdryer or regular heater to dry your shoes.
We recommend only using a boot dryer specifically designed for this purpose, like the reviewed ones below.
They won’t use too high of a temperature or otherwise damage your shoe. They’re also more comfortable to use because the design is meant for this purpose.
No Dripping WaterÂ
You just got home from a heavy rainstorm, and your boots are dripping wet. It’s the perfect time to put them in the dryer, right?
Wrong!
Never use a boot dryer with a soaking wet pair of boots. If there’s too much water, it can get inside the dryer and, depending on the dryer, even cause it to short-circuit.
Use some paper towels or newspaper if your feet got really soaked and you need to dry your shoes fast. Leaving paper for a couple of hours helps soak up moisture before you insert the heater.
Turn It Off
Don’t leave the boots drying for too long if your boot dryer doesn’t have a timer and you want to make sure you’re using it safely.
Put an alarm or calendar reminder on your phone to alert you every day at a certain hour to turn off the dryer, for example, when you’re heading to bed.
Don’t Block the Air Outlet
Blocking the air outlets can lead to the dryer overheating. Some dryer models will automatically shut off if this happens, while others can keep overheating, which can turn into a fire hazard.
To prevent this, place the dryer carefully inside the shoe. Note that some cushioned boots are more likely to block the airways than shoes with a slimmer inside. For example, UGG boots and other models with lots of soft padding.
Pick an Eco-Friendly Model
If you’re using your boot dryer in a home with small children, you may still not want to risk it with an electric model.
Some eco-friendly models, like TheEcoDryer, are designed to use your heating system to drive warm air into the shoes. You won’t use any extra energy or risk electrical problems, such as a short-circuit, if your kids put soaking-wet shoes on the dryer.
Reviews of the Best Boot Dryer Models
Our Overview
Peet has numerous boot dryers on the market, but this is its original model and a success among customers. They particularly comment on how it’s effective and reliable, and the price is more than reasonable for the quality you get.Â
The dryer works with convection heat, so there’s no forced air pushed inside. The heat level remains low enough to remain safe for your shoes in the long run.Â
It’s also silent because there’s no fan, but it isn’t the fastest. Customers report it gets the humidity out of a pair of shoes in about 3 to 8 hours, depending on how badly soaked they are. If you just got home from a tropical storm and your shoes are completely drowned, it can take a long time to dry them!Â
There’s no on/off switch, but since the dryer doesn’t heat up, the company says you can keep the dryer on 24 hours a day. With this, it has a low energy consumption, using less than a common light bulb, so you won’t spend a lot of money keeping it on.
Overall, this dryer is quite small, so it’s great for homes with limited floor space. Due to the small size, though, it’s better for normal shoes and smaller boots. You can use it for work boots and gloves as well, but it may not dry heavy-duty equipment quickly enough for your needs.
What customers also love about this model is that it’s sturdy and durable, so is likely to last you a long time. It comes with a 25-year warranty, which speaks for its quality and gives you more peace of mind before making your purchase.
Pros:
- Low heat and energy consumption.
- Silent.
- Reasonably priced.
- Small size for apartment use.
- 25-year warranty.
Cons:
- Slow to dry.
- No on-off switch.
Our Overview
This DryGuy model is a good alternative for those who don’t mind spending a little extra on their boot dryer. It’s large and effective for drying, so it’s ideal for fall and winter moments when you need to dry your shoes every day.
It works with forced air, so it’s effective for drying your shoes in a short time. The heat goes up to 105 degrees Fahrenheit, which isn’t enough to damage leather or synthetic materials. You can also turn the heat off if you want to make sure the materials don’t overheat.Â
The dryer has four spots for drying shoes, gloves and other clothes, giving some versatility. Two of the tubes are also extendable, so you can dry large and heavy work boots and sports gear with them.
Also note that the base is stable, so you won’t have to worry about it falling over when you have boots on one side and gloves on the other.
There’s a timer you can set to a maximum of three hours at a time. After that, you’ll need to turn the timer back on. With heat, it’ll dry the shoes in an hour or two, but if you turn the temperature off, you may need more than one dryer cycle.
One issue customers have is that the timer dial is stiff and hard to turn. The dial isn’t too hard for an adult to set it, but it can be impossible for kids to dry their shoes.Â
Otherwise, the dryer is easy and comfortable to use. It’s pretty silent and won’t keep you up at night, even though it has a fan.
Pros:
- Fast and effective drying.
- Stable.
- Timer with auto-shutoff.
- Easy and comfortable to use.
- Relatively quiet.
Cons:
- Timer dial is stiff.
- May need more than one dry cycle.
Our Overview
This MaxxDry boot dryer has a fan that pushes warm air inside your shoes to dry them quickly. It’s a great pick for serious, heavy-duty use, such as soaked, tough work boots or skates that gather lots of sweat every day.
The dryer heats to 105 degrees Fahrenheit, which is low enough to remain safe for your shoes in the long run. You can also turn off the heat if you don’t want to damage your leather boots and other delicate materials.Â
We also recommend this model for families that need to dry many pairs of shoes simultaneously. It has four spots for drying, so you can dry two pairs of boots or add some gloves simultaneously. The tubes have two removable extensions, so you can increase the length to 16 inches, making it ideal for drying skates or ski boots.
One thing customers don’t love about it is that you can’t turn off the drying spots you’re not using to save energy. It’s not necessarily an issue since you’re likely not using this dryer at every hour, but it also isn’t the most eco-conscious choice.
It’s also not silent, but the noise is quite low, much like the sound of a white noise machine. It’s probably not enough to keep you awake in a big house or apartment,, but it can get annoying in a smaller room.
Note that the timer has a maximum setting of 1.5 hours, which keeps you safe since the dryer will turn off on its own. However, your boots might need more than one dryer cycle to dry, and it can get annoying to keep putting it back on. Not to mention that you might still wake up in the morning to find your boots slightly damp.
Pros:
- Quick-drying forced-air function.
- Timer and automatic shutoff.
- Extendable, 16-inch tubes to fit large boots.
- Four drying spots for family use.
Cons:
- 1.5-hour maximum drying time.
- No possibility to turn off extra drying spots.
Our Overview
This Kooder boot dryer is small, light and portable, making it ideal for travel. It’s also a great option for those who don’t want to break the bank on a boot dryer.
The design is quite different from other boot dryers, but customers love that it’s compact.
Instead of upward tubes, there’s a central console with two folding, extendable arms that drive hot air into your shoes. You can twist the arms into the shape you want to fit all kinds of shoes, making it versatile.
Note that the arms stretch to 15 inches long, which is enough for most types of shoes and boots. It’s great for sneakers, ankle boots and even some work boots.Â
It’s also great for gloves and other smaller garments. You can hang it on the wall from the included metal bracket for drying clothing.
However, it may not reach the bottom of a pair of ski or snowboard boots well enough to dry them. Since the arms would extend downwards instead of up, the rising warm air can escape from the boots and not reach the toes. This is why we don’t recommend this model for heavy-duty, large-sized boots or skates.
Drying takes anywhere between 1 to 5 hours with this model, depending on how wet your shoes are. The hot air is very effective for drying shoes, so you’ll likely get them dry in a short time.
For security, there’s a heat sensor that shuts the machine off automatically if the air outlet is blocked and the internal temperature rises too high. The running temperature is between 140 and 160 degrees Fahrenheit, which isn’t dangerously high but can gather more heat if blocked.
Some customers have had issues using this dryer with certain types of boots, such as UGGs. These kinds of heavily padded boots might block the airflow, not allowing the dryer to work properly. There’s no danger of overheating because the dryer will shut off automatically, but it can get annoying.
Note that customers also mention a plastic smell during the first few uses, but this goes away eventually.
Pros:
- Small and lightweight.
- Stretching arms for versatility.
- Fast for drying your shoes.
- Affordable.
Cons:
- Plastic smell at first.
- Can overheat and shut off with padded boots.
- Not suitable for larger boots, such as ski boots.
Our Overview
Another four-shoe model for busy families with many pairs of boots, the Peet Advantage boot dryer is budget-friendly for the long term. It employs air convection technology to dry your shoes without a fan and uses less energy than a standard lightbulb.
Customers love this model because of its affordable price and sturdy quality. Like all Peet products, this model comes with a 25-year warranty, and the overall build feels tough enough to last a long time.
Another bonus is that this dryer is easy to operate. There’s no on/off switch, so the only way to turn it off is by unplugging it, which is a little annoying. Some customers have solved this with a power outlet timer, but it does add a little more to your purchase.
On the plus side, the dryer is safe to have around, even in a household with kids who stick their hands in anything they can find! You can leave the dryer on since the temperature is low enough to not be dangerous.Â
Note that this dryer is a little slow due to the low temperature and the lack of a fan. It’s enough for most sneakers and boots, but one night might not dry them completely if you have heavily soaked work boots.Â
Pros:
- Low-energy and eco-friendly option.
- Affordable.
- Silent use.
- Sturdy build.
- Fits four pairs of shoes.
Cons:
- No fan and low temperature make the drying slower.
Our Overview
If you’re worried about the extra expense in electricity from using a boot dryer, we recommend TheEcoDryer from GreenGloveDryer. It’s a non-mechanical dryer with space for six pairs of shoes or gloves, so you can fit several people’s shoes on it at the same time.
This dryer is also safe because you won’t have to worry about leaving it on or the machine overheating. The bad part is that you depend on your home’s heating system to dry your shoes, so you need to control the temperature.
Note that if you live in an apartment and you have central heating in your building, you might not get air hot enough to dry your shoes in one night. This can especially happen in the summer when it isn’t cold outside but you might still get your boots wet and sweaty at work.
It’s also not the largest option, so it may not be enough to hold heavy work or ski boots or skates. We recommend it mostly for ankle boots, gloves and other smaller items.
As for durability, this one is a long-lasting solution that doesn’t have easily breaking electric parts. There’s only the plastic cover, which means there’s a lower possibility of malfunctioning. And, the plastic is PBA-free, so you can keep this dryer in your home with kids around without worrying about harmful chemicals.
Note that this model doesn’t necessarily suit all floor vents. They need to be at least 3 to 4 inches from the wall so the dryer fits properly over them. Also, there aren’t any plugs for the holes not in use. You’re wasting part of the heat and energy, unless you block them manually.
Pros:
- No energy expenditure.
- No breaking electric parts.Â
- BPA-free plastic.
- Six tubes for drying shoes.
Cons:
- Not reliable for drying in all situations.
- Only for floor registers over 3 inches away from the wall.
Our Overview
This Odorstop is a little more expensive than the competition but is an excellent option to reduce shoe smells. Out of all the models on our list, it’s the most effective for reducing locker room smell from sweaty gear.
Its star feature is the separate switches for heat and ozone deodorizer. You can turn them on or off depending on your preferences or your needs. Keep the heat on for faster drying, or turn it off to protect your shoes.
The ozone mode is specifically for bacteria and fungus-killing purposes. We recommend flipping this switch if you’re worried about your boots rotting due to humidity. It’s also ideal for smelly sports gear, like lacrosse, hockey or boxing gloves, synthetic tennis shoes or soccer cleats that regularly get sweaty.
Customers who bought this dryer are amazed by the ozone function, saying it can reduce or even remove even the heaviest smells. Pop them on the dryer for a couple of ozone treatment cycles to get those smelly shoes refreshed.
Do note that the ozone feature emits a strong odor, and the dryer comes with a warning not to use it in occupied spaces. You might want to keep your dryer in the garage, a balcony or a well-ventilated room if you want to use this feature.
As for the drying in general, this model has a timer with a maximum time setting of three hours. One cycle is usually enough for most shoes, especially since the fan is quite powerful. The noise is close to a small fan or hairdryer, but not too bad.
While the dryer has four extendable tubes, it also has two caps to block the air from unused ports. This way, you won’t waste energy and let the warm air escape.Â
Pros:
- Powerful ozone deodorizer.
- Includes caps for unused ports.
- Separate heat switch.
- Dries shoes well in one cycle.
Cons:
- Ozone mode only for use in unoccupied spaces.
Our Overview
For those who dread having a large dryer taking up room by the door, this Dr. Prepare foldable model can be a space-saver.
It folds neatly into a completely flat position when not in use, making it easy to slip inside a drawer or closet. It only weighs 2.2 pounds, so it’s portable for travel, as well.
The dryer works with heat and forced air, giving you a quick dry for your boots. The heat is between 104 and 122 degrees Fahrenheit, which is enough to get your boots slowly dry but not so much that it would harm them.
One of the best features of this dryer is the intelligent timer. You can program it to start at any time to find your shoes nice and warm when you’re leaving for work in the morning. The bad part is that the maximum timer setting is 99 minutes, which isn’t very long, so you might need more than one cycle if your shoes are soaked.
Even so, you can extend the dryer arms to 13.8 inches for bigger boots. But, be aware that the plastic does feel a little flimsy and can tip over if you use it with heavy, large boots. In these cases, we recommend leaning the boots on a wall for better balance.Â
Another possible issue is that the arms can bend under heavy boots on the tallest setting. This is why we mostly recommend this model for smaller shoes, like sneakers and ankle boots, not so much for heavy work boots.Â
Pros:
- Lightweight.
- Easy-to-use digital display.
- Extendable arms.
- Foldable for easy storage.
Cons:
- Short timer.
- Can tip over with large boots.
- Extendable arms may bend.
Our Overview
If you’re on a budget and want to find the best boot dryer at the lowest possible price, we recommend checking out this one from Kooder.
It’s a great pick for a ski trip because it packs into a small space. It’s also one of the best boot dryer models for small apartments because it doesn’t require you to clear out floor space.
The dryer weighs only 10 ounces and is easy to slip inside your boots for drying. When you’re traveling, you can store it inside the boots, so it doesn’t take up any space from your luggage.
It’s also easy to get the dryer inside any type of boot, all the way to the toe, to dry it out completely. The design consists of two separate drying handles connected by a long cord, instead of a dock with tubes. They’re extendable, so you can get them to heat the entire shoe, even with a larger boot size.
Note that the dryer is a little slow because it doesn’t include forced-air technology, but instead has air convection. Still, you should get your boots dry in about 8 hours. And, the good part is that because there’s no fan, it’s completely silent, making it great for overnight drying.
Pros:
- Small and lightweight.
- Ideal for overnight drying.
- Adjustable to different shoe sizes.
- No need to clear out floor space.
Cons:
- Slow to dry.Â
Our Overview
This DryGuy travel boot dryer is an ideal pick for an active vacation, such as skiing or hiking.
It has two dryer handles connected by a long cord, with the handles having an open design. This allows lots of warm, dry air inside your shoes, which you’ll know is happening thanks to the red indicator light.
What people love about this model is that it’s small and lightweight, at 14.4 ounces. You can slip both dryers inside the boots or another pair of shoes if you’re trying to pack your gear into a small space. They’re short enough to fit well inside smaller women’s boots, as well.Â
This model uses convection heat, so there’s no fan to keep you up at night. It does take some time to dry your shoes with it, but you’ll usually be able to get the work done in one night.
And, since there’s no timer, you won’t have to keep turning the dryer back on all night. The temperature remains low enough to be safe to leave it on through the night.Â
If you want to err on the safe side, note that this dryer isn’t recommended for use with gloves because it can overheat. We also recommend caution with heavily padded boots that might make the temperature rise too much.
Even so, it’s an affordable model, but it isn’t the longest-lasting boot dryer on the market. If you give your dryer heavy-duty use every day, it probably won’t last you forever. For occasional use and vacations, it’s a solid purchase that won’t break the bank.
Pros:
- Portable size and lightweight.
- Affordable model.
- Fits inside women’s shoe sizes.
Cons:
- Can overheat with gloves.
- Not the most durable model.
FAQs
Are Boot Dryers Bad for Boots?
No, boot dryers aren’t bad for boots if you use them correctly. Instead, they can actually extend your boots’ usable life. They help eliminate the smells and bacteria that develop in wet footwear, keeping your boots looking and feeling new for longer.
Do Boot Dryers Really Work?
Yes, boot dryers really work, especially the best boot dryer models we included in our list. They dry your boots, gloves and other gear, keeping them fresher for longer and helping you avoid nasty foot conditions. Some can even kill bacteria and mold and make smells disappear.
Can You Leave a Boot Dryer on All Night?
Whether you can leave a boot dryer on all night depends on the model. Some can be on all the time, whereas others have a timer that automatically shuts the dryer off. Check the user manual of the model you pick before you leave it on for the night.
How Long Do Boot Dryers Take?
How long a boot dryer takes to dry a pair of boots depends on the boots and the dryer model you pick. Some models with a fan can do the job in two hours, but it commonly takes anywhere between three and eight hours. For the best results, we recommend leaving the boots on the dryer for the whole night.Â
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The Winner
Our pick for the best boot dryer on the market right now is the Peet Original 2-Shoe Electric Boot Dryer. It’s a long-lasting, quality product at a great price, and it won’t hike up your energy bill or keep you up at night.
This shoe dryer might not be the fastest, but it uses a low-enough temperature, so you can leave it on all day. This results in low energy consumption—less than that of a standard lightbulb! And, it’s silent to use since it’s a fanless air convection model.
Customers also love this boot dryer because it’s so tough and durable. The electric parts work well, and you’ll likely get many years out of your investment.
