8 Best Boot Dryers

Buying a Boot Dryer

There are few things more annoying than putting on shoes or boots still wet from the last time you wore them. Besides the obvious discomfort, excessive moisture can damage the boot material, generate unpleasant odors and lead to conditions such as athlete’s foot.

A boot dryer can help you avoid these headaches. These clever devices speed up drying, reduce odors and (when used correctly) prolong the life of your shoes and boots. While commercial-grade boot dryers are pricey, consumer models can be affordable and effective.

Here are some key considerations when shopping for a boot dryer:

• Forced air or passive: Most boot dryers rely on forced air, often directed with a fan or compressor, to remove moisture from the boot material. Passive dryers simply heat the air and allow its natural rise to create circulation. Silica dryers don’t rely on air movement at all; they utilize a static material that absorbs moisture. But they’re significantly slower than forced-air dryers and can only absorb so much moisture.
• Heated or not: Some dryers move air through the boot, while others also heat the air. Heat helps combat mold growth and speeds drying time, but it adds to the purchase and operating cost of the dryer.
• Size: Some boot dryers have a single pair of air outlets, one for each foot. Others can dry multiple pairs of shoes, as well as gloves, mittens, hats and other items. If you’re buying for a family, consider how many boots may need to be dried at once.
• Features and accessories: Some dryers come with additional features and accessories, such as auto-off timers or hose extensions. Others control temperature or air flow. A few bring in additional elements like UV light to help kill germs. All are nice to have but not essential to the core function of drying your boots.