Boot dryers are devices designed to quickly dry wet boots using heated air. They allow you to dry your boots overnight or between uses so they are ready for your next adventure. But are they actually beneficial for your boots or could they cause damage? Here is an in-depth look at whether boot dryers are good for boots.
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Do You Really Need To Dry Boots Fast?
Before deciding if you need a boot dryer, consider if it’s truly necessary to dry boots quickly between uses. The main reasons people want to rapidly dry boots are:
- Prevent mildew and bacteria growth from wet boots.
- Dry linings so boots are comfortable to wear again.
- Maintain waterproofing by drying boots thoroughly.
- Quickly dry boots overnight between winter uses.
While these are valid reasons, it’s also okay to let boots air dry naturally between most uses. As long as you allow adequate time for boots to dry out before wearing them again, you can avoid most issues with keeping them dry. Unless you are using boots professionally day after day or participating in multi-day winter sports outings, air drying is typically sufficient.
So the main instances when a boot dryer would be beneficial are:
- Frequent, daily boot use where they don’t have time to fully air dry.
- Multi-day hiking, hunting or winter sport trips.
- Very wet, humid environments where boots won’t air dry quickly.
For most casual boot wear, air drying them in a warm, dry spot in your home is perfectly fine. But if you use boots professionally or want to dry them overnight between uses, a boot dryer can help.
Benefits Of Using A Boot Dryer
Here are some of the benefits that using a boot dryer can provide:
Kill Bacteria and Prevent Mildew
Wet boots left to sit promote the growth of mildew and odor-causing bacteria. The moisture provides the perfect environment for them to thrive. Using a boot dryer quickly evaporates the moisture before mildew and bacteria have time to grow. This keeps your boots smelling fresh and prevents potential mold damage.
Maintain Waterproofing
Most waterproof boots rely on special linings and treatments like GoreTex or nubuck leather. If these materials are not dried thoroughly between wears, they lose their water-repellent properties quicker. A boot dryer ensures all interior and exterior surfaces dry completely to maximize the life of waterproofing.
Dry Linings Overnight
Trying to put on boots with damp linings is uncomfortable and can cause hot spots or blisters on your feet. Having boots not fully dry overnight leaves you starting your day with wet feet. Boot dryers eliminate this issue by drying all inner lining layers overnight.
Extend Life of Boots
Leaving boots damp promotes breakdown of the leather and materials. Even when left to air dry, some inner areas may remain damp. The constant wet-dry cycle will cause boots to wear out quicker. Thoroughly drying boots with a boot dryer can extend their usable life by years.
Remove Odors
Bacteria growing inside wet boots causes unpleasant odors. A boot dryer removes moisture where the bacteria thrive to eliminate odors. They also provide ventilation to air out smells. Models with ozone cleaning features help destroy odor-causing bacteria.
Warm Boots Before Wearing
Slipping on cold boots first thing on a winter morning can be uncomfortable. Boot dryers circulate warm air to gently heat up the interior of boots. This allows you to put on toasty warm boots to start your day.
Potential Downsides of Boot Dryers
While boot dryers provide clear benefits, there are some potential downsides to consider:
Damage Materials if Too Hot
Excessive heat can damage leather, suede and other boot materials. Cheap boot dryers may get too hot and cause the materials to dry out, crack or melt. Using proper temperature settings and high-quality models minimizes this risk.
Reduce Waterproofing Over Time
The long-term effects of repeated heat drying cycles are debated. Some claim the heat degrades waterproofing membranes over many uses. Others say periodic re-treatment is sufficient. But extreme drying heat could reduce waterproof life spans.
Dry Out Leather
Leather needs some moisture content to remain supple. Frequently drying leather boots too aggressively can dry them out. This causes the leather to become stiff and crack over time. Light conditioning may be needed after drying to restore moisture.
Not as Effective on Thick Boots
Very thick, bulky boots like heavy rubber fishing boots or winter snow boots may not dry out as thoroughly. The heat and airflow may only reach the liner and outer layers but not the mid layers. So they are less effective for heavy-duty wet boots.
Added Energy Cost
Boot dryers do use electricity to run for several hours per cycle. This can increase your energy costs somewhat, especially during peak winter use. However, running costs are generally low for most models.
Important Features To Look For
Here are some key features to consider when shopping for the best boot dryer for your needs:
Adjustable Heat Settings
Look for multiple heat levels you can select from. Lower temperatures around 95-105°F are safest for avoiding damage. You can use higher temperatures for quick drying, then switch to a lower setting to finish gently.
Timer Settings
Digital timers allow you to program the dryer to run for a set number of hours then automatically shut off. This prevents over-drying and gives full control over the drying cycle.
Moisture Sensors
Advanced boot dryers have sensors that detect when boots are fully dry. They automatically shut off when the inside reaches the proper dryness level to prevent over-drying.
Airflow Speeds
The rate of airflow through the boots affects drying performance. Adjustable fan speeds give you better control over air circulation. Slow speeds work well for finishing drying without excessive heat.
Boot Fit
Choose dryers with boot ports wide enough to easily fit your boots. Ensure they hold boots securely in place and seal tightly to direct air into them efficiently. Removable inserts allow fitting different boot sizes.
Design and Portability
Select a boot dryer design that suits your space and needs. Some are vertical towers best for tight spaces. Others are horizontal for stability and hold multiple boots. Portable sizes are ideal for travel.
Operation Volume
Fan motors generate noise which can be an issue in bedrooms. Check the decibel rating and reviews to get the quietest boot dryer possible. Around 50 dB is ideal for quiet operation.
Top 5 Rated Boot Dryers
Based on key features, effectiveness, affordability, and positive reviews, here are 5 of the best boot dryers:
| Brand | Key Features |
|---|---|
| MaxxDry Boot, Glove and Gear Dryer MD-1 | 5 temperature settings, built-in timer, whisper quiet operation, lifetime warranty, commercial grade |
| Peet Shoe and Boot Dryer | Air ventilation ports, adjustable drying times, quiet motor, affordable price, travel size available |
| DryGuy DX Boot Dryer | Forced air circulation, removable inserts, antimicrobial treatment, foldable design |
| Manledio Electric Boot and Shoe Dryer | 3 heat levels, automatic shut off, rapid 2 hour drying time, budget price |
| Dr Prepare Boot Dryer | Vertical collapsible design, adjustable air vents, universal voltage, 1 year warranty |
These top choices have excellent performance, quality, and value making them great options for any home or travel use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common boot dryer questions:
Are boot dryers bad for leather boots?
Used properly at reasonable temperatures, boot dryers will not damage most leather boots. However, excessive heat can cause leather to dry out and crack. Always start on low heat settings and condition regularly. Avoid cheap models that may get too hot.
Where should you place a boot dryer?
Pick a well-ventilated space away from moisture and drips. For home use, a laundry room, mudroom, garage or bedroom closet work well. For travel, use hotel bathrooms near a vent or window.
Can you over dry boots?
Yes, it’s possible to over-dry boots using excessively high heat for long periods, especially with leather. This can suck out too much moisture causing boots to stiffen and weaken over time. Use moderate temperatures and check boots periodically.
Do boot dryers use a lot of electricity?
Most boot dryers only use around 250-500 watts of power. Running overnight uses less than a typical household light bulb. So electricity costs are fairly low, just a few cents per use for most.
Can you put leather gloves in a boot dryer?
Yes, most boot dryers are safe for drying leather gloves as well. The ports are large enough to hold gloves open for drying inner layers. Just monitor periodically to prevent over-drying.
How long does it take a boot dryer to dry boots?
Time varies based on the model and wetness level. Most will fully dry moderately wet boots overnight in 8-12 hours on a medium heat setting. Thick hunting and winter boots may take up to 24 hours.
The Bottom Line
Boot dryers can effectively dry all boot types and materials when used properly. They eliminate odors, bacteria, and moisture to extend boot life. Models with adjustable heat settings, timers, and moisture sensors provide optimal safety and performance. While air drying works, dryers give faster overnight results between uses. They are most beneficial for frequent use or multi-day outdoor trips. For casual use, air drying is fine for most. But investing in a quality boot dryer can really optimize drying when you need boots ready for action daily.
Conclusion
Overall, boot dryers provide important benefits for keeping boots in great condition and eliminating moisture issues. When shopping for a dryer, look for key features like variable temperature and fan settings, automatic shutoff, and quiet operation. Be sure to use proper heat levels and drying times to avoid any chance of damage. With a high-quality boot dryer and smart use, you can safely dry boots quickly between many wears for maximum performance and longevity.