To dry barefoot shoes effectively without causing damage, use crumpled newspaper and let them air dry at room temperature.
Steps to Dry Barefoot Shoes
Drying your barefoot shoes correctly helps maintain their shape, longevity, and performance. Here’s a simple yet effective method:
- Remove Insoles (if removable): If your barefoot shoes have removable insoles, take them out. This helps them dry faster and prevents trapped moisture.
- Crumple Newspaper: Take old newspapers and crumple them into balls. The paper acts as a moisture absorber.
- Stuff Shoes: Loosely stuff the crumpled newspaper into your barefoot shoes. Ensure that the paper fills the inside without overpacking them, which could distort their shape.
- The newspaper will soak up the moisture from the inside of the shoe.
- Air Dry at Room Temperature: Place the shoes in a well-ventilated area away from direct heat sources. Avoid placing them directly in sunlight or near heaters, as this can damage the materials.
- Direct heat can cause the shoe material to shrink or become brittle.
- Check and Replace Newspaper: Check the paper after a few hours. If the paper is noticeably damp, remove it and replace it with fresh, dry crumpled newspaper. Repeat the process as needed.
- Allow Full Dry Time: Let your shoes dry completely, which might take a full day or more, depending on the material and how wet they were.
Why This Method Works
This approach is effective and gentle:
- Absorbent Material: Newspaper is absorbent and helps draw out moisture.
- Slow Drying: Air drying at room temperature prevents the risk of heat damage that can occur with dryers or direct sunlight.
- Shape Preservation: The crumpled newspaper helps maintain the shoe's shape as it dries, preventing deformities.
Additional Tips
- Avoid using a tumble dryer as it can damage the glue and fabrics used in barefoot shoes.
- Never place wet shoes on a radiator or near a heat source.
- Allow ample time for the shoes to dry thoroughly to prevent mold and bad odor.
By following these simple steps, you can keep your barefoot shoes in good condition for longer.
