Rainstorm ambush? Missed a puddle the size of a small lake? Maybe your dog thought your sneakers needed a swim. 

Whatever the reason, nothing quite ruins your vibe like soaked shoes. Not only do they feel gross, but if you don’t act fast, they can smell funky, grow mold, or lose their shape entirely. The good news is that saving them is doable if you know what to do.

Step 1: Remove Everything That Isn’t Glued Down

First things first, get those insoles and laces out. These parts trap moisture like a sponge and need to dry separately to avoid stretching or warping the shoe. If your shoes are wet, tilt them upside down to let the water drain out naturally. No squeezing, no twisting. You’re reviving them, not wringing out laundry.

Toss the laces and insoles onto a clean, dry towel and give them some breathing room. They’ll dry faster this way, and you’ll reduce the risk of your shoes getting musty. If all of this still sounds tricky, it is best to leave the job to professionals who have experience in shoecare.

Step 2: Gently Wipe Down the Exterior

Grab a soft cloth or towel and blot away as much surface moisture as you can. Don’t rub hard. You’re not trying to exfoliate your shoes. Be gentle, especially with delicate materials like suede or mesh. The goal here is to lift off water without grinding in any dirt or damaging the surface.

If your shoes are muddy or dirty, along with being wet, rinse them lightly with cold water and do a soft wipe. Just avoid soaking them again in the process.

Step 3: Stuff Them to Keep Their Shape

This step is a game-changer. Stuff your shoes with dry, white paper towels or a clean cotton cloth to absorb moisture from the inside while helping them keep their original shape. Replace the stuffing every couple of hours if the paper gets soggy. If you’ve got shoe trees, even better, but only use them once the shoes aren’t soaking wet anymore.

Avoid the newspaper. The ink can transfer and leave weird stains, and the texture can be too rough on lighter fabrics.

Step 4: Air Dry with Patience (and No Heat)

Now resist every urge to speed up the process with a hairdryer, heater, or direct sunlight. High heat warps glue, damages fabric, and can shrink certain materials, especially leather. Instead, place your shoes in a well-ventilated area and let them dry naturally. A fan can help, just don’t aim it like a wind tunnel. You’re drying, not testing aerodynamics.

This part might take 24 to 48 hours, depending on how soaked they were, but patience pays off. It’s the safest way to dry shoes without compromising comfort or fit.

Step 5: Show Them Some Post-Dry TLC

Once they’re dry, give them a quick check. Do they feel a bit stiff? That’s normal, especially with leather or canvas. Use a soft brush to restore texture or apply a conditioner if they’re leather-based. For athletic or fabric shoes, you can gently massage them to bring back flexibility.

Now’s also a great time to spray them with a water and stain repellent. It won’t make them waterproof, but it’ll give them some solid protection against the next unexpected downpour.

What If They Still Smell?

Let’s face it. Wet shoes sometimes come with a side of stink. If your shoes are dry but smell off, sprinkle a bit of baking soda inside and let it sit overnight. Shake it out the next day and enjoy the freshness. You can also tuck a few dryer sheets inside or use activated charcoal pouches if you want to get fancy.

And If They’re Beyond Help?

Sometimes shoes just don’t bounce back. If they’ve been soaked for days, smell like a swamp, or show signs of mold, it might be time to say goodbye. But before you toss them, consider whether a cobbler or professional cleaner might be able to save them, especially if they were a pricey pair.

Accidents happen, but you don’t have to be unprepared. Keep a waterproofing spray handy and treat your shoes before they see the rain. Pack an extra pair if you’re heading into wet weather. And always give wet shoes a chance to recover the right way.