Can You Put Hiking Boots in the Dryer?

Hiking boots are an essential piece of gear for any outdoors enthusiast. The durability and support they provide to the feet and ankles is invaluable on the trail, but proper care and maintenance are necessary for them to remain in good condition. One of the most common questions asked about hiking boots is whether or not you can put them in the dryer.

The Short Answer

No, you should not put your hiking boots in the dryer. The heat from a dryer can cause damage to the material of your boots and potentially ruin them. Additionally, it can also weaken the laces and other components of your boots, making them less durable in the long run.

The Long Answer

When it comes to drying wet hiking boots, there are a few different methods that one can use. The first is simply to let them air-dry naturally by simply placing them somewhere with good air circulation such as on top of a radiator or near an open window.

This is generally the preferred method as it doesn’t run the risk of damaging your boots like putting them in a dryer would.

If you do need to speed up the drying process, there are other methods available such as stuffing newspaper inside your boots which will help absorb some of the moisture without risking damage from heat or agitation from tumbling around in a machine like you would get from putting them into a dryer.

Alternatively, if you have access to a dehumidifier then this can also be used to effectively dry out your wet hiking boots without any risk of damage from heat or agitation from tumbling around in a machine like you would get from putting them into a dryer.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is best not to put your hiking boots into a dryer as this could cause damage to their materials and components over time. Air-drying naturally or using other methods such as stuffing newspaper inside your boots or using a dehumidifier are all recommended instead.

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Samantha Mckinney