Can You Put Tennis Shoes in the Dryer? (Here’s What Really Happens)

You’ve probably been here before — you get home after playing in the rain, and your tennis shoes are soaked. You stare at them for a while, then at your dryer, and think, “Well, maybe just this once.” I get it. I’ve had that exact moment — tired, cold, and ready to do anything to get those shoes dry before tomorrow. But let’s slow down for a second. Can you put tennis shoes in the dryer? Technically, yes. But what happens next is rarely worth it. I learned that lesson the hard way.

Key Takeaways

• You can put tennis shoes in the dryer, but you really shouldn’t.
• Heat ruins the upper, weakens glue, and flattens cushioning.
• Air drying is the safest, even if it takes longer.
• Removing laces and using airflow helps them dry faster.
• A little patience keeps your shoes (and feet) happy.

What Happens When You Put Tennis Shoes in the Dryer

Here’s what I didn’t realize the first time I tried it. Every part of your tennis shoe reacts differently to heat.

The upper — especially if it’s mesh or synthetic — doesn’t like high temperatures. It can warp or even melt a little. Once that happens, the shoe never feels right again. Mine lost their shape completely. They looked fine, but when I put them on, something felt off, like they’d shrunk in weird places.

Then there’s the midsole and insole. That’s where your comfort lives. Heat breaks down the foam inside, so the next time you wear them, the bounce is gone. You go from springy steps to flat thuds.

And the outsole? The rubber might handle heat, but the glue that holds it together doesn’t. Too much heat and that bond weakens. A few weeks later, you start hearing that flapping sound when you walk — the sole slowly peeling away.

Oh, and that loud banging sound when shoes tumble in the dryer? That’s not just annoying. It’s your shoes taking hits they don’t need. Each thud wears them out a little more.

Why It’s Not a Good Idea (Even If It Seems Convenient)

I used to think, “It’s just heat, how bad can it be?” That’s the trap. The dryer feels like an easy fix, but it’s a shortcut that bites back.

I remember once after a rainy game, I wrapped my shoes in a towel and tossed them in the dryer. When I took them out, they looked okay. Dry, light, ready to go. The next day, I put them on and felt like I was wearing someone else’s shoes. The cushioning was gone, the fit was stiff, and halfway through the match, my feet were killing me.

That’s when it hit me — the dryer didn’t just dry them. It aged them.

So yeah, it’s tempting. But tennis shoes need care, not heat punishment. The more you dry them that way, the quicker they lose their shape, their comfort, and that snug fit that makes them feel like an extension of you.

Also Read: How to Wash Tennis Shoes and Make Them New Again

Safer Ways to Dry Tennis Shoes

Don’t worry, you’re not stuck with soggy shoes forever. There are easier and safer ways that actually work.

1. Air Dry Them

This is what I do now, every time.
Take out the insoles and laces, then stuff the shoes with paper towels or newspaper. Put them somewhere with good airflow — near a fan or window works great.

I usually replace the paper after a few hours. By morning, they’re dry enough to wear. No heat, no weird smell, no damage.

2. Use a Fan

If you’re in a hurry, hang your shoes in front of a fan. Tie the laces together and loop them over something so the air hits the inside directly. I’ve done this countless times, especially after night matches. It dries faster than you’d think — sometimes within eight hours.

3. Shoe Dryer (The Smart Way)

If you live somewhere rainy or play several times a week, a small shoe dryer is worth getting. They use gentle, low heat or just air. I got one after ruining a few pairs, and honestly, it’s been a lifesaver. You plug it in, set it up, and forget about it.

How to Dry Them Faster (Without Ruining Them)

There are small tricks that help shoes dry faster while staying safe.

• Take out the insoles and laces first. They hold a lot of moisture.
• Wrap the shoes in a dry towel. It pulls out water quickly.
• Keep them in a warm room, but don’t set them near a heater or under the sun. That’s just another kind of dryer damage.
• Flip them halfway through so the air gets to every part.

It takes time, I know. But you’ll thank yourself later when your shoes still fit and feel right. I’ve learned to treat drying shoes like part of my post-match routine — not a chore, just another step in taking care of my gear.

How to Keep Your Tennis Shoes from Getting Soaked

This is the part most people skip. If you can stop your shoes from getting drenched in the first place, you won’t even need to think about dryers.

• Spray them with a waterproof protector. It keeps light rain or damp courts from seeping in.
• Have a backup pair for wet days. It sounds like a luxury, but it’s worth it.
• Avoid puddles. I know that sounds obvious, but sometimes during practice, you don’t even realize you’re stepping into one.
• Wipe your shoes right after play. A small towel goes a long way in keeping moisture out.

These small habits save you hours later. And honestly, it just feels good to take care of the things that help you play your best.

When It’s Actually Okay to Use a Dryer (Almost Never)

There’s one tiny exception. Some shoes come with a care tag that says “machine dry safe.” If yours do, then you can use the dryer — but with caution.

Here’s how to do it right:

• Put your shoes in a mesh bag or pillowcase.
• Add a few towels to keep them from banging around.
• Use the lowest heat setting or air-only mode.
• Check them every 10 minutes. If they feel warm, stop.

But unless your shoe’s label clearly says it’s safe, don’t risk it. The majority of tennis shoes aren’t made for that kind of heat.

Check Out: Best Women’s Mizuno Tennis Shoes For This Year

Patience Goes a Long Way

I think about it like this — tennis teaches patience whether we like it or not. You wait for the right serve, you build your points, you breathe before every shot. Drying your shoes isn’t much different. You take your time, do it right, and your reward is a pair that lasts way longer.

When I stopped rushing the process, I noticed something. My shoes stayed softer inside. The cushioning didn’t wear out as fast. They felt right. It’s a small thing, but it changes how you move on court.

Your shoes are part of your rhythm. Take care of them, and they’ll take care of you.

Conclusion

So, can you put tennis shoes in the dryer? Sure, you can. But like a lot of quick fixes, it just causes more problems later. The dryer saves time now, but it costs you comfort, fit, and lifespan.

Air drying might not be exciting, but it works. And once you make it part of your after-game routine, it doesn’t even feel slow anymore. You play hard, take care of your shoes, and they last longer — simple as that.

Tennis is a game of patience and rhythm. Drying your shoes the right way is part of that same mindset — steady, calm, and worth it in the long run.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put my tennis shoes in the dryer with towels?
You can, but it won’t fix the heat problem. The towels only soften the noise — the heat still does damage.

How long do tennis shoes take to air dry?
Usually 12 to 24 hours, depending on airflow. If I use a fan, I can get mine dry overnight.

What’s the fastest safe way to dry tennis shoes?
Take the insoles out, stuff them with paper, and set them in front of a fan. It’s quick and doesn’t risk anything.

Will the dryer ruin the glue in my shoes?
Yes. That’s one of the first things to go. Once the glue softens, the soles start peeling off.