Drying Boat Shoes: Quick And Easy Methods

Boat shoes are designed to protect sailors' feet from water and to prevent slipping on boat decks. While they are not completely waterproof, they are water-friendly and will dry over time, developing a unique patina. To speed up the drying process, you can use a towel, place them in front of a fan or in the sun, or use a hairdryer on a low setting. It's important to note that direct heat should be avoided when drying leather shoes, as it can cause cracking and shrinkage. Additionally, stuffing the shoes with newspaper or cloth can help them retain their shape while drying.

Drying leather boat shoes

Leather boat shoes are an investment, and with just a little bit of care, you can get years of wear out of them. Here are some tips for drying your leather boat shoes to keep them in good condition:

Before Drying

Before you begin the drying process, it's important to remove any excess dirt or debris from your shoes. Use a soft cloth or brush to wipe down the shoes gently. If your shoes have laces, remove them and set them aside to be cleaned separately. You can clean the laces by hand using a small bowl of cold water and a mild soap or dish detergent. Rinse the laces with cold water and let them air dry for 24 hours.

Air-Drying

Air-drying is the best method for drying leather boat shoes. Leather tends to dry quickly on its own, so you don't need to do much. Simply use a clean, dry towel to absorb any excess water from the surface of the shoes. Then, remove the insoles and set them aside to dry separately. The insoles may take longer to dry, so you can speed up the process by pressing them between the folds of a towel.

Place your shoes in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area. Avoid direct sunlight, as this can cause the leather to become brittle and fade over time. If possible, stuff the inside of your shoes with newspaper or cloth to help absorb moisture and maintain their shape while they dry.

Drying Time

Depending on the climate, your leather boat shoes should be dry within 12 to 24 hours. Before wearing them again, make sure they are completely dry by checking the insides with your hand. If they still feel damp, let them air dry for a little longer.

Additional Tips

• Avoid using direct heat, such as hair dryers or space heaters, to dry your leather boat shoes, as this can damage the leather.
• If you want to speed up the drying process, you can place a fan near the shoes to improve airflow.
• To maintain the condition of your leather boat shoes, consider using a leather conditioner or protectant after they have dried completely.
• To prevent odours, sprinkle baking soda on the insoles and let it sit for a few hours before shaking it out.

Drying suede boat shoes

Absorb Excess Water

Use a microfiber towel or a clean cloth to gently blot the suede and absorb as much water as possible. Avoid rubbing the nap of the suede, as you only want to start the drying process without causing any damage.

Brush the Suede

While the suede is still damp, gently brush the nap back and forth using a soft-bristled brush. If you don't have a suitable brush, a soft-bristled toothbrush can also work. Brushing the suede will help maintain its smooth texture.

Apply Heat While Brushing

Use a hairdryer on a low setting to accelerate the drying process. Keep the hairdryer a few inches away from the shoes and continuously brush the nap as heat is applied. This step is crucial as it prevents the suede from becoming stiff and brittle. Make sure the suede never feels hot to the touch, as this indicates that the heat source is too close.

Final Brushing

Once the nap has dried, give it a final brush using a soft horsehair brush. The suede should feel soft and velvety, just like it did before it got wet.

Treat Stains

If there are any stains, use a suede eraser to treat them. Apply soft to medium pressure and rub the eraser in the direction of the suede grain.

Prevent Future Damage

Apply a suede/nubuck protectant spray to your shoes to prevent future water damage. These products help to waterproof the suede and make it more resistant to stains.

Drying canvas boat shoes

Absorb Excess Moisture:

Use a clean, dry towel to wipe away any visible water on the surface of your canvas boat shoes. Make sure to pat down the footbed and the underside of the instep section as well. This initial step will help speed up the drying process and prevent excessive water from damaging the shoes.

Remove Insoles:

Take out the insoles of your canvas boat shoes if they are removable. By exposing the insoles to direct airflow, you will help accelerate the evaporation of any lingering moisture. Prop the insoles up so that both sides can dry evenly. If your insoles are waterlogged, consider replacing them, as frequent exposure to water can cause them to deteriorate quickly.

Stuff the Shoes:

To help your canvas boat shoes retain their shape during the drying process, stuff them with newspaper or cloth. You can also use a rolled-up towel, socks, or a t-shirt. Ensure that you insert enough material to cause the top and sidewalls of the shoes to bulge outward slightly. This step will also help absorb moisture from the inside of the shoes.

Choose a Drying Location:

Place your canvas boat shoes in a cool, dry place to air dry. Avoid direct sunlight or excessive heat, as this can be damaging to the shoes. If you are unsure whether a particular surface can get wet, lay a towel down first to protect it from any potential moisture.

Enhance Airflow:

To speed up the drying process, consider positioning a portable fan near your shoes. Turn the shoes every 20-30 minutes to ensure that air reaches all angles and speeds up evaporation. If you don't have a portable fan, try turning on an overhead fan and placing your shoes underneath it. Elevate the shoes on a table or countertop to bring them closer to the airflow.

Avoid Direct Heat:

Do not apply direct heat to your canvas boat shoes, such as by using a hairdryer or placing them in front of a space heater. Intense heat can warp or melt the rubber outsoles, compromising their grip and potentially damaging the shoes. Canvas is a soft material that holds onto water longer than leather, so be patient and allow the shoes to air dry.

Check for Dryness:

Before wearing your canvas boat shoes again, make sure they are completely dry. Slip your hand inside the shoe to feel for any remaining moisture. A little dampness is acceptable, but if they are still saturated, allow them to continue drying.

Apply a Leather Protectant:

Once your canvas boat shoes are completely dry, consider treating them with a leather protectant or conditioner, especially if they have leather components. These products will help keep the leather soft and supple and provide a mild waterproofing effect. Follow the instructions on the product, and allow the shoes to dry to the touch before wearing them again.

Additional Tips:

• If your canvas boat shoes have laces, consider removing them during the drying process to ensure that all parts of the shoes dry thoroughly.
• Avoid packing or storing your canvas boat shoes while they are still wet, as this can trap moisture and lead to mildew or odour issues.
• If you plan to wear your boat shoes frequently, consider investing in a shoe tree to help them retain their shape during storage.

Quick-drying boat shoes

Drying your boat shoes quickly is a simple process, but it's important to be careful to avoid damaging them. Here are some tips to help you dry your boat shoes in no time!

Firstly, it's important to note that different materials require different drying methods. For canvas shoes, you can use a hairdryer on a low setting to speed up the drying process. However, avoid applying direct heat to leather shoes as this can cause cracking, flaking, and shrinkage. Leather tends to dry quickly on its own, so it's best to let it air dry.

To speed up the drying process for leather boat shoes, you can place them in front of a portable fan or in direct sunlight. If using a fan, ensure that you turn the shoes every 20-30 minutes so that the air reaches all parts of the shoe. Direct sunlight will not only help dry your shoes but also sanitise them as the UV rays kill bacteria that cause shoes to smell bad.

If your shoes have removable insoles, take them out and let them dry separately. This will help the shoes dry faster and also ensure that the insoles don't deteriorate quickly due to frequent exposure to moisture. Stuffing your shoes with newspaper or cloth is another effective way to absorb moisture and maintain their shape while they dry.

If you're looking for a quick fix, you can try using uncooked rice. Simply place your shoes on top of a box of rice, and the rice will absorb the moisture. This method should only take a few hours, depending on how wet your shoes are.

Additionally, there are some preventative measures you can take to protect your boat shoes from getting too wet. Polishing your shoes regularly provides a good level of protection against moisture and stains. It also keeps the leather supple and conceals scuffs and scratches. Applying a waterproof protector weekly will also provide extra protection.

Finally, if you know you'll be encountering water, it's a good idea to bring an extra pair of shoes to change into. This will give your boat shoes a chance to dry properly and help prevent any unpleasant odours from developing.

Maintaining boat shoes

Boat shoes are the perfect footwear for a day on a yacht or boat. They are designed to protect sailors' feet against water and to provide grip on the smooth, slick surfaces found on boat decks.

Breaking in your boat shoes

To get your boat shoes to fit at the ultimate comfort level may take months or even years. To speed up the process, you can use a long-standing method of weathering your boat shoes. Fill a flat plastic box or bucket with saltwater, ensuring the water level is below the top of the shoe. Place the shoes inside the box with the sole flat on the bottom. Let your boat shoes sit for at least 4 hours, then remove them and rinse with cold water. Let them air-dry.

Cleaning and drying your boat shoes

To clean your boat shoes, use a soft cloth dipped in leather cleaner or a mild dish soap solution. Avoid using any cleaner that contains acid or detergents. Wipe the shoes with the damp cloth, removing all dirt and debris, then rinse and let them air-dry. Do not soak the shoes in water. If the interior is wet, remove the insole and let it dry separately. You can also stuff your shoes with newspaper to help them keep their shape while drying.

Protecting your boat shoes

To keep your boat shoes water-resistant, apply products such as mink oil or leather shoe oil. For darker-coloured shoes, mink oil is recommended as it tends to darken lighter-coloured leather. You can also use a spray silicone on lighter-coloured leather. Apply the conditioner before wearing your boat shoes for the first time, and then before each boating season. To preserve the leather and revive its original colour, you can use a paste-type leather shoe polish.

Frequently asked questions