How To Dry Wet Sandals Without Shrinking: Safe Fast Tips

Air-dry at room temperature, stuff with paper, avoid direct heat, and reshape gently.

I have repaired, tested, and dried dozens of sandals over the years for friends and family. I know what causes shrinkage and how to prevent it. This guide shows clear, reliable steps on how to dry wet sandals without shrinking for leather, suede, fabric, cork, and rubber types. Read on for simple methods, tested tips, and mistakes to avoid so your sandals keep their fit and shape.

Why sandals shrink when wet and what to watch for

Sandals shrink when water affects the material or glue. Leather tightens and dries stiff. Suede fibers clump and change shape. Fabric can warp, and cork footbeds may crack or compress. Heat speeds up shrinkage by forcing fibers or adhesives to contract. Knowing the material helps you choose how to dry them without shrinking.

Water also weakens glue joints. Rushing drying with a heater can lift soles or deform straps. Salt from sweat or sea water can stiffen leather if not rinsed. Small changes in shape can make sandals feel much tighter on your foot. Learning safe drying steps prevents permanent damage and keeps sandals comfortable.

Core principles to dry wet sandals without shrinking

Follow simple rules to stop shrinkage. These rules apply to most sandal types.

• Remove excess water quickly by blotting with a towel.
• Avoid direct heat, radiators, and full sun. Heat causes fibers and adhesives to contract.
• Stuff or reshape while damp to hold the correct form. Use paper or cloth, not rigid objects.
• Use gentle airflow and low heat options when speed is needed, like a fan or low dryer setting.
• Clean salt or dirt first with cool water to prevent hardening and staining as they dry.

Apply these principles the moment your sandals get soaked. Quick action reduces the chance of shrinkage and keeps materials supple.

Step-by-step methods by material

Different materials need tailored care. Follow the right steps to dry wet sandals without shrinking based on material.

Leather sandals

1. Remove loose dirt with a soft brush and rinse salt off with cool water.
2. Blot gently with an absorbent towel. Do not wring or twist.
3. Stuff with crumpled plain paper or shoe trees to keep shape. Replace paper as it becomes damp.
4. Air-dry in a shaded, ventilated spot. Avoid heaters and direct sun.
5. Once dry, apply a leather conditioner to restore oils and suppleness.

Leather needs slow drying and reconditioning. Rushing leather is the most common cause of permanent shrinkage and cracking.

Suede sandals

1. Brush dirt off with a suede brush while damp or after tack-drying.
2. Blot moisture with a towel. Avoid soaking the nap.
3. Stuff lightly with paper and dry naturally in shade.
4. Once dry, use a suede eraser and brush to lift fibers back into place.
5. Apply a suede protector spray to help avoid future damage.

Suede’s nap can harden and tighten if dried too fast. Gentle care prevents misshaping.

Fabric and canvas sandals

1. Rinse mud and salt with cool water.
2. Blot with towel; remove straps if possible.
3. Stuff with paper or cloth to keep shape.
4. Air-dry or use a fan for faster airflow. Low heat from a dryer is okay if used briefly and at low temperature in a mesh shoe bag.
5. Re-shape straps while damp to prevent puckering.

Fabric tolerates faster drying than leather but still shrinks under high heat.

Rubber, plastic, and EVA soles

1. Wipe excess water away.
2. Air-dry at room temperature or use a fan.
3. Avoid direct sunlight for long periods to prevent warping or brittleness.
4. For foam linings, stuff lightly to keep shape and reduce compression.

Rubber can warp if heated. Drying at room temperature prevents misshapes.

Cork footbeds

1. Rinse salt and dirt with cool water and mild soap if needed.
2. Blot and air-dry in shade while keeping the original shape with paper or cloth stuffing.
3. Apply a cork sealant or conditioner after fully dry to prevent drying out and cracking.

Cork can dry brittle and shrink if overheated. Slow drying keeps the footbed intact.

Fast but safe drying options

Sometimes you need sandals dry fast. Pick safe methods to reduce shrink risk.

• Use a fan for steady airflow. Position sandals upright and rotate every 30 minutes.
• Place crumpled paper inside straps and replace when damp. Paper pulls moisture without adding heat.
• Use silica gel packets around and inside sandals to absorb moisture quietly overnight.
• A low-heat hairdryer on a cool or low setting from a distance can speed drying. Keep moving and hold at least 12 inches away.
• For fabric sandals, a dryer on a low, short cycle in a protective bag can be used, but check frequently.

Avoid ovens, microwaves, direct sunlight, or hot radiators. Those methods shrink, warp, or delaminate sandals.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Avoid these pitfalls to keep sandals safe.

• Do not use high heat to dry faster. It causes shrinkage and glue failure.
• Do not stuff with hard objects that distort shape. Use soft paper or shoe trees instead.
• Do not skip cleaning salt or grime first. Residue stiffens as it dries.
• Do not leave soaked sandals in a closed damp bag. Mold and odors can form.
• Do not ignore material-specific care; leather and suede need oils or brush work after drying.

These mistakes are easy to make when you want sandals ready quickly. Slow, steady care saves the shoe.

Real-life tips and testing notes from experience

I once tried to speed-dry a leather sandal on a heater. The leather tightened, and the strap puckered. I then switched to stuffing with paper and slow air-dry. The sandal returned to near-original fit after conditioning. From testing dozens of pairs, paper stuffing plus shade-drying works best across materials.

Try small tests on one sandal if unsure. If you must dry quickly, use a cool fan and monitor hourly. Keep a small kit: soft cloth, plain paper, suede brush, and a few silica gel packets. These simple tools prevent mistakes I learned the hard way.

Frequently Asked Questions of how to dry wet sandals without shrinking

How long does it take to dry sandals without shrinking?

Most sandals dry in 12 to 48 hours at room temperature. Leather and cork take longer, while rubber and fabric dry faster.

Can I use a hairdryer to dry sandals?

Yes, but use a cool or low setting from a distance and keep the dryer moving. High heat risks shrinkage and glue damage.

Will stuffing sandals with newspaper cause staining?

Plain paper or paper towels usually do not stain. Avoid inked newspaper if the paper is very wet; it can transfer dye.

How do I restore leather sandals after drying?

Apply a leather conditioner to replace oils and prevent stiffness. Condition gently and allow time to absorb.

Is it safe to put sandals in a dryer?

Fabric sandals may be OK on a low, short cycle in a protective bag. Avoid putting leather, suede, cork, or glued sandals in a hot dryer.

Conclusion

Drying wet sandals without shrinking is simple when you follow rules: remove water, avoid direct heat, stuff to keep shape, and use gentle airflow. Start fast by blotting, clean away salts, and match the method to the material. Small habits like carrying paper and silica gel make a big difference.

Try the methods above and treat your sandals with slow, steady care. Leave a comment with your sandal type and problem, and I’ll suggest the best drying plan. Subscribe or follow for more practical shoe care tips.