What to do if your padel shoes get wet?

If your padel shoes are soaked, never dry them near a heater. Let them dry at room temperature with newspaper inside, in a well-ventilated spot.

A common mistake is to place wet shoes near a radiator, heater, or in direct sunlight to speed up drying. While it seems like a quick fix, it can damage the materials and shorten the shoe’s lifespan. Luckily, there are safer and more effective ways to handle this.

Why you should never dry shoes near heat

Most athletic or technical shoes are made of multiple materials like foam, glue, rubber, and mesh, all of which respond differently to heat.
If you put wet shoes near a heat source, you risk the following:

• Glue may loosen: especially in sports or performance shoes
• Uppers may deform: leather, mesh, or synthetics can bubble or crack
• Soles can dry out: which reduces grip and cushioning
• Odors worsen: heat pulls sweat deeper into the fabric

That’s why slow, natural drying is always the safest method.

What you should do when shoes get wet

Follow these simple steps to dry your shoes safely and effectively:

1. Remove loose parts

• Take out the laces
• Remove the insole if possible

This allows more airflow inside the shoe for even drying.

2. Blot excess moisture

• Use a dry cloth to wipe the outer surface
• Gently tap off any loose dirt or mud first

3. Stuff the shoes with newspaper

• Use plain (non-glossy, non-colored) newspaper
• Pack it loosely inside to absorb moisture from the inside
• Replace the paper every few hours if it gets damp

4. Place in a dry, ventilated area

• Choose a spot with good airflow, like near an open window or in a dry garage
• Avoid direct sunlight, heaters, or using a hairdryer

5. Be patient

• Let the shoes dry slowly, this may take 12 to 24 hours
• Don’t wear them again until both the sole and interior are fully dry

Extra tips to avoid damage

• Use a shoe dryer: Special electric dryers use low heat and airflow. Ideal if your shoes often get wet.
• Lay them on their side: This helps moisture escape from both sides.
• Wear natural fiber socks: These breathe better and reduce moisture build-up in the shoe.

What to do after heavy rain or mud

If your shoes are not only wet but also dirty, let them dry first, then brush off the dried mud. Use a damp cloth to clean the surface afterwards.

Never wash your shoes in the washing machine unless the manufacturer specifically says it's safe.