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Best Overall
Peet The Original Electric Shoe and Boot Dryer
Best Bang for the Buck
JobSite Silent Boot Dryer
Upgrade Pick
Hedgehog Dryer Buddy Ionic i3 Boot Dryer
Given that virtually everyone agrees on the fact that walking around in a wet pair of boots is a miserable experience, it’s a wonder boot dryers aren’t a more common household appliance. Whether your footwear is wet from a rainy hike, a snowy shovel session, or simply sweating during a project on a hot day, there’s a special kind of pleasure that comes with getting sloshy shoes off your feet. But if you need to wear a pair of heavy-duty insulated boots again before the sometimes multi-day air-drying process is complete, you’re sure to be miserable once again.
Rather than moving your shoes from one sunny spot to another and hoping for the best, pumping warm, dry air into them can take them from swampy to comfy in a matter of hours. After researching dozens of popular boot dryers, we chose Peet The Original Electric Shoe and Boot Dryer as our favorite for its compact size and quick action. This everyday essential and the rest of the picks on our best-of list represent top options in a range of categories, with some even able to accommodate gloves, helmets, and other gear. Once you’ve read through the details on each of the best boot dryers, be sure to review which features matter most when choosing the dryer that’s right for you.
- BEST OVERALL: Peet The Original Electric Shoe and Boot Dryer
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: JobSite Boot Dryer
↓ Jump to Review - UPGRADE PICK: Hedgehog Dryer Buddy Ionic i3 Boot Dryer
↓ Jump to Review - BEST NON-ELECTRIC: The Green Glove Dryer The Eco Dryer Floor Dryer
↓ Jump to Review - BEST TWO-PAIR: Peet Advantage Plus Heated Shoe and Boot Dryer
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR TALL BOOTS: DryGuy Force Dry DX Boot Dryer
↓ Jump to Review - BEST SKI & SNOW: DryGuy Force Dry Sport Boot, Show, and Glove Dryer
↓ Jump to Review - BEST PORTABLE: Kooder Boot, Shoe, and Foot Dryer
↓ Jump to Review - BEST MULTIPURPOSE: Everlasting Comfort Heavy-Duty Boot Dryer
↓ Jump to Review
Our Top Picks
The following appliances can turn damp boots into dry ones before the coming storm hits or you move on to the next item on your winter home improvement list. Compare each option against the others to ensure you choose the best boot dryer for your needs.
Best Overall
Peet The Original Electric Shoe and Boot Dryer
What We Like
- Compatible with leather, rubber, vinyl, neoprene, canvas, synthetics, fleece, felt, and microfiber
- Extension tubes accommodate tall boots
- Silent operation and compact size
What We Don’t Like
- May take longer to dry than other models
Product Specs
- Type: Convection/forced hot air
- Shoe capacity: 1 pair
- Built-in heat settings: 1
- Drying time: Dries most footwear overnight
If you’re shopping for a good boot dryer that both dries and operates efficiently, we think you’ll love the Peet Original boot and shoe dryer. This convection-style dryer gently warms the air from the room, allowing it to rise through the unit’s dual extension tubes and into footwear made from leather, rubber, vinyl, neoprene, canvas, synthetics, fleece, felt, or microfiber materials.
The energy-efficient unit operates silently and is safe to keep plugged in 24/7 for continuous drying. While the manufacturer doesn’t list an exact number of hours to dry boots, it recommends a general “overnight” timeframe depending on the shoes’ material and level of saturation. This may be a bit slower than other models, but you won’t have to listen to any noisy blowers or worry about the unit getting too hot while you wait.
Get the Peet The Original boot dryer at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Peet Dryer.
Best Bang for the Buck
JobSite Boot Dryer
What We Like
- Suitable for shoes, gloves, hats, and ice skates
- Silent operation is ideal for indoor use
- Eliminates moisture to prevent mold and bacteria from growing
What We Don’t Like
- Convection drying can be on the slower side
Product Specs
- Type: Convection/forced hot air
- Shoe capacity: 1 pair
- Built-in heat settings: 1
- Drying time: 8 to 12+ hours
Like our pick for best overall, JobSite’s boot and glove dryer operates via efficient, convection-style electric heating. It offers silent operation for drying one pair of boots at a time, and it can also be used for hats, ice skates, cleats, socks, winter gloves, work gloves, baseball gloves, or boxing gloves. Keeping these items dry helps prevent mold, fungus, and bacteria from growing and causing off-putting odors.
It generally takes JobSite’s fanless boot dryer about 8 hours to dry damp boots and 12 hours or more for anything that’s soaked completely through. The unit is safe to leave on as long as you like, but it does have an on/off LED light that signals whether or not the unit is powered up. This can be helpful as you get used to using the dryer since it takes 15 to 30 minutes to start producing heat, which sometimes confuses users.
Get the JobSite boot dryer at Amazon, Wayfair, Walmart, or JobSite.
Upgrade Pick
Hedgehog Dryer Buddy Ionic i3 Boot Dryer
What We Like
- Dries up to 5 times faster than similar options
- Ionic technology can eliminate odors
- Has multiple heat settings and a timer
- Can also dry and heat gloves and hats
What We Don’t Like
- Works best when mounted to wall
- Tornado mode is a bit loud
Product Specs
- Type: Ceramic heat/fan
- Shoe capacity: 3 pairs
- Built-in heat settings: 5
- Drying time: 10+ minutes
While many of the boot dryers on our list use more passive methods to dry footwear and other gear (and thus, their makers can be a bit noncommittal about drying time), Hedgehog is so confident in their dryer’s ceramic heating element and patented turbine ionic technology that the company boasts the unit can dry up to five times faster than similar appliances. It can remove all moisture from a pair of wet shoes or gloves in about 10 to 30 minutes, and it generally only takes a couple of hours to get a heavy-duty pair of wet winter boots dry.
If you’re drying leather or other sensitive materials, you can adjust the heat down to the lowest of five temperature settings and even set a timer to ensure your garment isn’t exposed to heat for too long. Since we’re usually in a hurry to get our gear back on, we generally run this boot dryer and warmer on tornado mode, which is loud enough that we prefer to use it in the garage. Though Hedgehog makes a different model that hangs on a hook, this one needs to be mounted to the wall for best results.
What our tester says: “We love this dryer for quickly getting rid of the wet in our winter hiking boots, hats, and gloves so we can get them back on ASAP if we need to start shoveling snow. When you live on top of a mountain where it can be winter for more than half the year, a dryer that works this fast makes a big difference in each day.”—Michelle Larson, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Hedgehog Dryer boot dryer at Amazon or Hedgehog Dryer.
Best Non-Electric
The Green Glove Dryer The Eco Dryer Floor Dryer
What We Like
- Hold 6 garments or 3 pairs of footwear
- 360-degree airflow dries quickly and efficiently
- Requires no electricity
- Lightweight and compact portable boot dryer
What We Don’t Like
- Requires home heat to be blowing to work
Product Specs
- Type: Forced air
- Shoe capacity: 3 pairs
- Built-in heat settings: 1
- Drying time: A few hours
Families who need to dry a bunch of shoes and mittens in the winter will love this multi-boot dryer from Eco Dryer. This floor dryer can hold three pairs of boots at a time and also accommodates hats, mittens, gloves, socks, shoes, and even ski boots.
This unique option is made with a twist-lock design that offers excellent air circulation to dry boots without electricity. Simply place it on a forced air vent in your entryway or mudroom and let it do its job. Given how compact and lightweight this dryer is, it’s also convenient to slip inside its travel bag and bring to weekend sports tournaments. The unit’s trademarked antibacterial additive, Sanafor, will inhibit 99 percent of the growth that causes odor and mold—as long as your hotel has a vent you can place it over.
Get the Green Glove boot dryer at Amazon.
Best Two-Pair
Peet Advantage Plus Heated Shoe and Boot Dryer
What We Like
- Heated or non-heated drying options
- Dries boots within 4 hours
- Sturdy base is great for heavier items
- Deodorizes while it dries
What We Don’t Like
- Takes up more space than many models
Product Specs
- Type: Convection/forced air
- Shoe capacity: 2 pairs
- Built-in heat settings: Heated or unheated
- Drying time: 1 to 4 hours
Soggy boots and wet gloves sometimes require a bit of extra power to ensure they’re comfortable when needed, and in those times, the Peet Advantage Plus boot dryer with fan does not disappoint. The center-mounted fan and coil draw air for heating and then push the dry, warm air through your gear. It features an on-off switch for heated or unheated use and a drying and deodorizing time of just 1 to 4 hours.
With its sturdy base, the Advantage Plus can handle all types of shoes, boots, gloves, and hats. It also comes with tubes long enough for tall boots or ski boots. Plus, this option is suitable for use on materials like leather, rubber, vinyl, canvas, neoprene, synthetics, and more.
Get the Peet Advantage Plus boot dryer at Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, Best Buy, or Peet Dryer.
Best for Tall Boots
DryGuy Force Dry DX Boot Dryer
What We Like
- Heated or non-heated drying and a timer
- 16-inch extension tubes for tall boots
- Also accommodates waders, helmets, and other sports equipment
- Reduces bacteria and odor while it dries
What We Don’t Like
- Takes up more space than other boot dryers
Product Specs
- Type: Convection/forced air
- Shoe capacity: 2 pairs
- Built-in heat settings: Heated or non-heated
- Drying time: 1 to 3 hours
If you’re searching for a boot dryer that works quickly and efficiently for long boots, be sure to take a look at the DryGuy Force Dry DX. This shoe boot dryer uses forced hot air to dry two pairs of heavy-duty work boots at a time, and its 16-inch extension tubes help keep tall boots upright as they dry.
This DryGuy dryer uses a center-mounted fan and heating coil to produce air temperatures of 105 degrees Fahrenheit, removing all moisture from most items in under 3 hours. The high temperature and dry, warm air it produces also help eliminate odors and reduce bacteria growth. The DryGuy DX forced air dryer has an on-off switch for heat control and a timer that adjusts for up to 3 hours.
Get the DryGuy DX boot dryer at Amazon, Ace Hardware, or Walmart.
Best Ski-Snow
DryGuy Force Dry Sport Boot, Show, and Glove Dryer
What We Like
- 3-hour shutoff timer
- Drying ports expand up to 10 inches
- Ports also fold flat for storage and to handle heavy gear
What We Don’t Like
- Some users report the unit only lasts a year or 2
Product Specs
- Type: Convection/forced hot air
- Shoe capacity: 1 pair
- Built-in heat settings: 1
- Drying time: 1 to 2 hours
Not every boot dryer is built to be a ski boot dryer or a snowboard boot dryer, but with drying ports that fold down to accommodate the weight of ski and snow equipment, the DryGuy Sport is an excellent choice for winter sports enthusiasts. To dry lighter-weight and taller footwear during the rest of the year, simply position the port vertically and extend them up to 10 inches if necessary.
Like many options on our list, the DryGuy Sport uses a combination of convection and forced air to ensure efficient drying. It also has a built-in 3-hour shutoff timer that provides added safety and energy savings. With a drying time of just 1 to 2 hours, it’s a practical solution for any active individual needing quick and thorough drying.
Get the DryGuy Sport boot dryer at Amazon, Walmart, or Target.
Best Portable
Kooder Boot, Shoe, and Foot Dryer
What We Like
- 360-degree heat output provides quick drying
- Helps shoes retain shape
- Fits in short or tall boots
- Affordable and potable
What We Don’t Like
- Focuses heat predominantly on boots’ footbeds
Product Specs
- Type: Positive temperature coefficient dryer
- Shoe capacity: 1 pair
- Built-in heat settings: 1
- Drying time: 1 to 3 hours
If you prefer a more direct heat source for drying your damp shoes and boots, check out the Kooder Boot Dryer, Shoe Dryer, and Foot Dryer. This electric positive temperature coefficient boot dryer slips inside shoes to deliver 360 degrees of heat to dry the upper and lower parts of your boots. Because it’s designed to fit against your shoe’s footbed, this dryer helps your wet boot or shoe retain its shape as it dries. It also has a length adjustment to ensure it fits any size shoe.
While we like that these fit down inside boots to get even the tip of the toes totally dry, the fact that they don’t extend up into the shaft of boots might make them less ideal for tall boots that are wet all the way up. If you’re on the road and tend to end up with wet shoes each day, however, this pair of dryers will work to remove moisture while you sleep, helping reduce odors and prevent bacteria. Just be sure to unplug them when you’re done, as there’s no on/off switch on the heaters themselves.
Get the Kooder boot dryer at Amazon.
Best Multipurpose
Everlasting Comfort Heavy-Duty Boot Dryer
What We Like
- Carry handle, drip trays, timer, extra attachments
- 2 sets of extendable tubes: 16.75 and 17.5 inches
- Built-in deodorizer removes unpleasant smells
- No-heat setting is great for delicate materials
What We Don’t Like
- No onboard storage for accessory attachments
- Combination of fan and ozone generator can be loud
Product Specs
- Type: Convection/forced air/fan
- Shoe capacity: 2 pairs
- Built-in heat settings: Heated or non-heated
- Drying time: Dries most items in under 80 minutes
You don’t need us to tell you that boots and shoes aren’t the only types of gear that tend to end up wet. With two sets of extendable tubes (16.75 and 17.5 inches) and special attachments for helmets, this Everlasting Comfort dryer can handle boots, shoes, helmets, hats, mittens, and much more. It holds two sets of items at once or four individual pieces and offers heat and non-heat functionality for delicate materials and heavy-duty drying.
In addition to its size and accessory attachments, this unit has other features that make it an efficient multipurpose option. It uses forced air induction and a fan to draw air in, heat it, and push it through wet garments, ensuring quick drying no matter how wet stuff is. It also has four drip trays, a carry handle, a timer, and a built-in ozone deodorizer.
Get the Everlasting Comfort boot dryer at Amazon or Walmart.
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Chose the Best Boot Dryers
We researched the most sought-after shoe dryers in their respective categories and evaluated them based on capacity, drying time, heat settings, and other special features. The most popular boot dryers tend to be convection/forced air dryers that offer ease of use and relatively quick drying for effective odor control. Our research also pointed us toward an excellent positive temperature coefficient dryer that delivers fast 360-degree drying in short shoes and work boots.
The options that ended up on our final list typically hold one or two pairs of shoes and can dry in as little as 10 minutes or as much as 12 hours. Paying attention to drying time is important as the best boot dryer for you will likely focus on energy efficiency or lightning-fast drying, but not both. If you’re looking for something that works overnight after sports or in conjunction with a long list of winter preparation projects, reviewing the following considerations should help.
What to Consider When Choosing a Boot Dryer
Before you start shopping for the best boot dryer, there are a few things you should know. The following section will outline the finer points to remember about these time-saving, comfort-promoting devices.
Dryer Type
The best boot dryers come in various forms. Some work more quickly than others, while the slower options offer more energy efficiency.
- Convection and forced hot air boot dryers are by far the most common. These models have vertical tubes to hold and dry your boots. Convection dryers take air from the room, heat it, remove its moisture, and then allow it to rise into the boots. Forced hot air does the same, with a fan that blows the air through the boots.
- Positive temperature coefficient dryers fit inside your boots and heat them from the inside out. Some options have temperature controls that keep them from getting too warm, while others are either off or on. Overall, they’re a bit slow, however, they’re a bit more portable than hot-air dryers.
- UV-based dryers use ultraviolet light to dry boots off and also kill bacteria to prevent nasty odors.
- Silica gel-based products and propane-operated dryers are slow but easy to move and use, making them attractive for camping and adventuring.
Capacity
If you’re like many adventurers, you like to share the experience with a buddy. That means you’re probably not the only one with soggy shoes. For that reason, you might want to purchase a boot dryer that can handle more than one pair of hiking or work boots. Even if you’re flying solo, you can always use the other ports to dry items like hats and winter work gloves.
Heat Settings
If you have a pair of expensive leather boots, pumping a bunch of hot air into them can strip them of their oils, causing the leather to shrink and crack. While you can re-oil and clean them to recover some of their appearance, the better option is not using heat in the first place.
Several boot dryers let you choose between drying with or without heat. With a flip of a switch, you can go from drying heavy-duty winter boots with heat to allowing your expensive dress boots to dry more naturally, retaining their oils and shape. If you know you’ll always be drying less sensitive materials, you’ll probably be quite happy with a permanently heating boot dryer.
Pro tip: If the main reason you’re looking at boot dryers is to warm your feet, perhaps a pair of heated socks or something from this list of products to buy if you’re always cold would be a better fit.
Drying Time
One of the most important considerations while shopping through the best boot air dryers is the amount of time it will take a particular model to dry your boots. While boot drying time often has more to do with how wet the boot is, having a general idea of how long it could take will help you decide on the right model.
Silica gel and positive temperature coefficient models are slow. They can often take 8 to 12 hours to dry out wet footwear. Alternatively, some forced hot air dryers can have you back out on the trail or lacing up your work boots for concrete in just a few hours. The dryer’s power output and efficiency have a lot to do with how long they’ll have to run to get your footwear.
Port Height
If you haven’t considered the height of the ports when shopping for the best boot dryer, you should give it some thought. Yes, it’s true that most boots will fit on any standard tube, but high rubber hunting boots or rain boots might require a taller port to allow the dryer to work as efficiently as possible. Several models on our list have tube extensions that allow you to lengthen the vertical tubes, so if you tend toward tasks that require tall boots, you probably want to decide between the extendable port options.
Articulating Tubes
Packing two pairs of heavy boots onto a boot dryer can affect how they sit on the tubes, meaning they could block the intake fan and reduce the efficiency of the dryer. If you’re able to find a model with articulating tubes, you can place your boots on the dryer sideways to keep the fan clear and allow all items to dry as efficiently as possible.
Drip Tray
Drip trays make a big difference in protecting your floors and minimizing wet, muddy messes as your boots dry. If you’ll be using your boot dryer in a room with carpet or hardwood flooring, a drip tray is a must. If the model you’re considering doesn’t come with drip trays (few units do, unfortunately), you might want to purchase one separately.
Extra Features
There are a few extra features you might want to consider when shopping for the best boot dryer. Models with auto-shutoff timers are particularly helpful if you’re drying overnight or swapping boots and leaving for the day. Units with special attachments for gloves and mittens can help dry air reach the extremities of these hard-to-dry items while also helping them retain their shape. Dryers that offer ozone shoe deodorizers can be especially nice for removing moisture from wet sports and work gear that might otherwise get stinky.
FAQs
Although you now know boot dryers offer more than just the heat output of the best laundry dryer, you might still have some questions before you’re ready to invest. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about the best boot dryers.
Most boot dryers use electricity to warm the air inside the boot. Simply plug the dryer in and insert the boot over the tubes. If it’s a positive temperature coefficient model, plug it in and slip the heaters into your boots. The boot dryer does the rest.
Drying time depends on many factors, including how wet the boot is and the type of dryer you purchase. In general, the best boot dryers dry soaking wet boots in as little as a few hours or as long as overnight.
Yes, by creating a warm, dry environment, boot dryers help reduce the amount of bacteria inside of a boot. This aspect of their functionality can also help boot dryers eliminate odor.
Any electrical appliance can catch fire, but the best boot dryers have built-in temperature controls that will not allow the dryer to exceed a specific temperature (usually around 105 degrees Fahrenheit).
Boot dryers don’t need a lot of maintenance. Simply wipe the surfaces down with a household cleaning wipe, and if your machine has a fan or air intake, vacuum it out to ensure it’s running as efficiently as possible.
Our top pick in this list of the best boot dryers sells for about $50, so for those who live in snow-heavy areas or otherwise regularly deal with wet footwear, we think boot dryers are definitely worth it. If you tend to run cold, this list of products for surviving winter has 50 other great ideas.
Most boot dryers use convection heat and, therefore, require a minimal amount of electricity. More high-powered models that offer especially quick drying times will use more electricity, whereas our non-electric pick, The Green Glove Dryer The Eco Dryer Floor Dryer, relies exclusively on the heat that comes from your home’s registers.
