One of the most widely-worn brands of boat shoes is the Sperrys.Since they are built for boating, a little water won't hurt them, and they will air dry on their own in 12 to 24 hours.You can help them along by toweling them off thoroughly to absorb excess water, then removing the insoles and letting them dry separately.If you plan on hitting the deck sooner rather than later, try setting your boat shoes in front of a portable fan or laying them outside to get some sunlight.Leather and suede shoes should be finished with a quality leather protectant to make them look as good as the day you bought them.
Step 1: Remove excess moisture.
If there is still water on the shoe, use a dry towel.Make sure to pat down the underside of the instep section as well.Leave them as-is when you are done.You can use a more intensive drying method if the uppers are made from canvas.Don't towel off the suedes too forcefully.The dye used to color the shoes could be smudged by aggressive handling.
Step 2: The insoles should be removed to dry.
Lifting out the insoles exposes them to more direct air flow.If you want the best results, prop the insoles up.Press them between a towel.If you get wet frequently, your insoles will degrade at a much higher rate, and they won't hold up as long as the rest of the shoe.If your adventures leave you with wet feet, you should pick up a new pair of insoles every 3-4 months.
Step 3: To keep their shape, Stuff your shoes with newspaper.
There is a tendency for natural fabrics to shrink as they dry.Adding up yesterday's sports section and sticking it inside will keep your shoes neat and new.The top and sidewalls should bulge slightly if enough material is inserted.In a pinch, a roll of socks or wadded up t-shirt can do the trick.Adding some newspaper or cloth to your shoes will help keep the inside dry and the outside dry.
Step 4: Put your Sperrys away in a dry place.
You don't have to do anything to the boat shoes after they've been through a wave, wake, or puddle because they are designed to take a dripping and keep on skipping.Leathers should be dry in 12 to 15 hours.It may take closer to 24 for canvas and suede pairs.It's a good idea to rest your wet shoes on a water-resistant surface.If you don't know if it's okay for a particular surface to get wet, lay a towel down first.
Step 5: Before you put them on, make sure they're dry.
If it still feels wet, put your hand inside the shoe.If they are still saturated, you might want to let them sit for a little while longer.If you took them out to dry separately, make sure to replace the insoles.
Step 6: In the sun, leave your Sperrys out.
Take your damps outside and place them in a nice sunny spot if the weather is pleasant.They will be ready to wear in no time.If you forget about them, they could end up being a few shades lighter than they were when you took them out.UV rays from the sun kill mold and cause shoes to smell bad, so you should wash your boat shoes as soon as possible.If it is humid or overcast, it may take a little longer for your shoes to dry.
Step 7: A hair dryer is needed over canvas shoes.
Set the hair dryer to the lowest temperature and wave the nozzle back and forth over the upper part of the shoe.It's important to pay attention to the inner portion as well.The mild heat will cause the absorbent fabric to dry out.The hair dryer should be at the top of the shoes.The rubber soles could be damaged by heat.If you don't have time to blast your Sperrys dry manually, prop them up a few feet in front of a space heater.The heating element should be facing the footbeds to allow more warm air inside.
Step 8: Don't apply direct heat to shoes.
If you put your natural leather shoes in front of a space heater or use a hair dryer on them, you could end up with more humidity than you intended.Over time, this can lead to cracking.It is best to just leave it alone because leather tends to dry quickly.A wipedown is enough for most all-leather Sperrys.
Step 9: To speed things along, use a fan.
Leather is water-repellent, but softer materials like canvas and suede hold onto water longer.You can speed up the process by placing them in front of a portable fan.The air can get to the shoes from every angle if they are turned every 30 minutes.If you don't have a portable fan, try placing your Sperrys underneath the overhead fan in your home.To bring your shoes closer to the current, place them on a table, countertop, or other elevated surface.
Step 10: You should bring along an extra pair of shoes to change into.
It will take a long time for your Sperrys to dry.When you return to port, slip into a pair of sneakers or sandals to take care of your boat shoes.You won't miss a step if they get some air.Pack up your Sperrys when they are still wet.Being confined to a suitcase or duffel bag will leave them prone to mold.Don't forget to have a fresh set of socks on hand.
Step 11: A leather protectant can be used to treat leather and suede footwear.
After your shoes have had a chance to dry, spray or rub a high-quality leather protectant or conditioner onto the exterior of the shoe.In addition to keeping leather soft and supple, these products act as a mild waterproof agent, which will keep them from getting wet the next time you wear them.After conditioning your Sperrys, let them dry to the touch before putting them back on.If you sport your leather shoes on a consistent basis, you can try to give them some love about once a month or every couple weeks.The kind of wear and tear that comes from trudging through ankle-deep water will be prevented by regular use.