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How to properly dry football boots

Here are the easiest and safest boot drying methods available to every player

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How to properly dry football boots

A football match or training session takes place in any weather conditions. Rain, mud, snow can affect the performance of an athlete’s equipment, especially football boots. To keep the boots in good shape and use them for a long time, regular care methods are recommended, including proper drying.

Can you use a hairdryer for drying boots?

You can only use a hairdryer to dry boots if you use the cold setting. This works well for slightly wet boots. You can use hairdryer for such tasks:

  • Quickly remove mud residues.
  • Gently heat the inside to keep its shape (then fill the space with paper).
  • Fast drying of laces and insoles,
  • Remove any remaining moisture from the sole.

For these cases, use warm air from a distance. Using the hot setting can melt the glue and change the structure of the outer material.

How to properly dry football boots

Can boots be dried on a radiator?

Drying boots on a radiator is a simple and easy method, but it’s not entirely safe. The main issue with this method is the uneven distribution. Negative outcomes of this method include:

  • Deformation of the upper part – the outer layer of the material becomes coarse, leading to cracks and folds leading to increased moisture and property loss.
  • Uneven drying affects sports shoe components, causing a loss of membrane functionality.
  • Glued parts lose elasticity and tightness due to glue layer breakdown.
  • Uneven thread tension leads to seams coming apart, a boots’ connecting element.
  • The protective layer breaks down – boots are treated with a special fatty layer during production to increase their lifespan.
  • The rapid multiplication of harmful microorganisms occurs due to uneven drying on a radiator.

You can efficiently dry sports shoes using traditional methods.

How to properly dry football boots

Simple and safe methods for drying boots

Football players use various traditional methods for quick drying and preserving their boots. The most common methods include:

  • Paper towels or newspapers – they effectively absorb moisture and help with fast ventilation.
  • Kitchen cooking salt – heated salt is placed in a pouch and placed inside wet footwear.
  • Baking soda – best for removing bad smells and extra moisture; it can remain active for 6-8 hours.
  • Rice – a useful method to remove extra moisture in 4 hours; put the boots entirely into the rice.
  • Silica gel – packets with beads go inside the shoes and stay until they’re completely dry;
  • Fan – an easy and safe method, can be used at any drying stage, just make sure the shoes are suspended.
  • The optimal and efficient method for drying sports footwear is a special drying machine: these devices are equipped with temperature controllers and ultraviolet. Thanks to this functionality, the drying process takes from 20 to 30 minutes.

The safest way to remove extra moisture is by letting boots dry naturally at room temperature. Before starting, clean the boots from dirt and wipe them dry with a microfiber cloth. Then, fully unlace and remove the insoles. Leave the boots in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight, to prevent color fading and loss of elasticity.

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