How To Dry Your Dirt Bike Boots & Motorcycle Boots
Picture this: you are out on a thrilling dirt bike or motorcycle ride, kicking up dust and feeling the wind rush past you. Suddenly, you hit a patch of mud puddle or rain starts pouring down, and before you know it, your boots are drenched. The joy of the ride is instantly replaced with discomfort and annoyance.
As a seasoned rider myself, I know first-hand the importance of keeping your boots dry. Not only can wet boots lead to blisters and discomfort, but they can also compromise your safety during the ride.
I have spent countless hours researching and testing out different drying techniques to find the most efficient and effective methods for drying dirt bike boots and motorcycle boots. So, this article is all about sharing these techniques with you along with some permanent solutions that will keep your footwear warm and dry without much effort.
But before we dive into the methods, its important to prepare your boots for drying.
This is how you prepare your wet boots for drying:
Step 1: Clean them up
You can start by cleaning any dirt or debris from your boots using a damp microfibre cloth. If you are feeling extra fancy, you can give them a thorough wash, but a simple surface cleaning will do the trick too.
By removing any dirt, you are helping the evaporation process work its magic and speeding up the drying time.
Step 2: Stuff them up
Next, grab some dry absorbent materials like paper towels or tissues and stuff your boots full. I like to use white cotton towels because they work like a charm and don’t leave any stains.
Make sure you change the materials every so often to ensure your boots dry as quickly as possible.
This method works on all types of boots, from dirt bike boots to motorcycle boots, but be careful not to overstuff leather boots, or they may change their shape.
Step 3: Squeeze them out
Finally, give your boots a good squeeze to get rid of any excess moisture. The materials you used to stuff them will soak up any remaining moisture, so be sure to replace them if they become damp.
Economical Methods To Dry Your Wet Motorcycle Shoes Or Dirt Bike Boots
Method 1: Befriend the wind
Don’t underestimate the power of the wind in drying your boots! Whether you are in the great outdoors or at home on your balcony, let the wind work its magic. Just make sure you are not placing them under the sun as they might deform or get brittle due to quick evaporation. If it’s scorching hot outside, it’s best to dry your boots indoors.
Method 2: Use activated charcoal
Activated charcoal is a superhero in absorbing moisture from the air, making it an excellent dehumidifier for your damp boots. Just stuff some activated charcoal cushion inside your shoes and let it work for few hours. However, this method only works on slightly damp boots, not on those that are soaking wet.
Method 3: Switch on that fan
Fans are another lifesaver in drying your boots. Place the boots directly below the fan and let the cool breeze do its work overnight.
Dry Your Wet Dirt Bike Boots & Motorcycle Shoes – The Easy Way
While there are several methods for drying boots, the easiest way is by using PEET Wader Dryer (click on the link to buy from Amazon). This electric device is designed to dry taller dirt bike boots and motorcycle boots without emitting a strong heat wave, which can damage the footwear.
The dryer works by circulating warm air throughout the boots, eliminating moisture and odor overnight. The subtle heat wave is gentle enough to dry the boots without damaging the leather or plastic parts, which is especially important for dirt bike boots and motorcycle boots that are exposed to extreme conditions.
I am a big fan of this product – the unit does not have an on/off switch but can be easily managed with a timer that automatically turns it on and off as desired. This makes it quite convenient for everyday riders as they can place the boots on this machine when they return home. This dryer works all night and ensures your boots are dry in the morning.
There is a cheaper version as well without an extension, but we all being two-wheeled enthusiasts would require an extension to accommodate our tall boots. This particular model comes with a 12-inch extension that holds the boot upright, allowing for a constant flow of warm air. And despite it working all night, this machine is quiet and energy-efficient, making it a budget-friendly option in the long run.
I have seen many DIY projects on the internet that claim to work as an efficient boot dryer by utilizing long PVC pipes and hairdryers.
I would recommend staying away from such types of techniques for many reasons. For one, hair dryers emit hot air at high temperatures and can change the physical properties of the boots. Peet electric boot dryer, on the other hand, provides a subtle, controlled heat that gently dries the boots overnight without damaging them.
Moreover, it’s a hands-free option that allows you to simply plug it in and forget about it, whereas a hair dryer requires you to hold it and move it around the boots, which can be time-consuming and inconvenient.
What NOT To Do While Drying Boots
First and foremost, if your boots are wet because you washed them, you can proceed with drying them as we have explained in the drying methods above. However, I must stress that washing your footwear in the washing machine is always a no-go.
This goes for both dirt bike boots and motorcycle boots, as the intense washing process can damage or deform them. Even on a gentle cycle, the plastic buckles can break. So, if your boots are soaked from rain or puddles, clean them with a brush and shoe-cleaning products manually before drying.
Now, let’s talk about what not to do. Often riders’ resort to heat sources such as radiators, hairdryers, or the sun. Unfortunately, all of these methods can cause significant damage to your footwear. High temperatures can dehydrate and crack the outer layer, resulting in wear and tear.
So, it’s best to let your boots dry naturally in the air, away from direct sunlight. If fresh air isn’t readily available, use a fan to circulate air around the boots. Also, make sure to help the drying process by stuffing the boots with rolled-up tissues or towels during the first few hours, as explained in the methods above.
And don’t forget to wear them occasionally during the drying process to ensure they maintain their original shape.
Good luck!
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