Quick Answer
It is generally not recommended to put Nike shoes in the dryer. The high heat of the dryer can damage the shoes and cause the materials to warp or shrink. However, there are some exceptions. Some Nike shoes with fabric components can be put in the dryer on a gentle or air dry setting. Shoes should be dried with care to preserve their shape and materials.
More Details on Drying Nike Shoes
Most Nike shoes contain materials that could be damaged in a dryer, so air drying is the safest option. However, here are some guidelines on drying specific types of Nike shoes:
Shoes with Leather or Suede
Leather and suede shoes should never go in the dryer, as the heat can cause them to crack or become misshapen. Always air dry leather or suede Nike shoes by stuffing the toes with paper or shoe trees to hold the shape as they dry. Make sure to keep them away from direct heat sources like radiators or sunlight, which can also damage leather.
Shoes with Mesh or Fabric
Nike shoes made of fabric or mesh materials can typically be put in the dryer on a gentle or air dry setting. The heat should be low to avoid damaging glues or synthetic materials. However, it’s still best to air dry shoes if possible by stuffing the toes and allowing them to dry naturally overnight.
Running Shoes
Modern Nike running shoes often contain heat-sensitive foams, gels, and adhesives that could melt or weaken in a dryer. The safest option is always to air dry running shoes by removing the laces and insoles and allowing them to fully dry over 12-24 hours. You can stuff the toes with socks or paper to help retain the shape. Never put Nike running shoes in the dryer.
Cleats and Spiked Shoes
Soccer cleats, baseball spikes, golf shoes, and other spiked Nike shoes should not go in the dryer. The cleats and spikes can damage the interior of the dryer, and the heat can warp the shape of the shoe’s sole. Allow cleated shoes to fully air dry instead.
Tips for Drying Wet Nike Shoes
If your Nike shoes get wet in the rain or snow, here are some tips to help them dry properly and prevent damage:
– Remove the laces and any removable insoles or inserts. These can be dried separately.
– Stuff the toe box with newspaper, hand towels or socks to absorb moisture and hold the shape as they dry.
– Place the shoes in a well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight and let fully air dry over 12-24 hours.
– Position shoes on their sides rather than upright to allow moisture to evaporate from the sole and inside.
– Place a fan nearby to circulate air, but don’t aim it directly at the shoes which can cause cracking.
– Never use a hair dryer or other heat source, which can shrink or warp materials.
– When fully dry, replace laces and insoles. Apply waterproofing spray if desired.
Can I Put Any Nike Shoes in The Dryer?
In general, no Nike shoe styles should go in the dryer routinely. While a gentle, air-only dryer cycle may be okay very occasionally for shoes containing only fabric, it’s best to err on the side of caution and allow all Nike shoes to fully air dry.
The materials used in modern athletic shoes like meshes, foams, thermoplastic urethanes, and synthetic adhesives can be damaged by excessive heat. The tumbling action of a dryer can also distort shoes and break down supportive components.
Even if a Nike shoe seems dry on the outside, moisture trapped deep inside the midsole can take many hours to fully evaporate. Forcing drying with heat can lead to long-term shrinkage, cracks or glue deterioration.
Special Cases When You Can Tumble Dry Nike Shoes
There are a handful of instances where it may be acceptable to briefly tumble dry Nike shoes on a no-heat setting:
– If shoes are damp from light rain or humidity and need 20-30 minutes to dry out a bit before wear.
– For shoes worn in highly-sweaty activities like certain sports to reduce odor-causing bacteria. Let air dry partially first.
– Occasionally for older, low-tech shoes where heat risks are low. Avoid for expensive/high-performance shoes.
– To fluff shoe liners or inserts between wears. Remove other components first.
However, these uses should be occasional only. Repeated machine drying can still damage shoes over time. Take steps to protect your shoes by:
– Choosing a no-heat or air-dry only setting.
– Putting shoes in a delicates mesh bag to prevent tumbling.
– Adding a couple dry towels to absorb moisture and prevent excess heating.
– Checking shoes frequently and removing once mostly dry.
– Allowing shoes to fully finish air drying once out of the dryer.
Risks of Putting Nike Shoes in the Dryer
While it may seem harmless, tumble drying comes with some big risks for your expensive Nike shoes:
Warping and Shrinking
The intense heat from a clothes dryer can cause synthetic shoe materials to soften and lose their structural stability. As they cool and harden again, components like the midsole may warp or shrink. This can ruin the shoe’s fit, comfort and performance.
Glue Breakdown
Many glues used in Nike shoe construction will weaken when exposed to excessive heat. This includes adhesives for the outsole, upper and liners. It can cause components to separate or detach over time.
Cracking and Peeling
Leather, rubber outsoles and specialized coatings can become dried out and develop cracks when machine dried. Parts of the shoe may begin to peel away from each other.
Melting and Deformation
Interior foams and the thermoplastic materials used in some Nike shoe components can partially melt in high heat. Exterior synthetics on the upper may also deform if overheated.
Fading and Discoloration
The friction and temperatures inside a clothes dryer can cause unnatural fading, scuffing or discoloration on shoe uppers, soles and linings.
Mold and Bacteria
A dryer’s heat can accelerate mold or bacteria growth inside shoes if any residual moisture gets trapped and doesn’t fully dry. This can create unpleasant odors or microbe damage.
Air Drying Methods for Nike Shoes
Since machine drying comes with risks, air drying Nike shoes is the best way to safely dry them while minimizing potential damage. Here are some air drying tips:
– Stuff damp shoes with newspaper, hand towels or socks to soak up moisture and retain the shape as they dry. Replace stuffing periodically if very wet.
– Remove laces and insoles and dry separately. This allows inner moisture to evaporate.
– Keep shoes in a well-ventilated room or area like a back porch. Position to allow maximum airflow.
– Move shoes away from any direct heat sources than can damage materials.
– Use a circulating fan to speed evaporation but don’t aim it directly at shoes.
– Repeatedly reposition shoes while drying to let all sides air out.
– Let shoes fully dry for 12-24 hours or until no remaining moisture is visible or felt inside.
– When fully dry, replace any removable parts before wearing again.
Using a Shoe Dryer for Nike Shoes
A shoe dryer with gentle heat may be used to safely dry some Nike shoes, but take precautions:
– Only use for shoes containing no leather or suede, which require natural air drying.
– Choose a dryer with multiple temperature settings and use the lowest one.
– Limit drying cycles to 1-2 hours max and check shoes frequently to prevent overheating.
– Allow shoes a long air drying period first to evaporate excess moisture.
– Stuff shoes lightly with newspaper or towels to help retain shape and absorb heat.
– Let shoes fully finish drying away from the shoe dryer before wearing again.
– Limit use of shoe dryers to occasionally revitalize shoes, not routine drying.
Storing Nike Shoes to Prevent Dampness
Here are some tips to keep your Nike shoes moisture-free so they don’t require frequent drying:
– Keep shoes in a clean, dry, breathable area away from direct sun or heat.
– Use cedar shoe trees or creased paper inside shoes when stored to absorb excess foot perspiration.
– Apply a waterproofing spray occasionally to help repel outdoor wetness. Avoid silicone sprays inside shoes.
– Put shoes on a rack or shelf rather than on the floor where moisture can transfer.
– Rotate through shoes between wears and don’t use the same pair two days in a row.
– Wipe down insoles and air out shoes after each use.
– Wash cotton laces and air dry fabric shoes regularly to prevent bacteria and odors.
– Avoid storing shoes in garages, attics or basements where humidity may be high.
Conclusion
Putting Nike shoes of any kind in the dryer risks damaging them due to excessive heat exposure. The safest method is always to air dry shoes naturally when wet or damp. Very occasionally, a brief tumble dry with no heat may be acceptable for some shoe types if done carefully. Limit any machine drying to 15-20 minutes and let shoes finish air drying fully before wearing again. With proper storage and care between wears, Nike shoes should remain moisture-free to avoid the need for frequent drying.