How do I dry my air Forces?

Air Forces, also known as Air Force 1 shoes, are a popular sneaker model made by Nike. As with any sneaker, Air Forces can get wet and need proper drying to maintain their shape and prevent damage. There are a few key things to keep in mind when drying Air Forces to help them last longer and stay fresh.

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Should I dry my Air Forces in the dryer?

Putting Air Forces in the dryer is generally not recommended. The heat and tumbling action of a dryer can damage the shoes in a few ways:

The high heat can cause the glues and materials to break down prematurely.
The tumbling can lead to creasing, wrinkling, and misshaping of the shoes over time.
Dryers tend to use very hot air and have poor ventilation, leading to accelerated wear.

Air drying Air Forces is the safest way to dry them without risking damage. However, if you need to dry them quickly, use the delicate or no-heat setting on the dryer and place each shoe in a protective bag or pillowcase before drying.

How should I air dry my Air Forces?

Air drying is the best way to safely dry most sneakers, including Air Forces. Here are some tips for effective air drying:

Stuff the insides with paper or rags to absorb excess moisture and help the shoes retain their shape as they dry.

Remove the laces and insoles and dry these components separately to prevent bacteria or odor buildup.
Set the stuffed shoes in a well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight. The ideal temperature is around room temperature.
Place the shoes on top of a towel or rag to absorb residual dampness rather than letting them sit directly on a surface.

Turn the shoes periodically so all sides get adequate air circulation.
Re-stuff the shoes with fresh, dry paper if needed while drying to maintain the shape.

Depending on the level of wetness, Air Forces can take 1-2 days to fully air dry. Make sure they are completely dry before wearing again.

How can I speed up the drying process?

If you need to dry your Air Forces faster than air drying allows, there are a few tips to speed up the process:

Use a fan to blow air directly on the shoes as they air dry. This accelerates evaporation.
Stuff the shoes lightly with crumpled newspaper as it absorbs moisture quickly.

Place the stuffed shoes near a dehumidifier or air conditioner exhaust to aid drying.
Put dryer sheets or charcoal bags inside the shoes as these products actively absorb moisture.
Wipe excess moisture from the shoe exteriors with an absorbent cloth.

Spray a little rubbing alcohol on insides when almost dry to kill bacteria and fully evaporate leftover dampness.

With these tricks, Air Forces can dry in as little as 6-12 hours in ideal conditions. Still avoid direct heat or sun when speed-drying.

How can I help my Air Forces retain their shape while drying?

Air Forces can lose their shape and structure if they are left to air dry fully stuffed. Here are some tips to retain the original shape:

Only lightly stuff the toe area with paper or rags when wet to provide just enough support.
Place a shoe tree, shoe shaper, or even a rolled towel inside each shoe as it dries to help it hold shape.
Tie or clip the shoes closed rather than leaving them open while drying.

Periodically remove damp paper stuffing and re-stuff with fresh, dry paper as needed.
Consider placing each shoe upside down on top of a narrow glass bottle or can to help retain the sole shape.
When nearly dry, place socks inside and loosely tie laces to further set the form.

Avoid over-stuffing or letting Air Forces fully flatten as they dry for best results.

What are some common drying mistakes to avoid?

It’s important to avoid certain drying methods and mistakes that can permanently damage Air Forces:

Never use extreme heat sources like radiators, fires, or direct sunlight to dry shoes.

Don’t place wet shoes near air vents blowing hot air.
Avoid drying on top of heating appliances like routers or game consoles.
Don’t use hair dryers for extended periods as focused hot air can damage material.

Never put shoes in the microwave or oven to attempt drying.
Don’t wear Air Forces until fully dried to avoid bacteria growth and odor.
Stuffing too tightly can cause creases and misshaping.

Letting shoes flatten fully without support can also ruin the shape.

Patience and care are key when drying Air Forces. Take your time and use low, ambient heat rather than intense direct heat for best results.

How can I help my Air Forces last longer in the future?

Properly drying wet Air Forces is crucial for longevity, but there are some additional tips to keep them in great shape after the drying process:

Use cedar shoe trees to help Air Forces hold their shape when storing.
Keep Air Forces clean by brushing debris after wear and occasionally washing with mild soap and water.
Rotate Air Forces so you aren’t wearing the same pair two days in a row.

Store Air Forces in breathable containers, not airtight plastic bags.
Use a suede protector spray on suede versions to protect from stains.
Polish or clean leather Air Forces regularly to prevent cracks and damage.

Add sole protectors to prevent excess wear on the outsole.

With attentive care and drying when wet, Air Forces can last for years of comfortable wear.

What products can I use to dry my Air Forces faster?

Certain products available for purchase can speed up the Air Force drying process:

Product	Purpose
Sneaker dryer attachment	Attaches to shoe dryer machine to dry from inside out
Moisture absorber bags	Placed inside to actively absorb interior dampness
Shoe drying box	Plastic container with ventilation to dry shoes evenly
Isopropyl rubbing alcohol	Use lightly inside shoes when nearly dry to evaporate leftover moisture
Shoe dryer balls	Balls filled with material to absorb moisture when placed inside shoes

Avoid products that use extreme heat, like hair dryers, space heaters, or heat guns. Look for products designed specifically for shoe drying for best results.

Conclusion

Drying Air Forces requires patience and the proper technique to prevent damage. Always air dry away from direct heat and sun. Stuff shoes lightly to retain shape, remove insoles and laces, allow good ventilation, and dry fully before re-wearing. With the right drying method, your Air Forces can maintain their look and last for many wears to come.