How to dry your wetsuit boots

If you're not sure how to dry wetsuit boots, or even why you need to dry them out properly in the first place, this is the guide for you.

Why do I need to dry out my wetsuit boots?

Drying your wetsuit boots after a session is a priority for a number of reasons. Firstly, if you’re heading out the next day, putting on a soggy boot is just generally very unpleasant. Secondly, like all shoes, your wetsuit boots will get smelly over time, and this will be a hundred times worse if they are always damp with stale seawater. Thirdly, the constant state of dampness is not good for the boots themselves, and they’ll last significantly longer if you make the effort to dry them out properly.

Before we get to the drying, let’s make sure we’re clear on the washing stage.

How to wash wetsuit boots

Always give your boots (and the rest of your kit!) a good rinse with fresh water as soon as you can after a session. There’s no need to use any harsh detergents on them, but the occasional wash with a splash of wetsuit shampoo is a great way to get rid of any nasty smells.

How to dry wetsuit boots

It’s best to leave your boots to drip dry initially. A bathroom is a good place for this as you can leave them hanging over the bath or shower until they’re no longer leaving puddles of water beneath them. If you have an old towel, you can use it to absorb a lot of the water before this stage.

Once they’re no longer sodden and dripping, move them somewhere warm and dry for the final phase of drying. It’s a good idea to hang your boots up if possible. Putting them upside down on the end of broom handles is a good way to do this, or some boots have tabs or loops that you can hook them up with. Leave them here until they’re fully dry before putting them away.

As an extra measure, you can stuff your boots with scrunched-up newspaper to absorb moisture from the inside. However, be careful about which stage you do this. If your boots are still very soggy, you’ll just end up with disintegrated newspaper in your boots. Not ideal. So leave this step for last when your boots are near dry.

For more advice on washing your gear, check out our complete guide to wetsuit care.

Looking for a new pair of boots? Take a look at the wetsuit boots we've got in stock right now. Use our guide to make sure you choose the right type of boot for you, and learn when you need to wear wetsuit boots, gloves and hoods to have the best time in and on the water.