Shoe dryer

Several patents have been awarded for shoe dryers,[3][4][5][6][7][8] with some of the oldest dating back to 1963.[9]

Many fan-driven shoe dryers emit bothersome noise during use.[10] In a test from 2019, the most silent model was measured at 45 decibel (dB),[11] while the other models were measured at 50 and 57 dB. In 2022, another model was measured at 56 dB in "tornado" mode and 29 dB in "whisper" mode,[12] and in 2023 another variant of the same dryer was measured at 72 dB.[13] It was also commented that the higher pitch of the said models noise could contribute to it being perceived as more intense and bothersome.[13]

The volumetric flow rate, i.e. the amount of air that is moved, is an important measure of fan-based shoe dryers. For example, a model tested in 2023 was stated to have a volume flow of 12 cubic meters per hour (m³/h), which corresponds to 12 000 liters per hour or just over 3 liters of air per second.[14] Larger diameters of tubing and fans are beneficial for increased volumetric flow, and also results in lower air speed and thus less noise.

Shoe dryers with a fan often emit slightly lukewarm or warm air. In a test from 2019, one of the models was rated at a power of 350 watt,[11] of which 30 W was utilized as fan power and the remaining around 320 W were used for heating. Another model in the test had two temperature settings for choosing between 40 °C and 55 °C air temperature.[11] A model tested in 2023 had settings for blowing air at room temperature, or heated air at 37, 45 or 60 degrees Celsius.[12][13]

Not all shoes can withstand heated drying.[15] Using high heat can put wear on shoes made of certain materials, and for example the use of a tumble dryer, heating cables or heating cabinet can lead to leather shoes cracking.[15]

Shoe dryers with heating can be a fire hazard if left on for too long, and should therefore be used under supervision.[10]

• Dehumidifier
• Drying cabinet
• Drying room