How to dry your ski boots

During a day of skiing, snow and water accumulate in ski boots. Adding to the moisture sweat also settles in the lining. While the outer shell serves to transfer power, it also reduces breathability. Bacteria love this warm, moist environment inside the inner boot, where they can multiply. They feed on the amino acids contained in sweat, which causes unpleasant odours to form. The whole thing is not exactly appetising, but the good news is that there is a simple solution to prevent the smell – dry your boots properly!

Let's take a look at the different options below and then see how a shoe dryer works and what advantages it offers.

Preparation:

1. Remove the snow from the outer shell and dry it with a cloth.
2. Take out the inner boot and the insole.

• Hot air rack: If you are on a winter holiday and staying in an apartment or hotel, there will probably be a ski cellar or room. Here you will usually find racks on which you can dry your boots with the toes pointing upwards. The hot air flowing through them ensures that the inner boots dry overnight.
• Heater: This works on a similar principle to the hot air rack. However, as a radiator gets much hotter than the method described above and temperature is more difficult to regulate, the ski boots should be placed at a certain distance from the radiator. Otherwise, you risk the material becoming deformed.
• Heated ski boot bag: This is a portable solution. It’s a small bag that can be plugged into a power socket and heats up the interior. An effective method for drying them at home or on holiday when nothing else is available.
• Newspaper: You can also stuff the inner boot with paper to help it dry. Form small balls and push them into the toe box. However, make sure to change them regularly, as air circulation is reduced and the paper can start to mould.
• Air drying: Keeping your ski boots in a well-ventilated basement can help them to dry. You can also air out the inner boots outdoors. Just ensure that the material is not exposed to direct sunlight.
• Portable hot air boot dryer: For homes or holidays where there are no hot air racks, hybrid options such as a hot air boot dryer are the solution. They are inserted into the boots and blow warm air into them until they are completely dry.

Many hotels and apartments advertise their storage facilities for skis and ski boots. If there are no drying facilities or if you are looking for an effective aid for your own home, portable solutions such as a ski boot bag or a hot air boot dryer are a good choice.

The idea behind portable ski boot dryers is simple: when connected to a power source, they emit hot air. High-quality models combine powerful ventilation with a heating element. This enables them to blow hot air into both tubes of the dryer, which optimises air circulation and speeds up the drying process of the inner lining. At the same time, the conditions necessary for bacteria to produce strong odours are eliminated.

The best thing about it is that you can easily take the dryer with you on any day trip or skiing holiday.

Tip: If you don't have much time, you can also remove the inner liners and dry them separately. This is usually quicker than drying the entire boot.

As we have already mentioned, ski boot dryers are very practical because they are portable and can be used almost anywhere. But that's not all! High-quality models offer many more advantages:

• They dry your ski boots in just a few hours
• They are easy to use
• Compact and quiet
• Prevent odours by stopping bacteria from growing inside the boots
• They reduce wear and tear

Good to know: Boot dryers help you optimise your performance on the slopes. How? Your body uses enormous amounts of energy to keep your feet warm – energy that cannot be used to maintain performance. Properly drying your boots overnight, not only will they regain their natural freshness but also ensure that your body is not wasting energy.

• Care and cleaning gels: For removing dirt without affecting the functionality of the material.
• Disinfectant sprays: To ensure that no odours can form in addition to drying.
• Boot dryers: To dry the inner lining in any situation.
• Insoles: With the right models, you can increase the comfort of your ski boots. They are also inexpensive to replace.
• Waterproofing spray: Special sprays ensure that the shell is better protected and future dirt is easier to remove.

If you need help choosing the right care products, our winter sports experts will be happy to advise you in one of our shops.

Absolutely! Before storing your ski boots for the summer break, ensure they are completely dry. Wipe off any dirt and store them in a dry place! This will prevent odours from developing and extend the life of the material.

Ski boots smell when odour-causing bacteria settle in the lining of the inner liners. Heat and moisture further exacerbate the smell. For this reason, it is important to dry them quickly. A boot dryer or special disinfectant spray also help to minimise the risk of odours.

The breathability of ski boots is impaired by their shell, which causes them to get wet inside. Sweaty feet, snow and water also cause the inner lining and plastic to become damp. This makes it all the more important to wear ski socks made of materials that absorb moisture from the skin and wick it away. Drying the inner boots properly at the end of a day's skiing ensures that it evaporates overnight and you can start the next day with dry feet.

Ski boots should only be left open to dry for a short time. However, once they are completely dry – and especially at the end of the season – you should store all models with the buckles closed. This will prevent your ski boots from losing their shape over time and ensure they fit properly at the start of the next season. This applies to models for adults and children alike.