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Best Boot Dryers
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Ease of Use
After a long day of hiking or working in cold and wet weather, the last thing that you are going to want to do is fuss with a complicated device.
We wanted to make sure that we selected designs that were incredibly easy to use, and that didn’t require you to sit down with an instruction booklet. Many of the averagely priced options out there simply need to be plugged into the wall and then left to run constantly. This way, you know that wherever your travels take you, you know that you have a warm place to hang your wet gear that will not need any time to warm up. One of the common complaints about the designs that have an on and off switch is that they take to long to properly heat up. Selecting a design that is on all the time means that you will not have to wait for it to heat up, and there will be nothing for you to do at all except hang up your gear.
Effectiveness
If it isn’t very effective, then you have a very weird shoe tree sitting in your mudroom.
There were a few things that we considered to determine what made the most effective device. The very first thing we looked at was the type of blower that is used. Convection blowers were our number one choice because these types of blowers ensure that hot (or cool) air is constantly circulating around your gear. This method not only helps to expedite the entire process, but it also helps to air our odors and bacteria that may fester in stagnant sneakers. Another thing that we considered was what past users had to say about how well the device worked. Sure, a company can make claims that their blowers are powerful and silents, but the proof is always in the pudding. We made sure to read what users had to say about each design, and would shy away from options that had an overwhelming number of users make claims that a product took to long to work. If it takes longer than about 8 hours for heavy duty gear that it dripping wet, then the blower probably isn’t all that powerful, to begin with.
Materials
Winter gear is notorious bulky and heavy, so we wanted to make sure that we selected designs with materials that could stand up to whatever you can throw at it- literally.
What we found is that designs that use unstable materials often buckle of tumble over in the face of the serious gear. Almost all of the options out there are made out of some type of molded plastic or polymer, so the real test was how durable these materials were. One easy way to determine how well a device is built is to listen to what past users had to say. Even for products that made our list, there were the occasional users that found that their gear had a tendency to cause the entire unit to topple over. Keep in mind, even the most expensive unit out there on the market only weighs out 5 pounds, so there may be some instances of instability. If there were an overwhelming number of users that just felt that they couldn’t keep anything on the top without the whole unit bending, breaking, or toppling over- we would simply move on to the next product.
Portability
Winter adventures don’t always happen at home- sometimes you take your show on the road.
We kept this fact in mind as we determined the best products for sale. What we determined, however, is that the floor models that are designed to live in mudrooms were generally the best option in terms of power, but they didn’t travel very well. Most, however, had the option of removing the arms of the base to make it just a little easier to toss in the back seat of your car when hitting the road, or simply placing into storage. The shoe-insert designs are going to be the best option for wintertime travelers. These options may not offer the same level of convection and blowing power, but they are going to travel a lot easier. Typically, these designs about just a tad smaller than a shoe, and some even have features that allow them to extend to fit into larger shoes. If you want something that is going to be lightweight and easy to carry along with you, the insert options are going to be your best bet.
Value
As always, we want to save you money when we can.
The good news about these devices is that even the high end, brand name designs are going to come in at a price point that is probably not even going to cost you as much as you spent on your hiking boots. With that said, we generally stuck to the averagely priced options that used the same type of blowers and stands. These options that run about in the middle of the road in terms of price are perfect for those that just need something that is simple, effective, and easy to use. Typically, designs that carry the larger price tags often come with a lot of extra bells and whistles that most users will admit they don’t even use.
Top 10 Picks
1. DryGuy
It’s hard to find any negative features about this design from DryGuy, and that’s why it landed on our number one spot. This unit is made to not only work on footwear, but it can also work with all types of outdoor gear such as gloves and jackets. It is also able to get pretty warm, so your gear will be ready to go in no time.
Read moreEase of use
This unit plugs into a standard power outlet in your home, and it has a 6-foot cord. Once the unit is plugged in, simply drape your gear over the 4 stands found at the top of the unit. Users will have the choice to flick the switch to use heat or no heat. You will also be able to set a dial timer to run for up to 150 minutes, which means you can place it on the unit and go to sleep without waking up to your leather gear looking like beef jerky.
Effectiveness
This design users 120V of power, and it has the ability to achieve temperatures of about 105 degrees Fahrenheit. This means that almost any type of gear can go from dripping wet to warm and dry in about 1-2 hours, according to the brand description.
Materials
While some designs out there on the market utilize high-quality materials to help circulate air and heat, the magic happens inside the pressed plastic arms that have wide vents along the top. Inside in a very quiet rotary blower that pushes air up through the top and into your gear.
Portability
This is one of the larger designs out there on the market, so you will most likely set this model in your mudroom where it will live forever. It measures to be 12 inches deep, a little over 7 inches high, and 15 inches wide. Plus, it weighs just over 5 pounds, so moving it when you need to free up a little space will be easy.
Value
The cost of this design is one of the more expensive designs out there on the market, but it is also one of the best deals. Users love that this unit is incredibly effective and powerful, and it also comes with a 1-year warranty in case you have any troubles with your unit.
Overall
Hands down, this is one of the best options currently out there. We loved that is has a lot of smart features like being able to turn the heat on and off, as well as the addition of a timer that will automatically shut off when it is done.
2. PEET Dryer
This option runs just a little bit differently than the DryGuy design. It is just a little less powerful, but it is something that you can just plug into an outlet, and leave it on all the time so that you can just toss your gear on the frame and walk away without pressing any buttons.
Read moreEase of use
There are few designs out there that are quite as easy to use as this design. All you will need to do once you take this design out of the box is plug it into a wall. It will immediately start to run as soon as it is plugged in, which means all you will need to do is toss your gear on to the base, and let is work its magic.
Effectiveness
Due to the fact that this is something that is going to be running all of the time, the blower isn’t as powerful as some of the other designs. It runs almost silently, but it is going to take lighter, modestly damp gear about 3 hours, and heavier gear is going to need about 8 hours. Users do like, however, that the lower running speed means that they can put their gear on this unit to keep it warm- even if it isn’t wet!
Materials
The base and the tubes to set your gear are made from a plastic material. Some users feel that this material is a little on the thin side, and feels rather flimsy.
Portability
This design is just a little bit smaller than some of the other options out there on the market, and it has a very small and compact base that will not take up all that much room on the floor on your mudroom. Weighing in at just shy of 3 pounds, moving it from place to place will not be a problem.
Value
The cost of this unit runs about par for the course. It isn’t the most expensive design out there, but it is far from the most expensive. Plus, it comes with a very impressive 25-year warranty if you ensure that you register your product within 10 days of purchase.
Overall
While it does have its downsides, users really seem to like the idea of having a fixture on their home that is always running so that they can just toss their gear on top for a quick warm up when the weather is cold and damp.
3. DryGuy Simple
This option from DryGuy gives users all of the power and innovative design from their higher end option but removes some of the advanced features to bring it down to an affordable price point.
Read moreEase of use
All you will need to do to get this unit up and running is to simply plug it into an electric outlet in your house, and it is ready to go. It doesn’t have an on and off switch, so it is going to be something that is going to be up and running and ready to go the moment that you need to use it.
Effectiveness
Just like their higher end design, this unit uses convection based blowing heat to efficiently prepare your outdoor gear for another run. It is able to reach temperatures that get to be about 105 degrees. Unlike the higher end design, however, this unit will take between 6-8 hours work on most heavy, outdoor gear.
Materials
This unit uses a thick, heavy molded plastic material that will not feel hot to the touch while in use. The only downside to this design is that some users have reported a smell of hot plastic while the unit is plugged in and working.
Portability
Standing up to be just 10.2 inches tall and weighing only 3 pounds, this floor model is perfect for being a permanent fixture in your mudroom, but compact enough to be able to toss into your car or place into storage in the offseason without taking up all that much room.
Value
What we liked most about this design is that it comes in at a really affordable price point. Users can feel good that they are getting a high-quality product and design, but pay a price that is pretty average for similar designs out there on the market.
Overall
If you want the quality of a high-end brand, but don’t want to pay the higher price point, we feel that this design is going to be one of your best options.
4. MaxxDry
What we liked most about this design is that is has a sleek design that will look great in any room in your house, and it runs all of the time so that you can toss your gear on top and walk away without the need to turn it on or adjust the settings.
Read moreEase of use
This is one of the easier units to use. When to get home after a particularly wet day, simply toss your gear onto the frame, and walk away to let this device do all of the work. It might not work as fast as some of the others, but it is really simple to use.
Effectiveness
What we love most about this design that runs virtually silently, but it is still able to achieve some pretty warm temperatures that rival some of the more powerful designs. When it is running, the blower pushes out air that is about 105 degrees. The blower is a little less powerful, so it may take overnight to work on heavy work shoes.
Materials
Just like many of the other designs out there on the market, this unit is made from a white plastic material that makes it pretty lightweight as well as durable and is designed to work with most modern fabrics.
Portability
This unit measures in to be about 12 inches high, and it only weighs about 1 pound. Plus, the removable arms make it easy to disassemble to toss it into the back of your car when heading out to the cabin for a long weekend.
Value
This is one of the more affordable standing options we have found out there on the market. It may be a little more flimsy, but users love the affordable price point. Plus, it comes with an impressive 30-year warranty.
Overall
If you are looking for something that has a simple design that will look great in any modern space, and that is a cinch to use, this option is a great choice without breaking the bank.
5. Kendal
Problem with not having enough floor space? This design from Kendal is made to fix that problem by attaching to a wall. It has a design that looks a bit like a tentacle monster, but users love that it has hoses that go directly into your shoes to save you quite a bit of room in your home.
Read moreEase of use
To use this model, simply mount it to the lower part of your wall in your mudroom. Once mounted, simply plug it into an electrical outlet, and then place the hoses into your soggy shoes. We like that this unit has settings so that you can place a timer for how long you want it to operate, and then it will automatically shut off once the cycle is complete.
Effectiveness
While it doesn’t have a description for just how high temperatures will reach, it does come with a setting that will allow users to adjust the temperature to high and low. While in use, this unit claims that it will take about a half an hour to fully prepare soggy gear for another trip outdoors.
Materials
The base of this unit is made out of a molded plastic, while the hoses and fittings are made from a high-quality PVC that users feel work perfectly for pumping hot air directly into their gear.
Portability
Due to the fact that this unit affixes to the wall in your home, taking it with you while you are on the go isn’t exactly going to be an option. Users really like how this unit takes up absolutely no floor space, and the hose attachments are really easy to use.
Value
The cost of this unit is quite a bit more expensive than many of the average options out there on the market, but still isn’t one of the most expensive designs that you are going to find. Plus, it comes with a nice 1-year warranty.
Overall
If you are looking to free up a little floor space, and you need something that is quite powerful and easy to use, this unit from Kendal is going to be one of your better options.
6. KOODER
What we loved about this design is that gets A+ in portability. Plus it comes in at a really affordable price point that, while still offering users a good deal of power. The only downside to this option is that it is only made to work on one pair of shoes at a time.
Read moreEase of use
This design has a very basic design that is incredibly easy to use. Simply pop each unit into a shoe, and then plug it into a wall. There is no need to press any buttons or set any timers. When your gear is ready, simply slip each unit out of your shoe and unplug it from the electrical outlet.
Effectiveness
The cabinet of this design has a series of air holes located from all sides, so air will be distributed in 360 degrees all around your shoe. It has a PTC heat generator located on the inside of each design and has a temperature control sensor to ensure that the inside of your shoe doesn’t become too hot. According to the product description, shoes that are a little damp will take up to an hour, while very wet gear could take more than three hours.
Materials
The casing of this design is made from a very durable plastic material that will be able to hold up in some pretty warm conditions inside of your shoe.
Portability
The best part about this design is that it is made to go just about anywhere. As long as you have access to an electrical outlet, you will never have to contend with wet shoes. It also has a wire that measures to be over 36 inches in length, and the heating cabinet is about 8 inches long.
Value
We really love that this unit comes in at one of the most affordable prices points out there on the market. It will set users back less than what they would likely spend on a large pepperoni pizza.
Overall
If you need something that is going to be able to travel easily while still providing a lot of heat and power, this option from KOODER is going to be a really excellent choice.
7. Westminster
Despite its peculiar name what would lead one to believe that this unit is designed to work on your pet’s shoes, this is actually made for humans. It has a powerful blower that runs silently and is powerful enough to even work on very dense gear such as such as ice skates.
Read moreEase of use
This is another model that runs constantly so that all users will need to do is throw their gear on top of the arms on the base. Simply plug it into an electrical outlet, and this unit will be warmed up and ready to go after you get in from a long, wet day of outdoor adventures.
Effectiveness
Utilizes a thermal convection blower to ensure that air circulates throughout your entire shoe. From what users have reported, this unit is powerful enough and generates enough heat to work on even some of the thickest and toughest soggy winter gear.
Materials
While this is made from a very lightweight plastic material that only weighs about 2 pounds, this unit is built to be strong enough to hold some very heavy winter gear on the very long and sturdy plastic arms.
Portability
This floor model is designed to live in your mudroom, plugged into an electrical outlet to run constantly when you need it. The long arms are long enough to hold very heavy duty gear but can be detached to make storage a little easier in the offseason.
Value
The cost of this unit runs about in the middle of the road. It isn’t the most expensive design out there on the market, it is isn’t the least expensive as well.
Overall
For those that are looking for something that as a powerful blower, and has a long line of users that feel this is perfect for their heaviest and soggiest of gear, we feel that this design from Westminster Pet is going to suit the needs of even the soggiest of outdoor adventurers!
8. Manledio
What we liked most about this design from Manledio is that it is perfect to use full time in your mudroom in your home, but it can also be easily folded up to be put into storage or brought along on your next hunting trip to the cabin in the woods- as long as you have access to an electrical outlet.
Read moreEase of use
This unit is designed to accommodate one pair of shoes at a time. Simply plug this unit into an electrical outlet on your wall, and set your shoes on the extended arms on the base of this unit. What users really like about this option is that it has a timer dial on the base that will allow users to let a time limit for this unit to run so that it isn’t running constantly the way some options operate.
Effectiveness
This unit can actually get a lot hotter than some of the other options, which means it will get your gear nice a toasty. Users can opt for a mild heat setting (which is actually quite hot), or no heat at all. It utilizes a forced air blower that will be sure to reach all damp areas in your gear.
Materials
This unit is made from a solid plastic frame that is sturdy enough to hold your toughest winter gear.
Portability
What we liked most about this design is that it folds up quite neatly when not in use. The arms of this design fold down into itself to form a solid square base that it very easy to toss into a suitcase or into the garage for storage in the offseason.
Value
The cost of this design is one of the more affordable options out there on the market. While it isn’t the least expensive design out there, it will run you about the same amount that you would spend on an affordable pair of casual sneakers.
Overall
Users really like the sleek and simple design of this unit, and that it comes in at a really affordable price point. If you were looking for something that is effective that will not take up all that much room in your home, this is a really great choice.
9. Brustlife
If you are looking for something that is going to be able to travel with you on all your adventures, but still gives you superior power, this option from Brustlife is worth a look.
Read moreEase of use
This unit is as simple to use as slipping something inside of your shoe. Just plug the unit into an electrical outlet, and then select your power setting. The lower setting is used for damp. Casual shoes, while higher settings are used for thicker, wetter shoes.
Effectiveness
Using a PTC heat generator means that the cabinet of this device is going to be just as hot at the beginning of the heat cycle as it is going to be at the end. Each cabinet has a series of holes located all around the unit to give you 360 degrees of heat inside of your gear.
Materials
Composed of a high-quality plastic, you will not have to worry about this unit cracking or becoming damaged, or being too hot to the touch while in use.
Portability
What we like most about this design is that it is made to travel right along with you. Each cabinet measures to be about 6.6 inches in length, but pulling on the base will allow it to extend to about 8.3 inches in length for those longer shoes.
Value
This option comes in at a really affordable price point that will not break the bank. In fact, this design will likely cost you less than what you would spend on a large pepperoni pizza after a long and cold day outdoors.
Overall
If you need something that is going to be portable to take along with you throughout all of your travels. Plus, it comes in at a really affordable price point with the benefit of a lifetime warranty.
10. TRUSTECH
The most important takeaway about this design is that it runs incredibly quietly. This is something that you are going to plug in and forget about until the moment comes that you need to hang up some soggy gear.
Read moreEase of use
What users really like about this design is that they just plug it into an electrical outlet and let it run until they are ready to use it. There isn’t going to be any time to let it warm up, it is going to be ready to use as soon as you walk back into your house after a long, soggy day.
Effectiveness
Utilizing a convection blower, this design runs virtually silently. Many users found that this unit is able to circulate air quite efficiently, and you will not have to worry about it becoming too hot.
Materials
What makes this unit different is that while it supports a molded plastic frame, it also has a ceramic heating element on the inside that is an excellent conductor of heat.
Portability
This unit was designed to live in your home while plugged in all the time. However, it is able to be disassembled into smaller components to take along with you for a trip, or even just to put into storage when the weather starts to get warmer and you no longer need it.
Value
For a floor standing model, this is one of the most affordable options of this design out there on the market. Plus, it comes with a lifetime support warranty in case you find your unit isn’t working properly.
Overall
If you are looking for a floor standing model that you can keep on all year, this is a great option because it runs very quietly, and it comes in at a very affordable price point.
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