I got caught in an August downpour on my way home from the gym and spent the walk squelching like I had flippers on. At home I stuffed the sneakers with newspaper, the old trick, and they were still damp the next morning.

The newspaper worked okay, but it took forever. Here is what actually cut the time in half.

First, get the water out

Never put soaking sneakers straight in the dryer. Heat warps the glue and the shape. Instead:

1. Remove the laces and insoles.
2. Blot the outside with a towel.
3. Stuff the shoes with dry towels or newspaper to pull moisture from inside.
4. Let them sit an hour, then replace the stuffing once.

The faster part

After the initial blot, put the shoes near a fan or air vent, not a heater. Moving air dries them much faster than still air, and it does not bake the glue. I aim a box fan at mine for a few hours and they are wearable by evening.

What about the dryer

If you are in a hurry, a dryer on low heat with a couple of towels works, but only for shoes you do not care about. My running shoes have never gone in the dryer. The fan method keeps them holding their shape.

To keep them fresh

Toss a little baking soda inside overnight if they smell. And for next time, a cheap pair of waterproof spray makes summer rain a non-event. I finally bought some after my third soggy walk of the season.