This is where most people commit a laundry felony. Do not put your shoes in the dryer. Ever. The heat will melt the glue, warp the soles, and make your shoes smell like burnt toast for eternity. Air is your only friend here.
Take your wet, sad shoes and stuff them with crumpled newspaper or paper towels. The paper pulls the moisture out from the inside. Replace the paper every few hours until the shoes are bone-dry. I once left crumpled newspaper in my sneakers overnight and woke up to shoes that were dry and odor-free—like a miracle from the laundry gods.
If you’re impatient, you can use a fan on low speed pointed at the shoes. Just don’t point a hairdryer at them unless you want to recreate the scene from This Is Fine the meme.
How to Wash Tennis Shoes in Washing Machine | Easy Tips
A Word About Leather and Suede
If your tennis shoes are leather or suede, stop right now. Put your washing machine remote down. Back away slowly. These materials will basically freak out in water. Suede will turn into a wet cow that looks sad and fuzzy. Stick to a damp cloth and a soft brush. You’re not a machine person for those shoes; you’re a hand-wash person, like a fancy antique dealer.
