A good ski boot dryer has to do it all. While keeping your footwear moisture-free is essential, that is only part of the equation. The machine must also prevent mold growth, eliminate odors, and dry multiple items.
I’ve been skiing for decades, and I’ve used just about every ski accessory you can imagine over the years. I’ve used several boot dryers and know how to find the best options out there that actually work.
The DryGuy is my pick for the best ski boot dryer of the season. This is a very practical, affordable, and portable unit that will help you dry your ski boots, gloves, and just about anything else that fits onto it.
There are a few other good boot dryer options out there, and I’ll give you a list of the best prospects in this post. Nobody likes having damp boots, and a good boot dryer will help you quickly solve that problem.
Let’s get going.
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Who Should Get This
Regardless of gender, size, or skill level, all skiers need to dry their boots. A good dryer is not something that you can take for granted because, without it, you’re going to be left with soggy, uncomfortable footwear. That’s enough to ruin a trip.
Everyone can make use of a strong dryer. However, those who spend more time on runs, or skiers who spend more time in deep snow, need the devices more than most. And if you ski multiple days in a row, your boots won’t dry out without one.
Always calculate how wet your snow clothes are after a trip to the slopes, and then decide how much a dryer would improve your life.
Best Ski Boot Dryer: Top Picks
Here are all of my top picks for the best ski boot dryers of the season. All models reviewed in this section are high-quality and thoroughly recommended.
1. DryGuy
- Best for: Overall
- Key features: Reliable performance, 3-hour auto shutoff, foldable for storage, fast-drying
- Capacity: 1 pair
- Style: Forced Air
- Cost: $$
The DryGuy is my top pick for the best ski boot dryer of the year. This is a very effective option that will give you reliable drying performance all season long.
This model has adjustable height settings that let you adjust the drying ports to the proper height of your boots for increased drying ability.
It also comes with a 3-hour auto-off feature that prevents the dryer from running all day long if you aren’t around to turn it off. I also like the portable design.
These don’t get as hot as some models but will still provide very effective boot drying.
2. DryGuy Travel Dry DX
- Best for: Travel
- Key features: Compact size, 3-5 hour dry time, easy to pack, effective drying
- Capacity: 1 boot
- Style: Electric
- Cost: $$
If you want to bring a boot dryer with you when you travel, the DryGuy Travel Dry RX is the way to go.
This is a very compact model that still offers very effective drying performance. Simply stick the drying unit inside the boot, turn it on, and wait until everything is nice and dry.
It also has an ac/dc power adaptor that lets you plug this in just about anywhere, even in the car on the way up to the ski slopes.
The single boot design means you’ll only be able to dry one boot at a time.
3. Kendall SL-SD06G
- Best for: Multiple Boots
- Key features: Can dry multiple items at once, versatile use, glove dryer included, low and high temp modes
- Capacity: 2 pairs
- Style: Wall-mounted
- Cost: $$$
The Kendall SL-SD06G is the option to go with if you want to dry multiple items at the same time.
This model gives you the ability to dry two pairs of boots and two pairs of gloves simultaneously off the same wall-mounted unit.
It also has multiple heat settings, so you can match whatever needs you have for it. A timer will automatically turn the dryer off when the items are dry.
This isn’t a portable unit, and it’s also more expensive than smaller options.
4. DryGuy DX
- Best for: Multi-Use
- Key features: Multiple uses, quiet, different heat settings, adjustable extension tubes
- Capacity: 2 pairs
- Style: Stand Up/Force Air
- Cost: $$$
The DryGuy DX will give you the versatility to quickly dry multiple items simultaneously. This unit can dry two pairs of boots and also be used for gloves and garments.
It comes with two removable extension tubes that let you adjust to the size of the items you are drying for efficient and effective performance.
You also get the benefit of choosing between heat or no heat to save electricity or be careful with more delicate items.
This model is relatively expensive but worth it if you want added versatility.
5. KOODER Boot Dryer
- Best for: Budget Option
- Key features: Affordable, reduces odors, 360-degree heat, durable, temp controls
- Capacity: Single Boot
- Style: Electric
- Cost: $
The KOODER Boot Dryer is a good budget option that will provide you with effective drying capabilities.
This is a highly affordable unit that helps to dry your boots while also eliminating bad odors.
It also gives you 360-degree heating for efficient performance and features temperature control to keep in from overheating.
This is another single-boot design, so you can only dry a single boot at a time.
Best Ski Boot Dryer: What to Consider
Here are some important factors to keep in mind when deciding which ski boot dryer to choose.
Portability
Many ski boot dryers keep shoes warm, but few of them are easy to carry around. You never know where you’ll end up when traveling to find snow, and that is why you want something that won’t weigh down your pack.
Look for light, portable models that are easy to carry. Slim shells are a large bonus, as are any foldable or collapsible designs. If you just want an option that can stay at home to dry your boots, portability isn’t as big of a factor.
Drying Time
Another important boot dryer feature is drying time. Many models utilize heat to get moisture away from your boots quickly, but some work a bit slower. Convection dryers take a long time compared to motorized options, but time differs from model to model.
Some can dry a boot in an hour, while some take up to five. Quicker drying times are preferred, but you can get slower models if you don’t mind waiting. Quicker models can usually use up more electricity as well.
Versatility
While premium ski boot dryers need to be able to dry your boots, they are not limited to a single function. When searching for your model, do your best to find ones that can dry multiple clothing items, such as gloves, pants, hats, and liners.
That versatility gives you more options, saving you money on buying another device. In that same vein, it is also vital to get models that can dry multiple items at once. These also offer the convenience of allowing you to dry other ski gear in addition to boots.
Useful Tips & Resources
As great as boot dryers are, they are not the only way to care for your footwear. You must take important steps when putting your boots into storage for the sunny season, and you can learn more about that here.
Beyond that, get even more ideas on how to keep your boots clean for years to come. And the video below will show you some ski boot dryers in action.
Final Verdict
The DryGuy is my pick for the best overall ski boot dryer of the year. This is a simple, affordable, and highly effective option that will allow you to dry your ski boots quickly.
If you want to ensure your ski boots are always dry before you head to the hills, you really need to get a boot dryer. The options you see in this article are some of the best and are recommended.
