There’s a certain charm to a rainy day, isn’t there? The soothing rhythm of raindrops on the roof, the fresh, clean scent, and the cosy feeling of being indoors with a warm cup of tea.
We might even reminisce about splashing through puddles when we were young, a simple joy that stays with us. However, the delight of a rainy day quickly fades when faced with the inevitable: wet shoes.
The damp, uncomfortable feeling, the lingering odour, and the seemingly endless wait for them to dry can dampen even the most cheerful spirit. But what if there was a simple solution, a way to reclaim the joy of a rainy day without the soggy aftermath?
For just $19, Kmart offers a shoe dryer that promises to banish moisture and keep odour at bay, turning what could be a week-long wait for dry shoes into a matter of hours.
This nifty device has captured consumers’ attention nationwide, with Michael Jaimie, a social media personality, praising it online.
‘They’re great for damp shoes in winter that won’t dry, great for tradies’ boots that always get banished to the front door and also great for people who sweat a lot, like me and need to replace their shoes quite frequently,’ Jaimie said.
The device features three time settings—three, six, or nine hours—allowing for customisable drying times to suit different needs.
‘I personally only use them for three hours after work when I’m home and can monitor them as I think nine hours is way too long, even though the temperature is very mild,’ he said.
‘The instructions also say not to use them in shoes that are super wet, so you would need to at least soak up some of the excess moisture before using them.’
He added that the shoe dryers are warm enough to heat your shoes but won’t get hot enough to cause burns. He also noted that they are not USB-chargeable and must be plugged into a wall outlet.
According to Jaimie, the $19 price tag is a small price to pay for convenience and potential savings on shoe replacement costs.
‘Absolutely, especially if it saves me having to replace my shoes all the time! Sure, you might be able to get them cheaper online, but if it’s at Kmart, it’s accessible and if anything goes wrong or you’re not happy, at least you can visit your nearest store for help.’
He cautioned that individuals should always ‘always read the instructions’ and ‘use common sense’ when using the product.
‘At the end of the day, there’s only so much they’ll be able to do for shoes that are already on their way out, keeping on top of it with new shoes will be the best way to make them last longer.’
This device’s applications extend beyond the everyday shoe. Parents have found it a game-changer for their children’s soccer boots, especially during the relentless rainy season.
‘I have two teenage footy players! Best I get these!’ one parent commented.
Others have discovered alternative uses, such as drying out snow boots or boxing gloves after ‘a sweaty session’ in the ring. Some have suggested warming up slippers on a cold winter’s day.
One even shared, ‘I got them for my son, who is working as a cellar hand, and he is a fan!’
We’d love to hear your thoughts from those who’ve already tried it. Has the Kmart shoe dryer changed your winter routine for the better? And for those who haven’t, are you tempted to give it a go? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below, and let’s keep our feet happy and dry this season!
Also read: How safe are these everyday items to use? This expert says you should think twice