Last Updated on 07/2026 by Mom Goes Camping
If waterproof rain boots or welly boots don’t dry out properly, they can start to get really stinky or even grow mold inside. Here are some solutions to get the smell out!
Don’t Buy Insulated Rain Boots
Insulated rain boots take forever to dry once wet. I only recommend them for muddy weather and not rainy weather. If you want to wear insulated rain boots in heavy rains or for puddle jumping, you’ve got to have good rain pants to keep the water out. Otherwise, just get non-insulated boots and wear thick socks with them.
Also read: Best Rain Boots for Kids
Rain Pants Over the Boots
Want to play in the rain? You also need rain pants. The rain pants go over the boots. Otherwise rain will drip down the jacket into the boots. Or water will splash into the boots with each puddle splash. Since rain boots are waterproof, they can even fill with water and need to be emptied!
Note that rain pants go OVER the boots. I go crazy each time I see pictures of kids in rain pants tucked into their boots.
Also read: Best Rain Suits for Toddlers, Best Rain Pants for Kids and Best Waterproof Pants for Women
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Wear Two Pairs of Socks
Experienced hikers know about the two-sock trick. You wear a thin synthetic or silk sock as a base layer. It wicks sweat and water away from the skin. The second sock is made from a thicker insulating material like wool. Your feet will stay warm and dry, which is important for not getting blisters. Since sweat is wicked away, your rain boots won’t smell as bad.
*Get Your Kids to Wear Socks
A lot of kids hate to wear socks. I know – I was one of them. My mom used to have to sit on me to get socks on! It is usually a sensory thing.
But wearing rain boots barefoot is a really bad idea. Sweat will pool inside the boot, causing your kids’ feet to get wet. This not only makes the boots stinky but causes chafing. The feet to slide around inside and get blisters.
If your kid really hates socks, you can:
- Find seamless socks: It was the seam on the sock which made me hate them.
- Avoid patterned socks: The weave around the pattern area can be very uncomfortable
If that doesn’t work, try to make a cloth bootie to go inside the boot.
- Choose a fabric. Silk scarves are good for this.
- Fold the scarf so it fits in the boot better.
- Fold about 1 inch of the scarf over the outside of the boot. Drape the rest of the scarf into the boot but don’t let it touch the insole.
- Tape the scarf in place. Make sure the tape is only on the outside and not inside the boot.
Dry the Rain Boots Before Storing
Don’t put away rain boots until you know they are completely dry. Otherwise mold can start growing, especially if they have a lining or insole.
To dry rain boots for storage:
- Remove the insole. Set it to dry separately.
- Put newspaper or towels inside the rain boots.
- Keep upside down until completely dry.
*Never put rain boots next to a heater to dry. The heat will cause the plastic or rubber to get brittle and crack.
Clean the Inside with Vinegar
Vinegar is a good natural antimicrobial. It also won’t damage the rubber or PVC on rain boots like bleach does. To use, dilute vinegar with water in a 1:1 ratio. Pour some in the boots, swish around, and then dry. For really stinky rain boots, use weaker solution (1:4 water to vinegar) and let it sit inside the boots for at least 15 minutes.
Put Baking Soda in Boots
After the boots are completely dry, you can sprinkle a bit of baking soda in them. Just shake it out before wearing them the next time. Or make little pouches/sachets with baking soda in them. Throw some lavender in there too as a natural antibacterial and antifungal.
Stinky Rain Boots FAQ:
Why do rain boots smell so bad?
Rain boots are waterproof which means sweat and moisture have nowhere to go. That trapped moisture becomes a breeding ground for bacteria, which is what actually causes the smell. Kids’ boots are worse because they tend to wear them without socks, which dramatically increases the amount of sweat pooling inside.
How do you get the smell out of rain boots?
Diluted white vinegar is the most effective DIY solution it’s antimicrobial and won’t damage rubber or PVC. Mix one part vinegar to four parts water, pour some inside the boot, swish it around, then dry completely. For serious mold or odor, let the solution sit for 15 minutes before emptying. Baking soda sachets after drying help absorb ongoing moisture.
Can rain boots grow mold inside?
Yes — especially lined or insulated boots that retain moisture. If you store them while even slightly damp, mold can start within 24 to 48 hours in humid conditions. The fix is always the same: remove the insole, stuff with newspaper, and store upside down in a ventilated area until bone dry before putting them away.
Should kids wear socks with rain boots?
Always. Bare feet in rain boots means sweat pools directly in the boot causing smell, chafing, and blisters. If your child is sensory-sensitive about socks, try seamless socks or avoid patterned fabrics, which can have an uncomfortable weave. A thin silk or synthetic liner sock under a wool outer sock is the best combination for keeping feet dry and odor under control.
Can you put rain boots in the dryer?
No — heat causes rubber and PVC to become brittle and crack. Air dry only, ideally stuffed with newspaper and stored upside down in a ventilated spot out of direct sunlight. A boot dryer on a low setting is fine if it doesn’t produce significant heat. Never dry rain boots next to a radiator or heater.
Sources and image credits:
https://www.reddit.com/r/Mommit/comments/pzcxzh/question_just_got_my_2_yo_son_some_new_rain_boots/,
https://www.reddit.com/r/toddlers/comments/lai9ng/puddle_loving_toddler_help/
“Hanging Out” (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0) by courosa,
