FAQs
Running or working out in wet trainers creates a damp and warm environment that fosters the growth of bacteria and fungi. Prolonged exposure to this environment can lead to various medical conditions, including:
Athlete's foot
- Cause: Fungal infection from prolonged moisture exposure.
- Symptoms: Itching, burning, peeling skin, and redness, especially between the toes.
Blisters
- Cause: Friction between wet skin and shoe materials.
- Symptoms: Painful fluid-filled bubbles on the skin.
Fungal toenail infections (Onychomycosis)
- Cause: Fungi invading the nail
- Symptoms: Discolored, thickened, or brittle nails.
Bacterial infections
- Cause: Cuts or abrasions exposed to bacteria common in wet conditions.
- Symptoms: Redness, swelling, pus, and warmth around the wound.
Chafing and skin irritation
- Cause: Wet fabric rubbing against the skin.
- Symptoms: Redness, rash, and sometimes bleeding.
Maceration of skin
- Cause: Prolonged moisture exposure softens and weakens the skin.
- Symptoms: Wrinkled, whitish, or overly soft skin prone to breaking.
Plantar warts
- Cause: Virus (HPV) entering through damp, softened skin.
- Symptoms: Small, rough growths on the soles of the feet.
Increased risk of overuse injuries
- Cause: Wet shoes can alter gait and provide less cushioning or support.
- Symptoms: Pain in joints, tendons, or muscles (e.g., shin splints or plantar fasciitis).
Cold feet
- Cause: Wet shoes leading to cold feet, that in cold weather can lead to illness
- Symptoms: Weakened immune system, increased susceptibility to illness.
Reduced durability in running shoes
- Cause: Prolonger moisture exposure damages shoes
- Symptoms: reduced durability, loss of shape and support, $$$ for new shoes!!
The Atacama is designed to remove moisture, sweat, and odors from your shoes. It works by circulating warm air through the interior of the shoes, drying them without damaging the material.
Yes, our shoe dryers are suitable for most types of footwear, including sneakers, boots and dress shoes.
The drying time can vary depending on the shoe material and the level of moisture. For most cases, this will be less than an hour.
For shoes that have a thicker, more absorbent material, or for cases where the shoe has been exposed to high levels of moisture, this will rise to 2-3 hours.
Yes, our shoe dryers are designed with safety features that allow them to run overnight. They are equipped with overheat protection and an auto-shutoff feature.
Absolutely. The warm air circulation not only dries your shoes but also helps eliminate unpleasant odours by reducing the moisture where bacteria and fungi thrive.
No, our shoe dryers are designed to be gentle on all types of materials. The controlled temperature ensures that your shoes are dried safely without causing warping, shrinkage, or damage to the fabric.
Our shoe dryers are highly energy-efficient, using minimal electricity while still providing effective drying. They are designed to be environmentally friendly and cost-effective. The Atacama uses around 30 watts per hour on average. Therefore having it on for 60 mins uses about the same electricity as an hour of television.
Yes, many of our shoe dryers come with attachments or are designed to accommodate gloves, hats, and other small items that need drying.
Maintenance is easy. Simply wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth. For the interior, ensure it’s dry after use and check for any debris. Regularly clean the air vents to prevent dust buildup.
Our shoe dryers come with a 1-year warranty. If you encounter any issues, please contact our customer service team for assistance.
Yes, our shoe dryers are designed with dual voltage options and come with plug adapters, making them suitable for use in various countries. Please check the specifications for compatibility with your region.
We accept all major credit cards, PayPal, and other common payment methods. Please see our payment page for more details.
The Atacama will only be available in the UK and Ireland until the summer of 2025 when we plan to launch in Europe and Australia.
We offer a 30-day return policy. If you’re not satisfied with your purchase, you can return the product within 30 days of receiving it for a full refund or exchange, provided it is in its original condition.
For every Atacama sold, we donate £1 to 4ocean to support their mission of removing plastic from the world’s oceans.
If you choose to add the optional £2 donation at checkout, it goes directly to pulling just over one pound (lb) of plastic from the oceans. Each pound costs 4ocean $2 to remove, so your contribution goes straight into making a tangible difference.