The Latest PEET News

PEET Dryer Saves Sweaty Shoes from Odor, Bacteria, and Breakdown

Published by written permission of The International Hyperhidrosis Society

Recently, we took my 2-1/2-year-old daughter, Hayley, on a pleasant walk to the park. Along the way we stopped to throw pebbles in the creek. While I had my back turned, Hayley's father, in all his wisdom, allowed her to run into the water -- favorite Mary Jane shoes, socks, and all. As she charged in even deeper, above-mentioned father was talking on his cell phone and I found myself running in after her. Once we were soaked we figured "what the heck?" and just had a ball splashing, jumping, and throwing sticks for our dog. Do I sound like a free-spirited mother? Don't be fooled. If I hadn't had a PEET (shoe) Dryer waiting at home, I would have been very unhappy with this episode of spirited play.

For the uninitiated a shoe dryer may seem like a non-essential appliance -- along the same lines as those bread makers that were so popular 10 years ago, or that Epilady device (heavily marketed in the 1980s) designed to pull your unwanted body hair out by the roots (yes, it felt just like that until it got stuck in my shag carpet.) But let me assure you, my PEET (shoe) Dryer is now among my most prized possessions and if I had a bigger laundry room, I'd make sure that everyone in my family had a shoe dryer so that I wouldn't have to share mine. Here's how my love affair with PEET began.

Because all of us at the International Hyperhidrosis Society are immersed in the world of hyperhidrosis, we recognize that those who suffer from plantar hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating of the feet) struggle with consistently wet footwear that can smell, harbor bacteria and fungi, cause other foot problems like blisters, and deteriorate rapidly. We also recognize that children with hyperhidrosis, in particular, need a way to safely and efficiently dry their shoes on a daily basis. That's because children's hyperhidrosis is difficult to treat and often the best course of action is to just try to prevent as much discomfort and embarrassment as possible. With the needs of plantar hyperhidrosis sufferers in mind, we found the PEET Dryer and volunteers, like me, to try it.

When my Original PEET Dryer arrived in the mail, I was astounded by its simplicity. Just place your shoes upside down on the dryer's "feet", plug the dryer in, and it silently and efficiently (drawing less power than a 40-watt light bulb) uses natural, gentle thermal convection to bring warm air through the base of the dryer, up its air chamber tubes, and into your shoes. Attachments that you can purchase separately from the PEET company allow you to dry gloves, hats, helmets, wigs, and more! We recently put a Big Bird plush puppet on the dryer after he "accidentally" took a bath.

Gene Peet created the first dryer in his home in Idaho in 1968 because he was sick of his expensive work boots getting soggy from perspiration and cracking because he dried them on a heater. Soon he was building dryers for his friends and the whole family was getting involved. Today, PEET Dryer remains a family-run business and Gene Peet's original, simple design still works. In fact, Lori Peet-Poffenroth, Market Development Director for PEET Dryers and Gene Peet's daughter, says that her father still has the first dryer he ever built and that it works just as well as it always did. This is a deal that can't be beat -- Original PEET Dryers cost just $39.95 and come with a 25-year warranty.

Despite the elegant simplicity and impeccable (based on my nearly 1-year experience) performance of the original dryer, PEET has branched out to include dryers that have fans to blow warm air gently through your shoes and ionization for better odor and bacteria control (odor and microbes are well controlled by the original dryers, too, because without wetness it's difficult for them to grow). There is even a model that uses UV light to kill germs, bacteria, viruses, fungi, and mold in shoes and whatever other equipment you place on the dryer. These newer dryers have on/off switches as well because, says Lori Peet-Poffenroth, some consumers found it disconcerting to not know for certain if the dryer was on or not (personally, I think the "can't tell it's on" silence is wonderful and I enjoy the simplicity of just plugging the dryer in, rather than having to plug it in and turn it on.) Also available are attachments for toddler's shoes (although I think the regular sized attachments work just fine for little shoes) and a portable model for traveling (great for those who have sweaty feet and travel for business, sports, or pleasure). The dryers never overheat and in 40 years have never been accused of playing a role in any fire, according to Lori Peet-Poffenroth. And, she says, "It's completely safe to leave the Original PEET Dryer plugged in all the time -- 24 hours a day, 7 days a week." I agree, the dryers seem to be a great place to "park" your shoes at the end of the day -- whether you've just come in from the rain, humidity, soccer practice, or the office.

But don't just take my word for it, read the additional International Hyperhidrosis Society shoe dryer testimonials below and visit www.PEETShoeDryer.com for more reviews and to learn about the dryers' technology.

To purchase a dryer (I recommend the economical and efficient Original PEET) and/or dryer attachments, call 1-800-222-7338 or shop online at www.PEETShoeDryer.com . SweatSolutions readers will receive a 20% discount! Just enter the code "sweathelp" in the promotion code box in the shopping cart area of the online store. In addition to giving SweatSolutions readers a 20% discount, PEETs will also donate $5.00 to the International Hyperhidrosis Society with every order using the "sweathelp" promotion code.

Now, if only they sold an attachment for my wet dog.

Additional International Hyperhidrosis Society Reviews

"I have to say that the boot drier worked like a charm!" says Leslee Ganss, of Cedar Run, New Jersey . "I left my leather motorcycle boots out in the rain. They actually filled up with 2 inches of water! I drained them and put them on the PEET Dryer and by the end of the day they were dry! Not only that, but the leather was still in good condition. How would I have dried them without the shoe dryer? I have no idea! I decided to keep the dryer plugged in and put it to work on a regular basis. I now use the dryer a few nights a week for my 11-year-old son's sneakers, which he wears (like only an active 11-year-old can) every day. No more smelly shoes! We live in a high tidal area so we often have to get around in high rubber boots, and they get sweaty pretty fast. All the boots get the PEETs treatment and are usually dry in an hour. After snowy days, our snow boots and their liners are put on the dryer. It is so easy to use; we just keep it plugged in downstairs in our mud room, where we take our shoes off. With three of us using it pretty much on a daily basis, I wonder how we got along without it!"

"I first used the dryer on my nephew's boots after he had finished playing in the snow," says Christine Fleckenstein, of Philadelphia, Pa. "While the boots were not soaked, they were moderately wet around the bottom. It took about a half-hour to dry them thoroughly. I used the dryer again on my own sneakers. The shoes were wet throughout. But the dryer only took about 45 minutes to dry my shoes. When I took them off, I was pleased to find that they were warm and toasty inside."

Of course, even the best shoe dryer can only dry your shoes -- not your feet. If managing the damage sweat does to your footwear is not enough to make a difference in how sweating affects your life, your choices, or your outlook, it may be time to seek medical treatment. Iontophoresis and Botox injections are well-documented, effective treatments for sweaty feet and our Physician Finder can help you locate an experienced physician to provide hyperhidrosis care.

www.SweatSolutions.org

Premier Resource for Runners Says Peet is "Must-Have Gear"

The magazine considered the bible of running and jogging, Runner's World, has listed the PEET dryer as essential gear for the runner or jogger on anyone's gift list. After testing the Original PEET Dryer, it made the list of "MUST-HAVE GEAR" in their December 2007 issue.

Considered the world's leading running magazine, for 40+ years Runner's World has been informing and advising runners of all abilities on how to enhance their running experience. They had this to say about the Original PEET Dryer...

With this unique device, you'll never have to run in wet sneakers again. Just put your shoes on it overnight and let the hot-air convection dry them out for your morning run. One tip for extra sweaty runners: Use this gizmo in the garage, where the smell won't offend anyone.

Whether you're a marathoner or just a casual day runner/jogger, using a PEET Dryer gives you a new level of comfort to enjoy. In addition to the comfort, PEET Dry removes the "sweaty runners smell"-so there's no need to banish your shoes to the garage. PEET convection air technology eliminates odors caused by perspiration, bacteria and mildew.

PEET Dry also promotes good foot health. The enjoyment experienced while running (or involved in any fitness endeavor) depends on healthy feet. Studies have shown that the dampness in footgear caused by ground conditions and perspiration provokes blisters-and is an ideal environment for fungus growth that results in foot irritations (like athlete's foot). It can also encourage staph infections and harbor other germs.

Extremely easy to use, the user simply props their footgear on the patented PEET DryPorts, and forgets them until the next time they're worn. All types of footwear are dried safely (PEET Dryers don't get hot or blow "hot-air") and silently, using less energy than a 40 watt light bulb.

Michael Coogan
November 8, 2007

Enhanced Pure Air Technologies Added to Legendary PEET Dry

St. Maries, ID, Winter 2007 — PEET Dryer introduces PEET Pure and PEET UV, technologies that assist in eradicating the airborne contaminants — like bacteria and mold — that cause odor, irritation and deterioration in footwear and gear.

According to PEET President Blair Peet, “PEET Dryer users have long known that in addition to effectively drying their gear, PEET Dry thermal convection removes contaminants that cause problems. Today’s consumer is concerned about air quality and these new technologies further address this interest.”

The PEET Pure ionization technology used in the new Advantage PEET Dryer combines electronics and physics to help purify the air. Negative ions released by the process attach to positive ions containing contaminants, weighing them down so that they drop out of suspension in the air.

PEET UV technology, built into the new Go! PEET Dryer, uses ultraviolet light (UV) to neutralize airborne contaminants. The UV component of sunlight does this naturally, which is why molds, mildews, fungi and other contaminants seek out dark, damp places in which to flourish.

“After PEET Dry comfort, our customers tell us they appreciate the odor-free results of their PEET Dryer next. Maybe the most grateful are the spouses! By removing contaminants through our drying and purification processes, we lengthen the wearing life of footwear and gear and thwart skin irritations like athlete’s foot,” said PEET Vice President of Operations Donnie Ely.

Both products equipped with these enhanced pure air technologies will be available for consumer purchase in Fall 2007. The Advantage PEET Dryer is a model capable of handling multiple items all at once, while the Go! PEET Dryer is a powerful, portable device that travels everywhere for use in all sorts of footwear.

Top

A Whole New Drying Advantage!

What has a whisper quiet fan, four AirChambers, multiple PEET “Ps” and removes wet and sweat from four items at once?

Answer: The brand new Advantage PEET Dryer

Coming this fall is the Advantage PEET Dryer, the second PEET with PEET Plus — a dryer capable of handling four items (such as a pair of footwear and a pair of gloves), all at once.

The Multi PEET Dryer led the way, effectively drying two pair of boots or shoes, right out of the box. You can also mix ‘n match by switching the standard equipment Footwear DryPorts for PEET Glove and Helmet DryPorts (sold separately), to enjoy PEET Dry comfort from head to toe.

The new Advantage PEET Dryer also includes some extra “advantages.” PEET Power delivers fan-assisted drying to move warmed or ambient air faster. PEET Pure ionization technology helps rid the air of contaminants. PEET Preference is a switch that allows you to dry with or without heat, with a timer for the fan.

PEET Vice President of Sales & Marketing Andy Kennelly is excited about the possibilities. “Gene Peet started all this back in 1968 with one model. Today there are seven different PEET Dryers along with a line of DryPorts and Extensions for accommodating other gear including protective headgear, gloves, hip boots and waders. I really don’t see a limit to who needs PEET Dry,” Andy declares. “We just need to find them and tell them about it.”

Top

Go! Takes PEET Dry Everywhere!

With today’s active lifestyle, consumers everywhere are on the go. That’s why the Go! PEET Dryer is the now thing! Replacing our successful Portable PEET Dryer, the Go! Is even more tuned in to taking PEET Dry along, wherever you go.

PEET Choice is standard equipment to let you choose between plugging in to a typical household socket or into the 12-volt socket in your car, RV or boat. And the handy PEET Pouch is included as a carryall for your Go! PEET Dryer components. PEET UV ultraviolet light technology eliminates contaminants like odor-causing bacteria and deteriorating fungi. Plus, PEET Safe temperature-regulating technology ensures that you, your footwear and your Go! PEET Dryer will be safe whenever you come to rest.

“PEET Safe technology ensures that your dryer will never overheat. No matter what footwear you put your Go! PEET inside of, there’s never a worry,” says PEET Vice President of Operations Donnie Ely.

Top

Coming to a Retailer Near You — The Pleasure of PEET Dry

There was a time when only hunters and fisherman had the pleasure of waking up to PEET Dry footwear. Not anymore. PEET Vice President of Marketing & Sales Andy Kennelly is aggressively leading the brand into new markets that are sure to need PEET Dry.

Anybody that’s ever owned a PEET Dryer knows that you never go back to a life without one. The soothing, PEET Dry comfort you wake up to is akin to other early morning pleasures, like your first cup of freshly brewed coffee... With an expanded product line, Kennelly and his sales team are determined to greatly increase the number of retail outlets that carry PEET Dryer products.

“There really isn’t anyone who won’t benefit from a PEET Dryer. Not everybody is getting wet trudging through streams and wetlands, but everybody perspires. Whether you’re working, walking or exercising, the average adult’s feet produce approximately eight ounces of sweat during the course of the day,” says Kennelly. “That’s like dumping a glass of water into your shoes every day...”

Perspiration-laden footwear makes an ideal environment for damp-loving bacteria, fungi and other contaminants that cause unpleasant odors. So, in addition to drying your footwear, PEET Dryers eliminate the stink. Who wouldn’t want to be more comfortable and smell better?

Top

End of the Road for Helmet Fumes

A way to dry a sweat-sopped helmet so the next time you strap it on it’s dry and doesn’t smell like a gym locker? If there ever was such a thing, we aren’t aware of it…

That’s why PEET President Blair Peet (son of Company Founder Gene Peet, who invented the footwear dryer in 1968), came up with the PEET Helmet DryPort. An avid sportsman, as well as four wheeler and snowmobile enthusiast, Blair created this useful device out of his own need, forever making “helmet fumes” a thing of the past!

According to Blair, “A good helmet costs a lot of money. Using the Helmet DryPort makes it last longer. It eliminates rot and mildew that deteriorate inside linings. It also removes bacteria so your helmet stays odor-free.”

Whether you’re protecting your cranium while riding a motorcycle, dirt bike, four wheeler, snowmobile, etc. — or doing human-powered activities like football, hockey and lacrosse — there’s now a resting place for your helmet that will effectively dry and refresh it between rides or games.

The PEET Helmet DryPort easily mounts onto a number of PEET models, including the Original, Multi, Advantage and Propane PEET Dryers.

Top

Multi PEET Gets Great Review

In the July 2007 issue of the well-respected Motorcycle Consumer News (MCN) magazine, the Multi PEET Dryer was named “Innovation of the Month.” The Multi PEET Dryer tested to be, in MCN’s words, “A great solution to ensure your gear is quickly ride-ready.”

This review is important because MCN’s core mission is “to bring the motorcyclist real, useful information” — unswayed by advertisers because they don’t accept any. They pride themselves on putting the motorcycle enthusiast’s interests first. What they say they really mean, so we are most appreciative of what they had to say about the Multi PEET Dryer.

To this day we’re a privately held company that prides itself on delivering a quality product that exceeds expectations — as Motorcycle Consumer News found out…

“We were amazed to see a product that will dry your boots and gloves this fast at such a reasonable price… it actually worked better than advertised.”
— MCN, July 2007

Top