If you have boots that get wet, do not attempt to dry them by placing them near a heat source. No matter what material the boots are made of, this is always a bad idea. Instead, stuff you boots with crumpled up newspaper (to absorb water from the inside) and place them in a warm area (don't leave them out in the cold and wet). Most boots will dry this way in a day or so. It takes longer, but drying in this way will not cause any damage to your boots. If you want to dry them quicker, try replacing the newspaper inside your boots with new dry newspaper once the newspaper becomes damp.