Removes water from footwear (5)
I believe the answer is:
pumps
'footwear' is the definition.
(pumps is a kind of footwear)
I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for pumps that I've seen before include "leading questions" , "Mechanical devices that move fluid or gas" , "Moves fluid or gas by pressure or suction" , "Forces liquid to move; light shoes" , "Dancing shoes - may be manned!" .)