White Shoes Provide 10% More Watt Output

I must admit, I have always had an almost excessive obsession with my shoes being perfect, especially when it comes to my white cycling shoes and sneakers. For me, it's not just about keeping the shoes in good condition—which is undoubtedly the most important aspect—but also about maintaining an impeccable standard. When my shoes look good, I feel more presentable, and the white shoes seem to add an extra 10% watt output, or at least that's how it feels. Therefore, I spend considerable time maintaining and caring for my shoes so they stay in the best possible condition for as long as possible. A pair of stark white shoes adds a stylish element, whether they are worn for everyday use or on our bike rides, where the white cycling shoes are an essential part of our gear. Some old-school cyclists might even claim that there simply is no other proper color for cycling shoes—and socks—than white. However, when the weather turns unpredictable, and our ride transforms into a merciless mix of wet roads and mud, we face the challenge of cleaning our shoes, which often requires both patience and a good deal of elbow grease to restore their formerly pristine white surface. Unfortunately, it's not always possible to bring them back to their original condition, and that's something that truly hurts.

A great result

When I recently came across Philips' Sneaker Cleaner, an electric shoe cleaner, I wondered if an electric device could make any difference compared to the manual effort with various brushes and sponges that I normally use to clean and care for my shoes. I must honestly admit that I was a bit skeptical about its claimed effectiveness. But curiosity prevailed, and I couldn't resist the temptation to give it a try—especially the price of only 250 kr. certainly helped my decision along. My skepticism was put to shame, and it turned out to be money well spent, as I was truly impressed by how well this electric machine performed compared to my traditional cleaning method. It provides a thorough cleaning even in hard-to-reach places, such as around the Boa dial closures and the cleats, and easily removes dirt and stains with the included brush heads. While I would normally spend significant time and energy scrubbing my shoes with various tools, such as tooth and nail brushes, with Philips' Sneaker Cleaner I achieved a better result in half the time and with less effort. So it is definitely worth recommending. The machine comes with three interchangeable brush heads, uses 4 AA batteries, runs at 500 RPM, and has a battery life of about 80 minutes.

Guide to cleaning cycling shoes

Step 1 Remove Surface Dirt

Begin by removing any loose dirt and debris by wiping the shoes with a damp cloth, preferably before it has had a chance to dry. This step ensures that you don't work the dirt further into the material during the subsequent cleaning.

Step 2 Clean Your Cycling Shoes

The next step is to choose a cleaning product specifically designed for the material of your cycling shoes, which are typically made of leather or synthetic leather. I prefer products from Saphir Médaille D’or. For the most stubborn stains, I use Deep Cleaner, a deep-cleansing product, along with Foam Cleaner, a gentle cleansing foam. This foam effectively removes dirt and stains without drying out the surface, while also nourishing the leather. However, there are many excellent products on the market, so choose the one that best suits you and your shoes.

Step 3 Deep Cleaning

Begin by focusing on the sole, applying an appropriate amount of soap. Attach the stiff brush to the machine and carefully clean the sole. Pay close attention to the area around and inside the cleats, where the machine can really get into all the nooks and crannies. If dirt has been allowed to build up, it can make clipping into the pedals more difficult. Then switch to the soft brush or foam brush, depending on how dirty the shoes are, and apply soap to the upper part. Clean them thoroughly with the brush.

Step 4 Finishing Touches

Wipe off any soap residue with a clean, damp cloth to ensure that your cycling shoes are free of soap residue. Your shoes should hopefully look as good as new with a beautifully cared-for surface.

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