Wash your bike shoes?
10-10-07, 02:39 PM
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Wash your bike shoes?
After washing several pairs of running shoes this weekend via the washing machine, I got thinking that the bike shoes have to be getting kind of rank after a lot of use and how can you wash them. Or can you wash bike shoes at all?
Found only one old post on this issue from 2004 and the suggestions were limited.
My concern is not about the shoe body itself because most cycling shoes are some kind of synthetic leather but the sole liner which the whole shoe attaches to. Most of these things are made of some kind of cardboard or something similar and soaking might damage that part of the shoe. The part under the removable insole is what I am talking about.
My thought would be to soak them in some kind of mild cleaner like woolite? Then rinse with cold water and dry.
Found only one old post on this issue from 2004 and the suggestions were limited.
My concern is not about the shoe body itself because most cycling shoes are some kind of synthetic leather but the sole liner which the whole shoe attaches to. Most of these things are made of some kind of cardboard or something similar and soaking might damage that part of the shoe. The part under the removable insole is what I am talking about.
My thought would be to soak them in some kind of mild cleaner like woolite? Then rinse with cold water and dry.
10-10-07, 02:45 PM
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Oh just wear them into the shower. 
Seriously, when my shoes (SIDI) get rank, I simply hose them out and scrub them a bit. I've done this many times with no issues.
... Brad
Seriously, when my shoes (SIDI) get rank, I simply hose them out and scrub them a bit. I've done this many times with no issues.
... Brad
10-10-07, 02:51 PM
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Go to the manufacturer's web site to see what they say about cleaning. I'm sure that you'll find that you are NOT suppose to machine wash any sports shoe be it for running, cycling, soccer, baseball, or football. They usually have you hand wash them with a mild soap and water using a soft bristled brush or some similar method.
10-10-07, 02:56 PM
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Making a kilometer blurry
I've hosed them off while still on my feet before, but only when they're already soaked from a rain ride (faster than wiping).
Tip to dry them out fast: stuff each shoe with an entire section of your newspaper (ball up a page and shove it in as far as it will go). After 20 minutes, pull out all the newspaper, and set the shoes in a well-ventilated area.
Tip to dry them out fast: stuff each shoe with an entire section of your newspaper (ball up a page and shove it in as far as it will go). After 20 minutes, pull out all the newspaper, and set the shoes in a well-ventilated area.
10-10-07, 03:02 PM
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I take care to wash mine and keep them in pristine condition.
10-10-07, 03:13 PM
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I washed mine (Pearl Izumi's) for the first time halfway through this summer and it was pretty easy. I filled up a large bucket with warm water and some laundry detergent. Took out the insole from both shoes first, then scrub one shoe at a time in said bucket with a brush. Dump water then rinse. Shoes look noticeably better but they weren't so bad to begin with. I let them dry outside in the shade for the remainder of the day.
10-10-07, 03:31 PM
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Just ride in the rain.
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10-10-07, 04:15 PM
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I wash mine when dirty. By wash I mean I take the insole out and scrub it well with a brush, warm water and some woolite. I then rinse and wash the shoes in the same manner but without as much force. Washing machines are a no-no.
10-10-07, 08:40 PM
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Never intended to imply that I would put cycling shoes in the washing machine. Thanks for some of the more serious replys. Most of the mfgs. web sites I have checked don't really tell you much on this subject.
10-10-07, 08:42 PM
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Soap and water, wipe them clean, dry them out, and sprinkle them with baby powder.
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10-10-07, 09:28 PM
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Definitely wear socks. Going sockless is a surefire method by which to destroy any quality athletic shoe.
10-10-07, 09:42 PM
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I have no qualms about washing my cycling shoes in the washing machine. But I don't have a fiberboard or cardboard liner, and I only do it about once a year.
Apparently Treespeed does not ride in the rain because if he did, he'd know that riding in the rain will make everything much dirtier than when you started.
Apparently Treespeed does not ride in the rain because if he did, he'd know that riding in the rain will make everything much dirtier than when you started.
10-10-07, 10:14 PM
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I wash mine every month. Soap and water. I scrub the soles and cleats. Then I stuff the insides with old newspaper.
10-11-07, 05:45 AM
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Wipe em down, spray a little Lysol inside to kill the odor and good to go
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10-11-07, 05:58 AM
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I have no qualms about washing my cycling shoes in the washing machine. But I don't have a fiberboard or cardboard liner, and I only do it about once a year.
Apparently Treespeed does not ride in the rain because if he did, he'd know that riding in the rain will make everything much dirtier than when you started.
Apparently Treespeed does not ride in the rain because if he did, he'd know that riding in the rain will make everything much dirtier than when you started.
10-11-07, 06:58 AM
#21
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I spray the inside of mine down with Fabreeze every 3-4 rides. Also armour all the outsides and let it soak in. They always look new.
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