How To Properly Maintain Bicycle Shoes
Bike shoes can be
pricey, so you'll want to do your best to take care of them. While
you might have purchased a pair of bike shoes only a couple months
ago, not taking care of them or failing to clean them after a ride
could cause them to age quicker.
Depending on the type of riding you are doing, bike shoes could get
especially dirty. If you are using them for mountain biking, they
could be caked with debris and mud by the end of trip. Even road
shoes can take a beating too.
Get In The Habit Of Cleaning
[mageProductLink sku="126-cs23" title=""]
[/mageProductLink]After every ride, you
should get the habit of cleaning your bike shoes. For a light
cleaning, simply wipe down each shoe with a towel. Add some water
where you see fit, in order to loosen any dirt. However, for shoes
that are especially dirty, it might take a cleaning solution or a
little extra scrubbing on your end.
For shoes that require extra attention, invest in a brush that will
truly get into the crevices. Even a toothbrush can do a great job
in making your shoes look like new. Again, a light amount of
cleaner and water can go a long way to helping free dirt and debris
from the shoe.
From there you will want to properly dry the shoes. Be sure to
remove the soles of the shoes when drying, or else moisture will be
sitting inside the shoe. After you've removed the soles, make sure
you thoroughly wipe down each shoe with a towel. There are
shoe and boot dryers on the
market that are perfect for ridding your boots of any moisture.
However, stuffing them with newspaper and leaving them outside or
by a heating vent can be just as efficient.
Add Covers For Protection
Bike shoes are the ideal way to get the
most out of a ride. They keep your foot connected to a pedal,
making sure your every motion contributes to moving forward on your
bike. Serious riders won't go without them. However, when it comes
to a rainy or cold day, how can you still wear your bike shoes
without being uncomfortable? The answer: shoe covers.
Whether you are simply trying to preserve the look of your shoes
and want to protect them from mud and debris - or because your feet
need protection from the harsh elements Mother Nature can throw at
you - odds are bike shoe covers are the answer.
You might be enjoying a long ride, but once the weather turns cold
and wet, it could be ruined. Most road bike shoes are not designed
to be soaked in water. They are specifically constructed to be as
light as possible, and therefore, waterproofing them could defeat
their purpose of streamlining a ride. However, sometimes you need a
shoe that you can use in the rain. Without having to purchase a
completely separate pair to use in the rain, you can simply put on
shoe covers.
These products are typically made from a rubberized laminate. They
will keep your feet insulated and dry, ensuring you are warm and
comfortable no matter how long you decide to make a ride. It's
important to keep in mind that the covers you choose should fit
your shoes properly. For instance, some shoes have cleats, and
covers will account for this design by adding cutaways or lugged
soles.
If you do decide to cover your shoes during a ride, remember to
take them off before you start walking around. Covers are perfect
for a ride, but could be damaged when walking in them.
