Hi! Bit of a weird question. I am a new dancer and apparently a bit of a dirty bird, because my nude colored shoes show brownish footprints where my shoe contacts the footbed. Is there an acceptable way to “wash” the footbed a bit? Or do I just need to get a new pair of shoes and resist puttering about the garden in flats on my way out the door to dance lessons?
Cleaning shoes
- Thread starter Cerinthe
- Start date
ProgressNotPerfection
Forum Master
Hi Cerinthe! Welcome to DF!
Your question is not weird at all. In fact, DF is full of helpful advice on that topic. If you type the words “cleaning shoes” into the Search box at the top right of the screen, you’ll get links to previous threads on the subject:
That said, it looks like the most recent thread about shoe cleaning (before yours, that is) was more than 7 years ago. This makes it likely that there are a bunch of new DFers who have joined since then, and maybe new products on the market, so it’s good to bump (renew) this topic discussion and get updated recommendations.
I don’t remember any threads about how to clean the inside shoebed where it contacts the sole of your foot. I’ve wondered that myself (though not very often, because it doesn’t show when I’m wearing my shoes). I think the answers will depend on what materials your shoes are made of, both inside and outside. My initial thought, without knowing anything about your shoes, is that baby wipes for sensitive skin, such as these, are a good place to start - as long as you don’t rub too hard or saturate the inside of the shoe. It’s entirely possible that you can throw the shoes into a sink or tub full of soapy water, or the washing machine (inside a zipped pillowcase - I’ve done this with my kids’ Converse high tops), or even the dishwasher (my hubby does that with his baseball caps) - but I advise that you NOT try any of these until/unless you are confident that the shoes won’t be damaged by those methods.
(FWIW…my preferred alternative to cleaning shoes is simply to wash my feet after I’ve been walking around [usually barefoot] in the back yard. Standing on one foot while washing the other [in the sink or tub or shower] is a great way to practice balance, lol.)
Your question is not weird at all. In fact, DF is full of helpful advice on that topic. If you type the words “cleaning shoes” into the Search box at the top right of the screen, you’ll get links to previous threads on the subject:
That said, it looks like the most recent thread about shoe cleaning (before yours, that is) was more than 7 years ago. This makes it likely that there are a bunch of new DFers who have joined since then, and maybe new products on the market, so it’s good to bump (renew) this topic discussion and get updated recommendations.
I don’t remember any threads about how to clean the inside shoebed where it contacts the sole of your foot. I’ve wondered that myself (though not very often, because it doesn’t show when I’m wearing my shoes). I think the answers will depend on what materials your shoes are made of, both inside and outside. My initial thought, without knowing anything about your shoes, is that baby wipes for sensitive skin, such as these, are a good place to start - as long as you don’t rub too hard or saturate the inside of the shoe. It’s entirely possible that you can throw the shoes into a sink or tub full of soapy water, or the washing machine (inside a zipped pillowcase - I’ve done this with my kids’ Converse high tops), or even the dishwasher (my hubby does that with his baseball caps) - but I advise that you NOT try any of these until/unless you are confident that the shoes won’t be damaged by those methods.
(FWIW…my preferred alternative to cleaning shoes is simply to wash my feet after I’ve been walking around [usually barefoot] in the back yard. Standing on one foot while washing the other [in the sink or tub or shower] is a great way to practice balance, lol.)
Thanks for the response and the welcome! These are Stephanie strappy nude shoes with a 1.5 inch Cuban heel. Thankfully it’s not visible while wearing them, though I do feel self-conscious when I take such care to shower within a few hours of lessons and brush/floss immediately before, but then come to the crowded student area to sit and put on grimy-looking shoes with an audience! I’ll look through the old threads to see if I can use more aggressive cleaning methods. Thanks!
Well Rounded
Well-Known Member
I know more than one person who has completely immersed the shoes in soapy water, then used a brush to scrub the insoles and scuffs on the outside. After the shoes are completely dry, they thoroughly use a shoe brush to rough up the suede on the bottom.
They caution against getting satin fabric partially wet as it may spot.
I have never been so daring. I tend to just live with the grubby looking insoles.
They caution against getting satin fabric partially wet as it may spot.
I have never been so daring. I tend to just live with the grubby looking insoles.
Quickandslow
Active Member
I did a full “dunk and scrub“ of my satin court shoes in the summer based on the threads here and they did come out a lot cleaner and less stinky. But I will say the sole feels a little bit thicker so I have to use more of the clear straps to keep them on because my foot feels higher inside them. But that might just be me.