Cleat cycling shoes provide a fluid pedal stroke and more efficient ride, all while supporting your foot. Although maintenance for these shoes is minimal, properly caring for them is sure to prolong their life and give you a better workout.
Step 1
Wear waterproof cycling socks and spray the exterior of your shoe with a waterproof conditioner to keep unwanted moisture away from your shoe.
Step 2
Dab lube where the pedal meets the crank every few months to allow for smoother contact between the cleats and pedals. You'll know to do this when your cleats start getting stuck or stop clicking in and out of the pedals quickly and smoothly.
Step 3
Rinse off your cleats with fresh water if muck gets on them during the ride. This means that you should carry a bottle of water and a rag with you to do this during the ride. You can do a more thorough cleaning at home after the ride.
Step 4
Clean your shoes with a rag and water to take off dirt, grime and mud that have clung to your shoe during your ride. For stubborn dirt, use a brush and warm, soapy water. Caked-on dirt and grime can wear at the stitching and seams of your shoes, decreasing their lifespan.
Step 5
Wear shoe covers in cold or wet weather. The covers, which are typically made of neoprene or a rubberized laminate, provide water resistance and insulation.
Step 6
Dry the insoles and the shoe by setting them in front of a fan after a ride. Effective ways to dry wet shoes are to use a boot/shoe dryer or pack the shoes with newspaper overnight, after the residual moisture has been absorbed. Drying your shoes thoroughly further helps to prolong their life.
Step 7
Avoid walking in your shoes when you're not riding in them. Most cycling shoes have poor ground traction, and walking in them will wear them out quickly, decreasing their lifespan.
Things You'll Need
- Waterproof socks
- Waterproof conditioner
- Lubricant
- Spray water bottle
- Rag
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