Cleaning athletic shoes:

[Montague]

Does anyone know of a decent to good method for cleaning dirt stains from white leather tennis shoes?

Saddle soaps,
Detergents,
Bleach,
etc...

Thanks.

[JediKnight]

Yeah sure do,

       Step 1) Remove Shoes

       Step 2) Put both shoes in trash can

       Step 3) Buy new shoes u cheap bastard



















or some soap and water will do the trick.

[Princess L]

Just throw them in the washer with some old towels and regular detergent.  Semi-dry in the dryer.  Good as new 

[Montague]

Thank you, highness.
Your information always proves to be good.
I would have asked you about this in the first place had I been aware of your skill in these matters.

I think my foot rubbed under the rocker panel of my truck while I was climbing in.
I’ve only worn the shoes a handful of times to the gym so they’re incredibly bright white with this damn dirty spot that looks even more noticeable by comparison.

I guess I’m doing okay, though, if the biggest worry in my life right now is a spot on a shoe.
Could've been worse...
I could have been a presidential intern with a spot on a dress!

[Lord Humungous]

Westleys bleach white (for white shoes) or any general purpose cleaner from an autoparts store that works on plastics and leather will work followed by some leather protectant- presto new shoes

[Montague]

Thanks for the tip.

A couple of times I used some regular old bleach on a pair of white Otomix wrestling shoes.
It cleaned them up a bit, but was really harsh on the leather.
They were old and I didn’t care much anyway.

The stuff you recommend probably does a better job both cleaning and protecting the leather.

[w8m8]

Westleys bleach white (for white shoes) or any general purpose cleaner from an autoparts store that works on plastics and leather will work followed by some leather protectant- presto new shoes

you are so - - -  just - - - Humungously good 

I use auto upholstery cleaner for marks but do throw them into the washer every six weeks

[Lord Humungous]

you are so - - -  just - - - Humungously good 

I use auto upholstery cleaner for marks but do throw them into the washer every six weeks

Well thanks chic, always happy to help

[24KT]

Does anyone know of a decent to good method for cleaning dirt stains from white leather tennis shoes?

Saddle soaps,
Detergents,
Bleach,
etc...

Thanks.

Montague,

I own quite a bit of leather from clothes, shoes, boots, furniture, and lord knows how many purses, so I've tried quite a bit when it comes to cleaning & protecting leather. The 2 best leather cleaners and protectors I've ever come across are Danier Leather cleaner, and


Eco Vinyl & Leather^™ from FFi.

ECO Vinyl & Leather Conditioner™ is a water-based cleaner & protector for all leather and vinyl types. It nourishes leather and vinyl with a rich formula of lanolin and natural oils which are quickly absorbed into the hide leaving a non-greasy, satin finish that actually repels dirt and moisture. It's not a dressing; it is a cleaner and conditioner that can be used on many types of leather.

Product Features:

• Leaves no greasy residue
• Contains no silicones
• Protects vinyl from cracking
• Water-resistant, durable
• Soothes leather
• Breathes new life into older leather
• Contains no harsh ingredients
• Releases oils to restore necessary moisture in vinyl
• Won’t accelerate vinyl deterioration by changing the original chemical balance
• Conditions new leather to maintain suppleness & durability

For use on:

• Auto upholstery
• Furniture
• Leather jackets
• Saddles
• Luggage and handbags
• Sports equipment
• Worn leather and more...

Danier is a Canadian based clothing retailer who specialize in leather goods, so unless you are in or near Canada, you might not be able to get it.  The Eco Vinyl & Leather is non-toxic, biodegradeable, and is safe for the environment. It is also available in the US and a number of countries around the world, and can be ordered online through the above link.

ps: If you purchase the Eco Vinyl & Leather through the above link, I will benefit, but that's not why I recommend it.
I recommend it because it works extremely well.

[Montague]

Cool.
Thanks, Judi.

[Montague]

UPDATE:

I was recently at Kohl’s dept. store w/ the girlfriend.
While she was looking at purses, I moseyed over to the men’s shoe section and found a product called Gel Cleaner Sport by a company called Elite Professional Care located in Montreal, Canada.

It’s a blue colored gel that comes in a clear 4.7oz plastic bottle. The bottle contains a bristled applicator/dispenser. You apply a small amount of gel to the shoe and gently brush until lathered. Wipe away the foam with a clean cloth and the shoe is CLEAN.

I was amazed how well this stuff works – especially on new, white leather. It was like having a magic wand.
I only paid $5 for the gel, and my shoes look brand new again.

[w8m8]

Thanks Montague I'm going to Kohl's on my next day off 

[Montague]

Kohl's is great!

[michael arvilla]

Yeah sure do,

       Step 1) Remove Shoes

       Step 2) Put both shoes in trash can

       Step 3) Buy new shoes u cheap bastard


















or some soap and water will do the trick.

                                                   

[w8m8]

I'm not buying new shoes cuz they're dirty 

[Montague]

Mine were new.
That's why I was a mite pissed.

[24KT]

Mine were new.
That's why I was a mite pissed.

If you're anything like my cousin, I can just imagine how pissed you must have been. {LOL}
He has an absolute khanipfit if there's even the slightest tiniest little scuff on his athletic shoes.
Everyone else would need a microscope to see it, but his eagle eyes can spot it a mile away.
Glad you were able to find something convenient to you that worked so well.