Morimorimori

Here it is:





I believe it wasn't there when I first received it - I'm pretty sure I would have noticed it when I tried it on for the first time, before putting them aside for about a month. After that, I tried to ride in them a couple times - and I'm not sure if it appeared after one of these rides, I wasn't paying that much attention. Then I put them on again, to spin my indoor trainer - and notice the spot right away.

The surface in that region is completely smooth - like any other part of the shoe's top, I can't distinguish any change in texture, or in the way it feels by touch. It's like there is nothing sticking to it there - yet there is that spot of unknown nature. No idea whatsoever what could leave such mark, what kind of compound it was. I tried to wash it away with liquid soap, and with some wet sanitary napkins - it didn't produce any visible result.

Has anybody encountered something like this before? Is there any other chemical I could try to remove the spot, without damaging the shoe itself? Like de-greaser may be, or gasoline? I've tried to find a way to contact Sidi about that, but didn't find how to do such thing - their site doesn't mention a mail box for inquiries or any other contacts I could use.

himespau 

Magic eraser?

pdlamb

Looks like a dirty or greasy fingerprint.

I'd start by firmly wiping with a clean, dry cloth. That's also where I'd stop. You might try something like saddle soap or foaming upholstery cleaner if that doesn't work. However, the more things you try, the better odds of lifting some of the dye off the surface and leaving a lighter smudge. Probably with a greasy fingerprint still in the middle of the white smudge.

himespau 

As someone with white shoes, white bar tape, white saddle, and white hoods, I've learned to accept little smudges as inevitable signs of use, even on a bike only ever ridden indoors with a waxed chain. Stuff happens.

Iride01 

Don't look at your feet while you pedal. Keep your eyes on the road. Another week and it might look a little weaker in appearance.

cb400bill

Stuff happens. Just ride.

Doug64

What are you worried about? You are the only one who will ever notice it. I believe some of the suggested remedies will cause more harm than they fix. I'm assuming because the are Sidi shoes that is real leather, and pdlamb's post is the best recommendation. Do you ride in the rain or on dirt or gravel? If you do, you will end up with a lot more spots.

trailangel

It's the orange part that bothers me.... the black road-tar smudge is fine.

Rolla

Just get what sneakerheads use to protect their precious Jordans:

seypat

There will be more show up in the future.....unless you never wear them again. I'm guessing your bike has a few dings/chips in the paint as well?

cxwrench

What orange part?

cb400bill

Koyote

This is why cycling shoes should be black.

jamesdak 

I must have my priorities all mixed up....

rsbob 

^. I don’t see a single smudge on those shoes. You are good to go with no worries.

The OP is in a world of hurt though. If I couldn’t get that spot out, they would go in the bin. .

I was a perfectionist for decades so know where he is coming from especially with new shoes but after getting older and dumber, I find more important things to waste my time on.

Koyote

I've got a 16-year old pair of Shimano road shoes that look about that worn...They can't be killed.

spelger

shoe condom?

wolfchild

Proper look and fashion is the most important thing in cycling, especially when it comes to shoes and socks, my advice is to buy new shoes which have no spots or smudges on them.

Darth Lefty 

Reminds me of this bit from Cryptonomicon

frogman

If those are size 43, send them to me. You will never be happy with them now.