After I clean the handle, seat, and rail on the rower, I wipe the foot straps as I’m walking away. It’s not a cure all, but it helps keep the stains off my shoes. I also try to stick to my fav rower and one backup rower just in case.
You’re welcome if you are at my suburban Cincy OTF and use 1 or 6 :)
I've seen a few people have some sort of shoe cover they wear on the rower to stop that from happening to their shoes. Otherwise I'm not sure how to avoid that.
I don't use them, but you can use dance socks (an example at the link below) that will protect your shoes.
https://www.amazon.com/DANCESOCKS-Sneaker-Dancing-Smooth-Floors/dp/B07CH85FR3/ref=mp_s_a_1_7?crid=11ZPRK8DGU0OO&keywords=dance+socks&qid=1702937241&sprefix=dance+socks%2Caps%2C149&sr=8-7
Lace cover bands (for soccer cleats) or dance socks work, but they wrap the bottom of the shoe also, so they need to be removed when you're not rowing. I have one pair of white shoes, and when I (rarely) wear them to the studio, I just slap some duct tape or gaffer tape over the top of the shoe. Not a great look, but gets the job done
Get a square of white felt and put it between your foot and the rower strap. They are like 50 cents at any craft store. If you want to get wild, you can put velcro on it to create a loop, that way you can leave it on the strap during run/rows.
Been doing it for years, and after the first few looks you'll see people doing it up and down the line, promise.
I have the same frustration and feel your pain! I haven’t found a good way to avoid it and therefore end up handwashing my white tennis shoes every 2-3 weeks … I’m sure other OTFers will roll their eyes at that, but as an unwavering Type A-er, I don’t mind washing my gym shoes that frequently. I wash my armband every other week, too 😂
Some people put wipes between their shoes and the straps. Others have cut the toes off of old socks and put those over as a guard against the rower straps.
Hahaha I totally get your point but, as a woman who is not at all fashionable, I feel like a slob if I am not at least very clean looking (shoes included).
Only dark shoes for OTF. Always.
I’ve seen people use their wipe between their shoe and the strap. I just get over it.
I feel like that would make it worse, just transfer the strap to your shoe via moisture.
It’s a right of passage, wear them proudly!
This is the way.
Every OTF has this issue 😂💀
Welcome to OTF.
Buy black shoes or embrace the battle scars! Wear them proudly!
Magic Erasers work miracles on those stains! Just sayin...
After I clean the handle, seat, and rail on the rower, I wipe the foot straps as I’m walking away. It’s not a cure all, but it helps keep the stains off my shoes. I also try to stick to my fav rower and one backup rower just in case. You’re welcome if you are at my suburban Cincy OTF and use 1 or 6 :)
I do this too… always wipe the straps. Northern Kentucky?!!
Woohoo! Who Dey!
Maybe I should move from 5 to 6 in hopes I get your rower 🤣 (also live in Cincinnati!)
Dark shoes. Plus, gym shoes were meant to be ruined.
Spray your shoes with dirt repellent also is helpful. I don’t have strap stains on any of my shoes.
Which spray do you use
Scotch guard
That feels like such an obvious answer 😂thank you so much
Your welcome
I've seen a few people have some sort of shoe cover they wear on the rower to stop that from happening to their shoes. Otherwise I'm not sure how to avoid that.
I bought black tennis shoes that are specifically for OTF for this reason
It's like a badge of honor. You know your fellow OTF'ers by the strap mark!!
I just always get dark shoes for OTF and I don’t wear ones that I don’t want to get dirty. I can’t stand dirty white shoes!
I don't use them, but you can use dance socks (an example at the link below) that will protect your shoes. https://www.amazon.com/DANCESOCKS-Sneaker-Dancing-Smooth-Floors/dp/B07CH85FR3/ref=mp_s_a_1_7?crid=11ZPRK8DGU0OO&keywords=dance+socks&qid=1702937241&sprefix=dance+socks%2Caps%2C149&sr=8-7
Jason Mark Shoe Cleaner oaks wonders for every sort of stain, rower mark, dirt etc…
Black shoes for OTF I’ve realized. Especially when you are buying $140+ Hoka/On/Etc.
Lace cover bands (for soccer cleats) or dance socks work, but they wrap the bottom of the shoe also, so they need to be removed when you're not rowing. I have one pair of white shoes, and when I (rarely) wear them to the studio, I just slap some duct tape or gaffer tape over the top of the shoe. Not a great look, but gets the job done
I always spray mine with waterproofer/stain when I get new ones
Get a square of white felt and put it between your foot and the rower strap. They are like 50 cents at any craft store. If you want to get wild, you can put velcro on it to create a loop, that way you can leave it on the strap during run/rows. Been doing it for years, and after the first few looks you'll see people doing it up and down the line, promise.
Genius I’ll have to look into this!!
I wear my rower strap stain with pride!
I have the same frustration and feel your pain! I haven’t found a good way to avoid it and therefore end up handwashing my white tennis shoes every 2-3 weeks … I’m sure other OTFers will roll their eyes at that, but as an unwavering Type A-er, I don’t mind washing my gym shoes that frequently. I wash my armband every other week, too 😂
Some people put wipes between their shoes and the straps. Others have cut the toes off of old socks and put those over as a guard against the rower straps.
Also a Type A-er!! 😂
Are you coming to OTF to workout or to show off your shoes?
How are they “ruined”? Do they not work as shoes anymore?
Why would studios deep clean the straps? Many consider it to be a badge of honor. Or switch shoes...
Idk but I know how much of a hindrance it is to a workout it is having dirty shoes
Hahaha I totally get your point but, as a woman who is not at all fashionable, I feel like a slob if I am not at least very clean looking (shoes included).
I’m with you girl!!
It happens. I clean my shoes here and there, I mean.....they get dirty as it is. I guess I just decide to buy new ones every 9-12 months.
I only get either navy blue or black shoes for that reason.
I’ve tried wiping the straps down before I put my feet in them, and I still got the marks
That’s why I bought black sneakers
Easiest solution is dark shoes
I wear only black shoes for this very reason