Why Are (Almost) All Peloton Cycling Shoes White?
From Mandatory Black to Celebrated White
For decades, the rule was simple: cycling shoes were black — end of story. The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) even wrote it into the rulebook. No room for outliers.
Only in the 1980s did other shades start to make cautious appearances — grey, blue, maybe red. But white? Too dirty, too flashy, too delicate.
Hubert Dupont, a former pro cyclist, recalls:
“Wearing white shoes back then was like showing up in a tutu. You’d get mocked instantly.”
Even Richard Virenque took heat for his white shoes during his Festina years. But as it often goes, pioneers get laughed at — and then imitated.
White Wins
Fast forward to today, and the tables have completely turned. Black shoes now feel dated, almost suspiciously out of step. And white? White is sharp. White is pro. White is the new norm.
Alexys Brunel (TotalEnergies) puts it bluntly:
“Guys wearing black shoes now? They get teased right away. White is clean, it’s classy, it’s just right. I made the switch — and I’m not going back.”
Riders like Paolo Bettini helped pave the way in the early 2000s, quietly reviving the all-white aesthetic. Since then, the trend has only grown — and the bright neon yellow phase has quietly faded away.
Why White Reigns Supreme
There are a few reasons white shoes have taken over the pro peloton:
- Tradition & Pro Image:
Like the all-white dress code at Wimbledon, white shoes in cycling suggest discipline, order, and — let's be honest — that someone else is cleaning them after every stage.
- Heat Reflection:
On hot summer days, white reflects sunlight better than darker colours. After five hours in the saddle, that temperature difference matters.
- Kit Compatibility:
White works with everything — from the minimalist kits of Groupama-FDJ to the high-voltage colours of EF Education.
Bonus for brands: white shoes act as a moving billboard. Logos pop better. Every pedal stroke is free advertising.
Stéphane Rossetto, ex-pro turned brand manager, sums it up:
“It’s like a clean pair of white sneakers in the city — even if you’re not stylish, you still look good. Even someone like Guillaume Martin, who doesn’t care about fashion, agrees they look better than clunky black shoes.”
When Amateurs Follow Suit
Unsurprisingly, amateurs are adopting the trend. On high-end models, white now accounts for over 80% of sales. Black? Mostly found on entry-level pairs or for riders prioritizing low-maintenance gear.
Even wide-fit shoes, once purely functional and traditionally black, are now offered in white. Proof that style is becoming non-negotiable.
The White Shoe Maintenance Code
Here’s the downside: dirt. Wet roads, leaves, dust, mud, toe overlap, stop-and-go rubbing — everything shows on white. And a dirty white shoe looks worse than a clean black one.
But the good news? You can keep them pristine with the right care. This tried-and-true routine, borrowed from sneakerheads, can keep your cycling shoes after a full season of riding.
Before your first ride
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- Apply a protective spray like Crep Protect in multiple coats. Focus on high-contact zones: toe box, seams and heel.
- Let each coat dry fully, ideally outdoors. -
After each ride
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- Wipe shoes down with a soft cloth or cleaning wipe to prevent grime from setting in.
- Light stains? Use mild dish soap and warm water.
- Want them sparkling? Whitening toothpaste + toothbrush = magic.
- Stubborn scuffs? A quick scrub with a Magic Eraser, followed by a new coat of protective spray.
Pro Tip: After muddy rides, take the time to clean inside your BOA dials — they’re grime magnets and wear faster if ignored.
Is the White Shoe Craze Here to Stay?
Unless Mathieu Van der Poel rolls up in glittery pink cycling shoes, white looks like it’s here for the long haul. With tradition, thermal benefits, branding visibility and that pro image all working in its favour, white is the safest bet in the bunch.
Sure, it takes a bit more TLC. But in return? A clean, polished, pro look. Have you given in to the white shoe movement yet?
After all — style isn’t everything in cycling. But let’s be honest, it kind of is.
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