Chicane shoes are designed for the realities of motorsport, from race weekends and track days to long drives, airports, and the countless hours spent on concrete, asphalt, and pit lane surfaces in between.
From premium suede and leather uppers to Michelin-developed tread, every material is selected with long-term comfort, durability, and wear in mind. Like any quality product, however, performance and appearance are influenced by how those materials are maintained over time. A few simple habits can help preserve the fit, comfort, and character of your footwear for years to come.
Start With the Right Care for Your Model
While the core principles remain the same, the best approach depends on which Chicane model you’re wearing and the materials it’s built from.
The GT1 is constructed from lightweight kangaroo leather, a material prized for its exceptional strength, flexibility, and pedal feel. The GT2 utilizes top-grain cowhide leather, offering a slightly more structured feel with outstanding durability for frequent use.
The GT3, Speedster, and Sebring all feature premium suede uppers, each designed for a different purpose. The GT3 is built for race-day performance, the Speedster for track days and performance driving, and the Sebring for long days at the track, travel, and everyday wear around the sport. The same pedal feel that makes Chicane shoes work on track carries over to sim racing.
Wear and Handling
When putting your shoes on or taking them off, avoid placing unnecessary force on the pull tab, velcro strap, or laces. While these components are designed to withstand regular use, they aren’t intended to be used as leverage points or subjected to excessive force.
We’ve occasionally seen damage caused not by wear, but by the way the shoe is handled.
Preserve the Materials
Dust, dirt, and debris are part of life around the track. Left untreated, they can gradually work their way into suede and leather surfaces, accelerating wear and affecting appearance.
After a race weekend or extended travel, use a soft suede brush to remove surface dirt and restore the texture of the upper. For smooth leather sections, a clean microfiber cloth is often all that’s needed to remove dust and maintain the finish.
When it comes to cleaning suede, less is usually more. In most cases, warm water and a microfiber towel will handle surface dirt and everyday cleaning without being overly aggressive on the material.
Protect the Finish
The sooner a stain is addressed, the easier it is to remove.
For suede, a dedicated suede eraser can often lift light marks before they become permanent. More stubborn stains may require a suede-specific cleaner designed to protect the material while restoring appearance.
A mild detergent can be used when additional cleaning is needed, but aggressive chemicals and household cleaners should be avoided, as they can permanently alter both the texture and color of premium materials.
Avoid over-cleaning. The goal is not to keep the shoe looking untouched, but to preserve the materials and allow them to age the way they were intended.
Managing Moisture
If your shoes become wet, allow them to dry naturally at room temperature. Stuffing the shoe with paper can help absorb moisture and maintain shape during the drying process.
Direct heat should be avoided, as it can damage suede, leather, adhesives, and internal materials over time.
Storage and Shape Retention
Proper storage helps maintain both appearance and fit.
When not in use, store your footwear in a cool, dry environment away from prolonged exposure to sunlight. Shoe trees or simple paper inserts can help maintain the shape of the upper between wears, particularly during longer periods of storage.
Built for Years of Use
Proper care isn’t about preserving perfection. It’s about preserving the experience, ensuring your footwear continues to fit, perform, and feel the way it was intended through years of race weekends, travel, and time spent around the sport.
A few simple habits will do more for the longevity of your footwear than any deep cleaning ever could.
- Keep dirt and debris from building up.
- Use the gentlest cleaning method that gets the job done.
- Address stains early.
- Let materials dry naturally.
- Store footwear properly between uses.
- Handle pull tabs, straps, and laces with care.
- Allow the shoes to age through use, not neglect.
The details may seem small, but over the course of years, they make all the difference.
Explore the Full Chicane Lineup
Whether you’re looking for SFI-certified race footwear, a dedicated track day shoe, or something versatile enough for everyday wear, the Chicane lineup was built with the same commitment to thoughtful materials, purposeful design, and long-term comfort.
Explore the full collection and find the pair that fits the way you spend your time around the sport.