for real, cleaning white shoes is almost impossible. you can try bleach, but once the rubber gets dingy, you can forget about it.
preventitive methods are the best way to go. When you get the pair home from the store, spray it with a leather protector. this will add a thin layer of protection and also a little bit of shine. Let it dry and then repeat a few more times. Then do the same with some hairspray. aerosol works best. When hairspray dries, it froms another shell around the shoe. This won't keep it clean, but it'l make it easier for you to wipe away any dirt or whatever.
another method is to clean with Pledge Wipes. If you've ever cleaned with Pledge, you know that makes the wood surface hella slippery. it does the same for shoes. sometimes it causes static though, which just attracts dust and things. so be careful.
and for the record. YOu must not have ever been to "San Fran." Don't come on here making statements and judgments about where people live. That kinda shit can get u in trouble.