Forums » Grassroots Motorsports » "Proper' driving shoes? « 1 2 3 4 »
  • smog7

    June 16, 2008 9:24 p.m. smog7 New Reader

    As I was browsing through ross today I came across these "driving loafers" from banana republic: http://www.bananarepublic.com/browse/product.do?cid=6852&pid=547908&scid=5... They were a cheap $20, but they didnt have my size.. This got me thinking about the van slip ons and lace ups that I usually wear on my "spirited" runs. I like these because like the loafers they have a thin flexible sole that lets me feel the pedal input better, and are somewhat light. so anyone else have a favorite low buck driving shoe

  • pete240z

    June 16, 2008 9:28 p.m. pete240z HalfDork

    It looks like they would get all stained with oil. Too Light of a color.

    Me? A pair of Nike's.

  • neon4891

    June 16, 2008 9:31 p.m. neon4891 HalfDork

    off-brand crocks, I take them off and drive bare foot

  • cxhb

    June 16, 2008 11:36 p.m. cxhb New Reader

    i vouch for vans slip-ons. many styles to choose from. not too thin, not too thick, and wide enough for heel-toe downshifting and not too wide like DC skateshoes that are way big and kinda get jumbled when trying to move fast and smooth on left foot braking.

  • Osterkraut

    June 16, 2008 11:54 p.m. Osterkraut New Reader

    There is but one fake driving shoe and adidas is his prophet. Seriously.

    I've got a pair of adidas indoor soccer shoes (model unknown, they're the traditional black w/ white stripes, a rounded heel and 8 white circles on the bottom), and they're great at walking or driving. I've got insanely flat feet, and they feel good no matter how long I've been standing,

  • pigeon

    June 17, 2008 6:36 a.m. pigeon New Reader

    I've got 2 pairs of Puma Speedcats. Very comfortable, in style with the 20-somethings at the moment and made for specifically for driving. They are very narrow soled though so you may have to adjust your heel-toe technique but the overall feel is wonderful. Unfortunately they're not exactly grassroots cheap. I got the 2 pair at the local Puma outlet for around 80 bucks last year. Scott

  • 44Dwarf

    June 17, 2008 7:18 a.m. 44Dwarf New Reader

    Best and only driving shoe that fits my 9.5 WIDE is a Dragon Slayer from Captial Motorsports. Thet fit were no other brand did infact sometimes i make the drive home from the track in them.

    http://www.cmwraceparts.com/Equipment/equipment135.html

    about 1/2 way down the page. They go on sale twice a year.

  • 914Driver

    June 17, 2008 7:26 a.m. 914Driver HalfDork

    neon4891 wrote: off-brand crocks, I take them off and drive bare foot

    Not sure how that would fly at an organized event, but in NY it will get you a ticket just driving around. The logic is you would not depress the pedals as hard as necessary when in panic mode with no shoes on.

  • MiatarPowar

    June 17, 2008 7:27 a.m. MiatarPowar Reader

    I love my Adidas Tuscanys for driving. The soles are even made of recycled Goodyear tires.

    I have a pair of Pilotis that I haven't tried yet. Should definitely pull those out of the closet.

  • hotrodlarry

    June 17, 2008 7:33 a.m. hotrodlarry New Reader

    I wore a pair of Converse "Chuck Taylors" when I started racing. One of my nurse friends asked me to switch to a pair of racing shoes so I didn't end up gettin burned....still got the chucks though.

  • therex

    June 17, 2008 7:39 a.m. therex Dork

    Osterkraut wrote: There is but one fake driving shoe and adidas is his prophet. Seriously. I've got a pair of adidas indoor soccer shoes (model unknown, they're the traditional black w/ white stripes, a rounded heel and 8 white circles on the bottom),

    Sambas?

    Adidas Sambas

    If you don't have a super wide foot, (like I do) they're pretty much the greatest bargain driving shoe ever. Even if your foot is a little on the wide side, they're still an awesome shoe.

    Otherwise, I mean, there's always Piloti, but those banana republic things in the OP look like something I'd wear driving my triptronic Boxster. "Oh yehs, venever I drive mein Porsche, I alvays vear seze vonderful Drivenslippengalbschuhfoovers."

    The Stable: 1983 Nighthawk 450 --- 2007 Mazdaspeed3

  • iceracer

    June 17, 2008 8:30 a.m. iceracer New Reader

    914Driver wrote:
    neon4891 wrote: off-brand crocks, I take them off and drive bare foot

    Not sure how that would fly at an organized event, but in NY it will get you a ticket just driving around. The logic is you would not depress the pedals as hard as necessary when in panic mode with no shoes on.

    That is a popular misconception. I was told,actually a group of school bus drivers, by a NYS Trooper that it was not agains the law.

  • Clay

    June 17, 2008 8:39 a.m. Clay Reader

    I picked up a pair of Adidas wrestling shoes a few years back and I really like them. I bought some other shoes and I could get any second pair for 50% off so I got them for $25 or so. They are a bit narrow, but very good for feel.

  • 914Driver

    June 17, 2008 9:00 a.m. 914Driver HalfDork

    I wear these all the time, soft, grippy and cooler (less hot) than sneakers.

    http://68.249.38.235/tmscart/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=19&cat=Men's+Moosehide

  • P90Puma

    June 17, 2008 9:27 a.m. P90Puma Reader

    Puma speedcats and Piloti's (Prototipo's , and others)

    /thread

    1994 Miata - Garrett/TiAL/HKS/ETD Racing/AEM/Megasquirt/SPA , Fatcat/Bilstein/Eibach/Racingbeat , 949Racing/Hankook , Kosei/Hoosier , blah/blah/blah.

  • June 17, 2008 11:02 a.m. skruffy Dork

    I prefer a low-top converse or a well broken in pair of vans.

  • LopRacer

    June 17, 2008 8:34 p.m. LopRacer New Reader

    +1 for Adidis Sambas I've worn them for the last 20 yrs as everything from casual shoes to my track days shoe of choice. I am planning to try out some Pilotis but for now the Samba is my shoe to beat.

  • Strizzo

    June 17, 2008 9:51 p.m. Strizzo HalfDork

    i have a pair of puma driftcats (basically the same as the speedcat) that i do my "fun" driving in. like someone mentioned, not really grassroots, but pretty good anyways.

  • Luke

    June 18, 2008 6:47 a.m. Luke HalfDork

    You mightn't be able to get them in the States, but Dunlop Volleys (the original tennis shoe), are $20 a pair at Target in Australia. I find they make for a pretty good budget driving shoe.

  • CivicSiRacer

    June 18, 2008 9:40 a.m. CivicSiRacer New Reader

    Can't find it right now but you have to wear some sort of close toed shoes for autocross with SCCA. We strictly enforce no open toed shoes. Even flip flops can come off while on course and catch under the pedal and cause some serious problems.

    I purchased my Adidas wrestling shoes at the end of the summer in 2002 for $20. They are high tops to give more support and have a very thin sole which gives great feedback of what your car is doing.

    Sponsored by: KAM Racing Sports, Falken Tires, Rotora Brakes, Progress Technology, Brady's High Performance, Taggart Performance Engineering

  • John Brown

    June 18, 2008 9:52 a.m. John Brown SuperDork

    http://www.target.com/Mossimo-Supply-Sport-Fusion-Athleisure/dp/B000BYAZ5K

    I am wearing them right now.

  • Osterkraut

    June 18, 2008 4:51 p.m. Osterkraut New Reader

    therex wrote:
    Osterkraut wrote: There is but one fake driving shoe and adidas is his prophet. Seriously. I've got a pair of adidas indoor soccer shoes (model unknown, they're the traditional black w/ white stripes, a rounded heel and 8 white circles on the bottom),

    Sambas?

    Adidas Sambas

    If you don't have a super wide foot, (like I do) they're pretty much the greatest bargain driving shoe ever. Even if your foot is a little on the wide side, they're still an awesome shoe.

    Otherwise, I mean, there's always Piloti, but those banana republic things in the OP look like something I'd wear driving my triptronic Boxster. "Oh yehs, venever I drive mein Porsche, I alvays vear seze vonderful Drivenslippengalbschuhfoovers."

    Nope. My previous pair were Sambas, these are slightly different. 8 little white circles on the sole.

    Still, the Sambas work well too!

  • 93celicaGT2

    June 18, 2008 5:09 p.m. 93celicaGT2 New Reader

    I actually use a pair of Adidas Salas. Think Sambas, but thinner soles and snugger fit.

    Although i'm coming to really enjoy driving with a pair of Aasics Onitsuka Tiger Ultimates that i got a couple weeks ago from Journeys for like... $30.

    Previously i used a worn down to flat soles Merrell Sprint Blasts.

    1991 Celica GTS (Donor car), 1992 Celica GT hatch (challenge car), 1993 Celica GT Coupe (insert 3sgte for massive brum)

  • BobOfTheFuture

    June 18, 2008 9:29 p.m. BobOfTheFuture New Reader

    iceracer wrote:
    914Driver wrote:
    neon4891 wrote: off-brand crocks, I take them off and drive bare foot

    Not sure how that would fly at an organized event, but in NY it will get you a ticket just driving around. The logic is you would not depress the pedals as hard as necessary when in panic mode with no shoes on.

    That is a popular misconception. I was told,actually a group of school bus drivers, by a NYS Trooper that it was not agains the law.

    My NYS DMV student driver booklet says its illegal.

    The idea isnt pedal force, its keeping hot fluid off your footsies in an emergency situation.

    MOWOG

  • smog7

    June 19, 2008 1:04 a.m. smog7 Dork

    Luke wrote: You mightn't be able to get them in the States, but Dunlop Volleys (the original tennis shoe), are $20 a pair at Target in Australia. I find they make for a pretty good budget driving shoe.

    I like these

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