Driving shoes

[limble]

I bought a new pair of general purpose tennis shoes and new dress shoes for the office. I usually look for the cheapest first then find the size that fits or whatever goes with white socks.
When I got into the SC with the new tennis shoes I tried to let out the clutch and killed it twice. The new dress shoes aren't much better. It never dawned on me that shoes would make that much of a difference.
I'm going to look at a pair of driving/racing shoes for between home and where ever.
I would like a pair that will be easy to remove.
Anything else I should consider?
G-Force, Piloti
Velcro, tie

[Zeke]

Take a look at these:
http://www.onlineshoes.com/productpage.asp?type=brand&brandid=14&brandcatid=89&gen=m&pcid=6392

http://store.yahoo.com/shoedini/001428.html

Or, perhaps the ultimate:
http://avventura.com/product.asp?pfid=AVV01625

[rdane]

If you can stop in a Puma store locally they have any number of excellent shoes that adapt (I am not a fan of their actual driving shoes)well for driving.

I have Sparco Elites for the track but I also own several pair of Pumas in different models that I think are better to drive in, just not fire proof.

Nordstrums also normally has a couple of styles of European driving shoes in stock. They are usually a loafer style.

[89turbocabmike]

I've had simpson driving shoes, relatively inexpensive $65?. They are leather replicas of the nomex ones. Not much arch support and soft tread, but they are very narrow and give good pedal feel. My current favorites are Pilotis. As I searched their site for a model name for you I realized that I have been unconciously collecting Pilotis. I seem to have at least one pair of all their shoes except velcro. My hands down favorites are the Rallye. The're ($110) but a good looking high quality shoe, rounded heel and make pedal-work and walking around a breeze. Who needs sneakers!

[coolbreeze]

wrastlin' shoes work good for feel on the pedals.

[Series900]

Minnetonka Moccasins, I still have a pair of what they called driving mocs, all leather, with a perforated leather base with little rubber nipples for grip, easy on/off

[Mike Feinstein]

Nipples are good.

[North Coast Cab]

Where would be the best place get get an entry level pair of real driving shoes?

John

[Ron Shade]

I think that once you try on a pair of real driving shoes, the comfort will amaze you. The only problem is if you walk much in them they wear out very quickly. My everyday alternative is a pair of Topsider deck shoes which work well in the car and are accepted at most restaurants!
Check Racer Wholesale for closeouts on the real thing.
Good riding, Ron Shade

[RallyJon]

All real driving shoes are lace-up and fit very snugly. Difficult to slip on and off quickly and look silly (or really hardcore) if you need to run into the dry cleaners or somthing. For casual--but tactile--driving, I like a close-fitting moccasin with a thin sole. Here are a couple from Orvis and LL Bean:





Edit: also, look here: http://www.zappos.com/n/bs?q=driving

[North Coast Cab]

I meant racing shoes.

John

[RallyJon]

John, I was posting that for the benefit of the thread starter. For real racing shoes, I believe the cheapest entry level shoe is the G-Force or Simpson low top @ $60-70. I used a pair of the Simpsons over three rally seasons before they gave out. At such a low price, you can just throw them in the washer when they get grungy--something you probably wouldn't do with $250 Kangaroo skin Diadoras.

Both brands are sold all over the place--do a Google search and you'll find dozens of retailers.

[gerry100]

Cheapskate that I am, I find any brand of Cross trainers adequate - as long as they are nearly worn out. Worn out part is critical, when new they'll hangup on the pedals and will be too soft for feel.

[ChrisBennet]

I like my Piloti's (DTM model) so much that I bought a 2nd pair to stash away for when these wear out. (I'm old enough to know that if I like something they will stop making it or change it.)
They are nomex, very comfortable and they don't make my feet sweat like sneakers. I wear them every day.
-Chris

[GrindingGears]

new balance 991s!

I have my driving shoe decision solved by whatever kind of Rockport I put on that day.

More importantly (at least to me), I'm having difficulty with what kind of driving underwear to install. Briefs keep everything in the "monster garage" nicely placed in those hard corners. Boxers, on the other hand, allow a certain freedom that on those bumpy roads can be absolutely scintillating. Then there is the ubiquitous thong which I have admired on many young women and pondered the interaction between “the gentlemen” and my sport seats while wearing a man thong.

I’d like to get some your thoughts on this subject as it weighs heavily on my mind.

[GeorgeM]

The G-Force shoes seem to be the least expensive of the actual racing variety.

A very reasonable alternative is the good ole Chuck Taylor high top. I used these for 2 seasons before my brother bought me a pair of Simpsons for my birthday. I think I would have kept using them otherwise.

[JackT]

Pilotis are great for driving and walking around the track.

[zzwhm]

Skate boarding shoes are great driving shoes.

[Zeke]

Originally posted by Mark Wilson
I have my driving shoe decision solved by whatever kind of Rockport I put on that day.

More importantly (at least to me), I'm having difficulty with what kind of driving underwear to install. Briefs keep everything in the "monster garage" nicely placed in those hard corners. Boxers, on the other hand, allow a certain freedom that on those bumpy roads can be absolutely scintillating. Then there is the ubiquitous thong which I have admired on many young women and pondered the interaction between “the gentlemen” and my sport seats while wearing a man thong.

I’d like to get some your thoughts on this subject as it weighs heavily on my mind.

This gets my vote for the biggest send up of the year.