Preferred Driving Shoe?

mm86911 · mm86911's Garage

What is the preferred brand/style of driving shoe for track and average price?

RLJ · RLJ's Garage

Piloti is the shoe, many styles and colors about $100.

Randy Jones
1971 911

racemor · 04-10-2002, 05:23 PM

I have a pair of Pilotis for the weekend mountain runs where I might need to get out and walk some. I like them. But for serious track use a real driving shoe works better. The thinner soles give a much better impression of where the pedals are and a better feel for the brakes in my opinion. I have a pair of midtop Simpsons that I use for SCCA club events. They come in at a good price and are very comfortable. Don't know how well they will hold up over the years though.

Tom

Jack Olsen · 04-10-2002, 05:31 PM

I have the Simpsons. They wear out pretty quickly, even just from aluminum pedals, but the 'feel' is very good. The Pilotis look too clunky to me.

ChrisBennet · ChrisBennet's Garage

I use Sperry Topsiders (loafers/mocassins). The soles are thin. I've thought about the Piloti's. "Real" track shoe look like a little wet Lime Rock grass would soak them in short order. How are they really?
-Chris

racemor · 04-10-2002, 05:47 PM

You're right Chris, the Simpsons are definitely not waders

I wore them in a wet race at in Savannah and did all I could to keep them dry before the race. Wet, smooth soles on metal pedals are not a good combo. But I really do fell that they are worth it overall. And I like the fire safety of a higher topped shoe. Just take a spare pair of shoes for walking around the paddock.

Tom

pwd72s · 04-10-2002, 06:06 PM

CHUCK TAYLOR CONVERSE ALL STARS! (oxfords..not high tops) They grip the pedals really well.

makaio · 04-10-2002, 06:19 PM

For track on real spirited driving, I wear my Piloti Monaco's. Comfortable to wear around all day, and look good to boot. Bought them from performance Products when they had a 20% off sale, for $70. The last time i would ever buy from them( but that's another story).

I know the dedicated track shoes like Simpsonsand the such are great, but they look like elf shoves to me.

General driving, I like my Adio Steve Berra's. Those skate boarders, can design a pretty good shoe.

racemor · 04-10-2002, 06:25 PM

Chuck T!!! Love it! I'll give it a try.

Tom

81SC · 81SC's Garage

I use the Simpsons for sprint kart racing.They are a very comfortable shoe to wear and offer a good grip and feel of the pedals.

Jcon · 04-10-2002, 06:33 PM

Save some money ... Go to a sporting goods store and pick up a pair of wrestling shoes. Very thin soles, good ankle support ..tons of grip and not $100 ( they look the part as well)

Zeke · 04-10-2002, 06:46 PM

Have Simpsons. They have Nomex interior which is required whenever two layer suits are required (all wheel to wheel racing). The narrow soles don't hang up on anything while your feet do the dance on the pedals.

orbmedia · 04-10-2002, 07:45 PM

I have red Momos because hey where else can I run around with red shoes but at a race track. Not that there's anything wrong with it.

Jack Olsen · 04-10-2002, 08:01 PM

The good ones do look like dance shoes. When I forget to change back, I always feel like a combination poseur/girly-man at the gas station before the drive home. Oh well.

turbo dave · turbo dave's Garage

Piloti's, all the way. Mine are DTM's, but I think a pair of Monoco's, or the new leather shoes are next. Plus, they are from one of the R Gruppe founders, and a fellow Art Center alum.

But, I would probably use Sparco's for real racing, or Schumacher Nike's, if I could find someone there to hook me up...

Fishcop · Fishcop's Garage

Jack Olsen said,

"The good ones do look like dance shoes. When I forget to change back, I always feel like a combination poseur/girly-man at the gas station before the drive home. Oh well."

I dunno Jack, I've always thought of you as a man's man

(Couldn't resist Dude, I look forward to your revenge!)

JuiceMan · 04-11-2002, 05:23 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Fishcop

I've always thought of you as a man's man

Ummmm, a Man's Man?

Thats not cool heh

Fishcop · Fishcop's Garage

As opposed to a "girly-man"..... No offence is meant, and I know Jack will get square with me

Jack Olsen · 04-11-2002, 04:38 PM

No offense taken. In fact, I think I look pretty good, there.

mm86911 · mm86911's Garage

Thanks for all the feedback. Was looking for the budget approach while wanting something that fit snug so picked up a pair of low-top G-Force shoes for $49.95 pair. Fire rated nomex lined with suede outers (all black). Probably about same price as wrestling shoes but look much better.