Its all about the Shoes!!

[MadScientist]

I know this isn't really Technical but it is very much apart of anyone whom Races.

I prefered shoes that were lite weight before I found driving shoes. Now I have about 5 pair.

So lets hear it... What do you wear on your feet when the pedal is down???

Started with Adidas Adi Racer Lows... great shoe but hard to wear all day especially if your standing still. And they will break your ankel the first time you try to walk up stairs... the center sole is only 1" wide. However driving is great and feedback is awesome.

Piloti Prototypio are great all around but more focused on comfort... little odd styling but still a standout performer.

Puma Speedcats are comon and cought on as a ladies shoe recently... I would be offended but they really aren't that great and the sole wears out like a set of super softs on a F1 car.

Oakley Karts are like wearing a stiff carbon plate for a sole. Harsh even after breaking in. However you feel everything... every little vibration.

Oakley Racer 2 this is by far my favorite of any driving shoe and rivals any other shoe I have ever had on my feet. Comfort is like wearing a slipper. Feedback is perfect and they break in nice and fast. I wear these nearly everyday and plan to get several more colors.

I have yet to try Sparcos or AlpineStars...

Tag... your it!!

-Drew

[ericcastro]

For me, i would rather spend my money else where.
Its not the shoes.
Its seat position, throttle response and how solid you are in that seat.

then, no matter what you wear, you can feel the response you need to.

I have worn racing shoes.
But they are a waste and un needed in a stock pedal set up 240sx imo.
If you have custom pedals that are in a cluster, no more then 4 inches from gas to clutch, i can see pointy and thin shoes being important.


Otherwise i just wear some canvas vans or chucks.
Stays cool and breaths, bottoms are thin enough to feel what i need and foot position on the pedal, they are cheap, and they look way better.

I would bet that if you took out the shoe sponsorships and flame retardent rules of formula D and SCCA, most people would wear what they wanted.
And it wouldnt be "race" shoes.
Actually, come to think of it, Most pro's i see arent wearing their shoes at drift days, ASB, and any other drift event that isnt a big deal, or is a practice.

I kinda feel like people with an obsession of race shoes are also the same guys that imagine they are swat guys at the paintball field because they wear the whole outfit they had bought from the army surplus store.

[lazysk8er2]

what about wrestling shoes i heard are ok

[raz0rbladez909]

http://www.dravesarchery.com/media/catalog/category/vibram.jpg
END THREAD

[gearhead55]

I have yet to drive real driving shoes, vans classics work just fine. The flat, uniform surface soles are actually great.

i dont like chucks as much for driving because as they get worn in the sole becomes less flat and more rounded.

[shiftdrift]

feel like i'd break my toe wearing those lol

[raz0rbladez909]

feel like i'd break my toe wearing those lol

hah, believe it or not they feel awesome, i'm on my third pair

[MadScientist]

Seen a guy with those Toe Shoes the other day... I know "don't knock it till you try it" but I could never pull that off. Personally looks like another one of those Stupid Fad Shoes you will see every Wal-Mart patron wearing, like those Rubber Sandles... and Converse for the Trendy TwiHearts. Only Converse are the most uncomfortable shoe ever.

But I get it... thin sole and good simple feedback.

-Drew

[landins13]

ive got puma and sparco driving shoes theyre alright i honestly prefer spil sole jazz shoes

[Conte6]

I have piloti shoes. Made for driving, but you can also go out in them without wearing down the sole like conventional racing shoes.

[raz0rbladez909]

Seen a guy with those Toe Shoes the other day... I know "don't knock it till you try it" but I could never pull that off. Personally looks like another one of those Stupid Fad Shoes you will see every Wal-Mart patron wearing, like those Rubber Sandles... and Converse for the Trendy TwiHearts. Only Converse are the most uncomfortable shoe ever.

But I get it... thin sole and good simple feedback.

-Drew

exactly, i'm definitely not trying to make a fashion statement with them lol but they work for what i need, running and driving

[articdragon192]

I have my 7 year old Chucks for driving events.

[ronmcdon]

I don't see the benefit of spending $$$ on race/driving specific shoes personally.
I just can't see myself buying shoes exclusively for driving.

However, I do like shoes that have thin soles and are light overall.
That allows a bit more feedback imo.
Likewise, using something with thick soles & heavy, like boots are the worst.
I've been most happy with the Tiger Mexico '66 shoes & Addidas Samba Classics

http://solecollector.com/live/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/onitsuka-tiger-mexico-66-white-green-03.jpg

http://adus.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/pADIDAS1-2031669_pattern_w345a.jpg

[azndummie]

Im wearing sparco shark's, they are awesome for driving feel and are so far my favorite driving shoe. oh yeah and they are fire resistant.

I also like nike dunk low's, they just feel awesome. I know they arent really a driving shoe.

[ichihachizero]

I like the countour of puma speedcats, the driftcats suck haha but I dno I been wearing my pumas for 2 years going out in them too and they hold up fine imo

[310R]

Anyone ever thought about wrestling shoes?I have drove with them and they have great pedal feel and feedback.Just a thought.

[klits562]

Anyone ever thought about wrestling shoes?I have drove with them and they have great pedal feel and feedback.Just a thought.

Why not just drive barefoot, shit feels good to me :) and how could you get more feedback than direct contact with your foot in direct contact with the pedal.

[MavericStephenc]

puma speed cats/ replicats

[sean350z]

Momma always said you can tell a lot about a person by their shoes.

I've tried race shoes and they are just too narrow and uncomfortable, have two pairs and don't use them anymore

I'm digging my Patogonia Olulu's for track duty...and my feet aren't sore by the end of the day.

http://www.patagonia.com/tsimages/79558_639.fpx?wid=360&hei=360&ftr=8&effect=dropshadow,0x000000,10,8,120,8&cvt=jpeg

[Paper_Tiger240]

just gut out normal shoes

[fckillerbee]

http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRYUUk0ueE0kQ3ToJzTPysFB8m57mNHo USMiNImhleYJmxDC8A&t=1&usg=__zi9e6xHtSDROA7tH3sJTYEQyqqw=

try driving all day with racing shoes and put on normal shoes and tell me you get the same feedback.

I'd wear socks if i could.

[HS13KLS]

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RzZ_koMiiG4/SgnjD2tYDdI/AAAAAAAAA8g/KKpaDe9-x1c/s1600/nike-air-yeezy-black-grey-fire-red-01.jpg

maybe its just me. but i like to rock the air yeezys

[steve shadows]

Low Top converse

[iHateMySilvia]

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RzZ_koMiiG4/SgnjD2tYDdI/AAAAAAAAA8g/KKpaDe9-x1c/s1600/nike-air-yeezy-black-grey-fire-red-01.jpg

maybe its just me. but i like to rock the air yeezys

pics of u wearing them in ur car to see if it legit
:wan:

[Mister.E]

a nice broken in pair of Air Force 1's or SB Dunks is where it's at.

can't go wrong with either one of those.

[pincheturbo]

http://www.dravesarchery.com/media/catalog/category/vibram.jpg
END THREAD

LMFAO

a buddy of mine rocked these the other day at another buddys Birthday Dinner. i was like:tweak:

[caspa]

nike cortez and pumas for me.

[HPKMotorsports3]

i like wearing converse allstars i feel everything...

[1jz_240]

http://www.dravesarchery.com/media/catalog/category/vibram.jpg
END THREAD


lol agreed here. im wearing mine right now. i love everything about em.

[fckillerbee]

i don't get it...you walk with them on..and it doesn't irritate you....what is it made out of?

[jeffc8486]

lol agreed here. im wearing mine right now. i love everything about em.

Yeah I know a few people that wear those. They only wear them for running though. There made by a company called Vibram. barefoot running shoes.

Me I prefer to wear my vans authentics. They look good and the soles are thin enough to feel some response. I've never tried driving shoes though.

[Rabboni]

I dont know about all this driving shoe jazz. I drive in whatever happens to be on my feet when I leave the house that day. Only thing I never wear is flip flops; I go bare foot before flip flops. Usually If Im doing some driving that involves skill, Im in my skate shoes just because they are so darn comfortable (Im wide footed).

[justcallmecuz]

I saw this topic and couldn't help but be reminded of this video.

BggHmiYDALs&feature=player_embedded

The end of the video is were it is relevant.

I just like to wear my skate shoes while driving, I tried some pumas but didn't like how they felt walking around.

[ripnbst]

I like any flat soled shoe that is light. Race shoes are nice but they aren't needed. I don't spend enough time on a track to warrant buying them. now if I was a professional driver I would definitely have several pairs.

[joeleo1]

I have puma driftcats and sparco forget which ones.

[TheRealSy90]

Wide feet crew.

Osiris Troma II for three years now.
http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSXIjsaJ14GJuyyPY1IpVFtVndZw0Yoi kHM3Pw950IFreN1QCk&t=1&usg=__Zuj7Zz9yyZnZuKgQ9G9NkOCmJ8w=

[raz0rbladez909]

i don't get it...you walk with them on..and it doesn't irritate you....what is it made out of?

Its a very thin rubber sole, basically enough material from getting your feet gouged by rocks and other objects but thin enough to make you feel next to barefoot, the upper can be an elastic mesh, leather, the wetsuit material(i forget the name) or i think one or two others they have several different models, I'll have to make a new thread to avoid going too far off topic

[badbob2121]

nike 5.0's are pretty legit

but most of the time i wear flip flops, so i rock it barefoot...lol

[180nas]

To say racing shoes are not needed in any kind of competition is just silly. There is a reason the shoes are designed the way they are. There is a lot of thought put into a racing shoe. The lacing affects the blood flow. Padding and extra nomex lining in the heel for heat resistance and fatigue for enduros. The thickness of the sole gives sensitivity not felt through a normal shoe. I personally race Puma Future Cat mids, clean design and lets me not worry about my footwork as much when racing. If you wanna find a good cheap shoe try the Lico Fire line. Simple design and FIA approved and around the same price range as a pair of nice skate shoes. If not less when talking about Nike SB's. You don't go running in your business suit so why not use the right equipment. I think having the right driving gear is more important than having nice parts. Also try driving a Formula car with casual shoes.

[badbob2121]

. I think having the right driving gear is more important than having nice parts.


uhhhhh..... not so much...:rimshot:

[HPKMotorsports3]

i don't get it...you walk with them on..and it doesn't irritate you....what is it made out of?

the bottom is rubber... its like walking barefoot but instead you have a thin but sufficient layer to protect you from your surroundings... and they grip like a mofo...

[180nas]

uhhhhh..... not so much...:rimshot:

not so much if all that you care for is drag racing minivans or doing some "drifts" in the parking lot at your local grocery store when its closed. than by all means enlighten me oh wise one?

[180nas]

yes i think i understand after looking at your build list. having custom mounted tweeters will most definitely make my driving experience better.

[badbob2121]

not so much if all that you care for is drag racing minivans or doing some "drifts" in the parking lot at your local grocery store when its closed. than by all means enlighten me oh wise one?

so your trying to say getting nice "racing" shoes would help increase my performance on the track more than say a nice 2 way and a tight suspension???....i doubt it, and fyi...i love drag racing minivans :coolugh:

[articdragon192]

:)
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs440.ash1/24310_860117620291_6000674_47423086_968408_n.jpg
Lots of experience in these shoes lol

[Shitty_S14]

not so much if all that you care for is drag racing minivans or doing some "drifts" in the parking lot at your local grocery store when its closed.



how do you know my daily routine?!!!!!

[xsidewayzx]

http://www.dravesarchery.com/media/catalog/category/vibram.jpg
END THREAD
You said you use these for running? How good are they? Might consider this. Would it be good for 10k runs everyday?

[HPKMotorsports3]

You said you use these for running? How good are they? Might consider this. Would it be good for 10k runs everyday?

yea but you need to purchase the correct model they have it on the site which are the best for what... but you need to strengthen your feet before you can start running 10k...

[xsidewayzx]

yea but you need to purchase the correct model they have it on the site which are the best for what... but you need to strengthen your feet before you can start running 10k...

Believe me my feet are pretty tough now. 7 years in the Army, all have been in the Infantry world especially 10th Mountain Division where we walk and run everywhere we go. For the past 7 years I have put over 500k on my huffs. And to know these are vibram, thats the only sole I would use on my boots.:)

[HPKMotorsports3]

Believe me my feet are pretty tough now. 7 years in the Army, all have been in the Infantry world especially 10th Mountain Division where we walk and run everywhere we go. For the past 7 years I have put over 500k on my huffs. And to know these are vibram, thats the only sole I would use on my boots.:)

yea but your boots have a very tough sole close to 2" these are like nothin so its like walkin with the vibrams

[lflkajfj12123]

I don't see the benefit of spending $$$ on race/driving specific shoes personally.
I just can't see myself buying shoes exclusively for driving.

However, I do like shoes that have thin soles and are light overall.
That allows a bit more feedback imo.
Likewise, using something with thick soles & heavy, like boots are the worst.
I've been most happy with the Tiger Mexico '66 shoes & Addidas Samba Classics

http://solecollector.com/live/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/onitsuka-tiger-mexico-66-white-green-03.jpg



BAM

onitsuka tiger mexico 66 hands down best driving shoe

[180nas]

so your trying to say getting nice "racing" shoes would help increase my performance on the track more than say a nice 2 way and a tight suspension???....i doubt it, and fyi...i love drag racing minivans :coolugh:

yes i do. having nice parts will increase the performance of your car. not you the driver. there are a lot of things can that be learned with driving an inferior car. learning weight transfer and maintaining grip is much easier with a car that is fairly stock. there are a lot of drivers that hide behind their cars. also many drivers are too quick to blame their cars with handling issues instead of adjusting the manner of their driving. too many driver do not drive the limit because they do not understand the limit.

[Shitty_S14]

I bought drivving shoes, gloves, head sock, and full driver race suit cause I was told it would make me a formula d champ.

[Adeadcurrent]

Used to rock skate shoes, but they were big and bulky. Horrible pedal feel, I have had a pair of Puma Speedcats for the past year and haven't looked back. They are comfy (even for my wide size 14 foot e_e) and I am looking to buy my second pair soon as these have about had it.

[badbob2121]

yes i do. having nice parts will increase the performance of your car. not you the driver. there are a lot of things can that be learned with driving an inferior car. learning weight transfer and maintaining grip is much easier with a car that is fairly stock. there are a lot of drivers that hide behind their cars. also many drivers are too quick to blame their cars with handling issues instead of adjusting the manner of their driving. too many driver do not drive the limit because they do not understand the limit.


hmmm cool. either way expirience will make the driver...not the shoes. just saying :bash:

[raz0rbladez909]

Believe me my feet are pretty tough now. 7 years in the Army, all have been in the Infantry world especially 10th Mountain Division where we walk and run everywhere we go. For the past 7 years I have put over 500k on my huffs. And to know these are vibram, thats the only sole I would use on my boots.:)

Even though your feet have become acclimated with boots it is nothing like walking/running barefoot or with the vibrams, with the boots you at least have some cushion to absorb impact/hide improper running technique. I definitely wouldn't recommend running an immediate long distance run right away in these, for the first week or so i would say use them mostly for walks or sprints on grassy areas to get your feet used to them. I ran alot before typically 5-8 miles a day in regular shoes but had heard of several cases of people getting fractures/shinsplints/itb syndrome because of trying to overtrain before their body was used to it.(same happened to me the first week i used nike frees and tried to continue my typical running regiment) As far as shoes go they are really as basic as it can get, just enough material to prevent rocks from jabbing you yet leave you with all the feedback you could hope for and more. I'm still building up my leg strength in mine so they are a supplement to my normal shoes for now until i can fully switch over so i can still get my distances in. Some Sports Chalet's and smaller running stores will carry them but i'd call or check the vibram website to be sure they stock them, because you want to make sure they fit right and feel comfy, they should basically fit like a glove. Also sports chalet does military discount:boink: any more questions feel free to pm me, i'll be making a new thread in off-topic.

[koukistylejdm]

get a pair of G-force. they are nice, cheap and confo but just to respect the rulebook... not the best shoes for driving imo i prefer low tops shoes instead
for free ankle movement

[FusionR240sx]

Believe me my feet are pretty tough now. 7 years in the Army, all have been in the Infantry world especially 10th Mountain Division where we walk and run everywhere we go. For the past 7 years I have put over 500k on my huffs. And to know these are vibram, thats the only sole I would use on my boots.:)

loll there's a difference from wearing boots and stuff and these for running.

try playing soccer in jamaica barefoot on loose gravel/pavement. then you can say you got tough feet.

but those toe shoes do look cool.

edit..
but for driving shoes why not adidas sambas.. most comfy shoes i've worn and they cost like 30bux.

[MadScientist]

OK guys lets keep the BS to a minimum... compairing $1000 in parts to a pair of $100 shoes? really??

The question is...
"What do you wear on your feet when the pedal is down???"

So lets go with this... credibility...

Do you Daily Drive and/or Weekend Warrior?
Profesional or Semi Pro?
Years Racing?
Class?
What Shoes do you Prefer?

Thank you..
-Drew

[frankiman]

Piloti Prototypo all day, everyday

i've been on the same pair for 2 years, going to have to change soon though

[chiboy002]

+1 on the nike dunks. I rock jessup grip on my pedals cause it fucking sucks when it rains and my feet slip all over. 2 year old nike dunks do the trick, i need to break in my air force ones... haven't worn them in 2 years and theyre new

[dubbs.]

4 year old DC Pures.

[mrchomponthis]

piloto hands down no competition

[kaking]

Worn in pair of Vans for me. Comfortable and you can feel everything

...And i wear the Vibram shoes when i workout but i wouldnt recommend driving in them for a long period of time. Since your almost barefoot you have less support so your feet/shins/ankles will get tired alot quicker

[fastbackinit]

I would def rock the vibrams but anyways...
I usually end up in my high top chucks or sambas being I wear those the most but ill be trying my totaly trashed vans slip ons soon cuz they are super awesome. Chucks are great support but sambas are super comfortable.
I heard piloties are great though.

[twyztidmind]

Anyone tried the DC Prospec shoes?

[epics13]

a nice broken in pair of Air Force 1's or SB Dunks is where it's at.

can't go wrong with either one of those.

excatly SB's all day long!!!

[DenkiMan!]

i wear a size 13 shoe and heel-toeing is hard for me with wide shoes lol, so i like driving with light and slim shoes, vans or something of that nature

[LB.Motoring]

When out, regular shoes.

When on the tarmac or track

Sparco TOP3 in black.

Just standard shoe. I wouldn't suggest doing much walking though, they aren't designed for it and have zero arch support.

Needed SFI rating.