Questions about driving/racing shoes...

[paskowitz]

I am thinking about getting a pair of shoes. I would also like to get a pair of driving shoes (for my G25 and when I get my 2.5rs). So my question is, are driving shoes suitable for every day walking and general use? If so, which ones? (you would have to own driving shoes to know this) If you have driving shoes that you like tell me what they are. I am not made of money so nothing over $150. Thanks.

 

[McLaren]

Most driving shoes I have seen are not good for walking around in. In fact, they may very well hurt your feet because they aren't made for it.

Piloti has a good selection, but nearly all of it is over $100.

Puma however, is a great choice. They're very comfortable when driving & are good walking shoes. However, they do tend to wear out quickly if you walk around in them for long periods over time. They mostly retail at $75 & work their way up to about $125. I have 2 pairs (1 my "dress" pair & 1 as my main walking shoes), and they are some of the best shoes I have ever had.

I have only tried them once on my G25, but they work out much better than my Reebok's I use for work.

 

[Azuremen]

Just get wrestling shoes. You'll have similar feel as a proper driving shoe thanks to the thin flexible sole, but much cheaper because they are not fire resistant and such. And I doubt your G25 will be bursting into flames

 

[TheCracker]

Well, there's no need for nomex shoes/boots for road or GT5 use - but non-fireproof karting boots are pretty much the same thing and cost less. Trouble is, they're not designed for walking about much. They're tight and have very thin soles and no sole cusioning so you get plenty of feeling through your feet, which is obviously not ideal if you want to walk around in them. However, both Puma and Sparco, as well as others, make shoes inspired by their designs for proper racing shoe/boots. The difference is that they're designed for everyday use, yet they give almost as much feel through the pedals.

 

[McLaren]

Well, there's no need for nomex shoes/boots for road or GT5 use - but non-fireproof karting boots are pretty much the same thing and cost less. Trouble is, they're not designed for walking about much. They're tight and have very thin soles and no sole cusioning so you get plenty of feeling through your feet, which is obviously not ideal if you want to walk around in them. However, both Puma and Sparco, as well as others, make shoes inspired by their designs for proper racing shoe/boots. The difference is that they're designed for everyday use, yet they give almost as much feel through the pedals.

Difference is, Sparco ain't cheap. $230 for a pair according to their website.

 

[Keef]

I wear Puma Replicats every day, and I've gotten used to them. They've got a rounded rubber heel which is more comfortable for driving because it's easier to pivot your foot between the pedals and it doesn't get caught on your floor mats. They're very thin but they're also light, so even running is effortless, though they're definitely not made for jogging.

I would prefer them to be a bit wider. I think that would make heel and toeing in the car easier. They fit the go kart just dandy though. Some of Piloti's designs have a wider and stiffer side sole to make it easier to reach the other pedals. A really nice and round heel too.

 

[YSSMAN]

I tend to wear a wide assortment of shoes when I do my driving, but generally speaking, it seems to be determined by how thick the soles are that make them good choices or not. My current preferred driving shoes are a pair of New Balance shoes I got for $20 at my job, ones that fit tight, are a bit thinner than normal, and have a moderate sole. Otherwise, I have some Sketchers that I wear too. It seems like my "street" style shoes do a better job than anything else, although I do have a pair of Hush Puppies boots that work well (due to the thin rubber sole).

Just don't wear a big pair of Merrel boots. It gets difficult to drive the Celica smoothly with those on. My pedals aren't in the right position to heel-toe, but I can do it a little with my tennies... Those, not at all.

 

[Keef]

Steel-toed Wolverines aren't all that great either.

 

[Perfect Balance]

Sparco Pitlane.

~70 bucks. Best shoes I ever purchased. Pure awesome. Mine at getting holes in them and stuff, but I've had them for around 2 years now.

Perfect for everyday use, but the fact that they've got only about 3mm of sole on them means wet socks when it's raining.

 

[zonderf]

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/browse/browse.aspx?c=11&s=361&b=PILOTI&ra=false&search=GO

here you go, Piloti's for around $40...they only have a few sizes though

 

[niky]

I use Adidas Porsche Design... loved my first two pairs, but the new designs are all a little OTT for me.

+1 on Azureman's suggestion... martial arts shoes give you great "feel", don't slip on your feet, have grippy soles and are comfortable to walk around in. Planning to get a pair fo wushu shoes, myself, for driving and walking... just to see how they work out. Only issue is possible early wear due to the sticky soles.

 

[TheCracker]

Difference is, Sparco ain't cheap. $230 for a pair according to their website.

Sparco Pitlane.

~70 bucks. Best shoes I ever purchased. Pure awesome. Mine at getting holes in them and stuff, but I've had them for around 2 years now.

Perfect for everyday use, but the fact that they've got only about 3mm of sole on them means wet socks when it's raining.

These are what i had in mind for Sparco

 

[Slicks]

I use Adidas Porsche Design...

+1.
Comfortable, good feel, flexible. I wear mine as 'every day' shoes, although I do wear Steelies at work. Not only are they a bit too big, but I've found that I can't actually get the shoe to fit between the brake pedal and the console on 90's AT Corollas.
(I'm a detailer... I drive lots of cars. And I can't heel-toe anything with steelies on).

 

[Casio]

I find it pretty hilarious that some of you guys actually wear driving shoes when playing GT5.

 

[niky]

Driving a pedal set-up in your bare feet is difficult if you have wide feet. Your toes keep getting stuck between the pedals...

+1.
Comfortable, good feel, flexible. I wear mine as 'every day' shoes, although I do wear Steelies at work. Not only are they a bit too big, but I've found that I can't actually get the shoe to fit between the brake pedal and the console on 90's AT Corollas.
(I'm a detailer... I drive lots of cars. And I can't heel-toe anything with steelies on).

I can hardly drive with steelies... I end up pressing both brake and accelerator at once!

 

[Eric.]

I wear Puma Replicats every day, and I've gotten used to them. They've got a rounded rubber heel which is more comfortable for driving because it's easier to pivot your foot between the pedals and it doesn't get caught on your floor mats. They're very thin but they're also light, so even running is effortless, though they're definitely not made for jogging.

I would prefer them to be a bit wider. I think that would make heel and toeing in the car easier. They fit the go kart just dandy though. Some of Piloti's designs have a wider and stiffer side sole to make it easier to reach the other pedals. A really nice and round heel too.

I wear Puma Driftcats on a daily basis, and they are pretty much just as Keef described. They might hurt your feet for a day or two if you're not used to tight fitting shoes and the thin sole (seriously, you'll know when you step on a rock ), but they are plenty comfortable after you get used to them. My only complaint for driving is that they are too narrow. Its actually much easier to heel-toe with my Adidas I wear to work.

I'd suggest eBay for Pumas, actually. Know what size and model you are looking for, and then choose from there.

 

[Zmann42087]

I have Piloti Prototipo's and I absolutely love them. I don't wear them on a daily basis, but I think I could. They're quite comfortable. I just prefer to save them for driving only.

 

[Kylehnat]

I have a pair of Pilotis, too (can't remember what the style is called), but they were only $80, and are quite good for walking around as well as driving. I love them .