I could use some advice on driving/racing shoes.
What are your preferences for some nice heel-toe shifting racing shoes. Not too hardcore - just to be used for DEs and some spirited driving sessions. I'd like them to be lightweight and not too hot. Also, possibly an ignorant question: why are many racing shoes hi-tops?

 

For me, I like a thin sole which gives me more "feel". While many prefer the extensive line of PILOTI shoes, I tried them and didn't get the feedback I liked. Added to that, I have a narrow foot and they all come in med. width. You'll need to try a number of different brands to decide what's best for you. Cost can be a factor, since some get real pricey. High tops give better fire protection and ankle support but I prefer the low tops. As for brands, there's PILOTI, SIMPSON, MOMO, OMP, IMPACT, SPARCO, ALPINE STARS, etc. Try some of our sponsors.

 

Puma makes plenty of thin soled "driving" shoes. If fire protection isn't a requirement, then I'd suggest a pair of Puma's.

 

puma speed cat 2.9 rbr

 

I have a pair of G Force shoes that I bought eight years ago, and they have held up very well. I tried Simpsons but hated how hard and slippery the sole felt on my pedals (far worse than leather soles); it was almost as if the rubber had aged and lost softness. Maybe Simpson has changed their composition since then.

 

Converse Chuck Taylors feel great, too. I have some Pilotis which I also feel are a little thick. Another pair I like is my Puma 917s (yes, named after the car).

 

I have these:
http://www.racingdirect.com/Racing-S...medium=organic
Not fire retardant.

 

+1...I was given a pair of Pilotis as a gift and although they are very comfortable, the thick soles do hamper feedback...Of course, I'm bog slow to begin with so it doesn't really matter in my case...

 

I have very similar high top Oakleys for autocross. Really like them. Have had other shoes before, but none of them were fire rated as it's not required.

And, yes, they feel much better on the pedals than Chuck Taylors, Adidas Samba and a number of other non-driving shoes.

I have also tried the G-Force that Mark mentioned above. Great shoes for the price in my opinion. Really surprised to hear that they lasted that long, but that's very good news. My own shoes usually croak in 2-3 years.

Oh, and if you monitor eBay, there are often some really good deals in the winter months on new shoes. People get them for Christmas, I guess and don't like them?Or company selling off inventory. Don't know but it's good hunting.

 

I know a number of people that use wrestling shoes... Myself, they worked great for street racing (way back when I was young & foolish... know I am not young anymore)... These days its fire rated shoes with my preference being Simpson, "Adrenaline ". They key is something comforable and thin soled.

 

Hi. I also am looking for options on low or high rider flame retardant shoes at a good price. Currently I use a driving moccoson for spirited street driving and the attached Puma speedcat for any track type work. They are loud. I bought some Porsche driving shoes but they are still in there box as Im too selfconcious to wear them!

 

I have Oakley's and Simpson shoes... find myself wearing the Oakley's more so than the Simpsons.

 

In addition to the above advice, a rounded heel section that allows one to rotate his/her foot from brake to loud pedal is a nice touch. Assuming RFB'er.

 

If you don't need flame retardant shoes and Puma's fit your feet they are 40% off this weekend. Use code "PUMAFANDF1210"

40% off Puma shoes

 

For the casual DE day I got some Puma Ferrari logo'd ones at the outlet store for some absurd (like 60% off) price.

For racing, I've got high top Sparcos. Been through plenty of other stuff over the years, but these are the best I've worn.

Many, many, many brands to choose from, so figure out what fits you best, casual or race level.