Capt_and

Is there a meaningful difference between a driving loafer and a purpose built driving shoe? I am currently driving with loafers that have the thin leather sole and nubs and they work great. Aside from fire resistance, what are the competitive advantages of purpose built driving shoes relative to everyday shoes with thin soles?

Rookie question so thanks in advance for the help.

Cory M

The main difference is fire resistance as you mentioned. I've got big feet and driving shoes are a lot more narrow than typical shoes which helps a lot with heel/toe etc.

fleadh

They also tend to be smaller/tighter to fit into very small foot wells which make the pedals super close together and that's common on full race cars. Also each brand has a slightly different sole design/stiffness so you can get one that works for you or whatever car you're driving-- e.g., in cars that require huge brake pressure I like a slightly stiffer sole so that I don't get blisters on the top of my toes or bruises on the bottom of my left foot. In cars with power assisted brakes or with very little grip and require light brake pressure, I like a much thinner sole for more feel.

-mike

LuigiVampa

1. Fireproof.
2. Thinner sole for more feel.
3. Tighter fit so it doesn't move around on you.
4. Bigger heel for heel/toe.

ShakeNBake

+1

One thing to note is that race shoes are very delicate, so if you are hard on shoes (working on car, etc) you'll easily tear them up. Sucks to tear a hole in a $300 shoe when you're not paying attention.

fatbillybob

Slight OT but, my foot is less well endowed. Is there a race shoe with a larger sole platform to make it easier for guys with small foot to use the right side of the right foot style "heel toe?"

jayzbird

golfnutintib

... to remove money from driver's wallet

(all the good points above aside, i just couldn't resist)

Thundermoose

Not a direct answer but my throttle pedal cover is 3/4" wider to help with heel toe.

Fumes

hinchcliffe

Years ago I bought wrestling shoes ($10 Asics branded) which have a tight fit and small sole they have been great.

Aside from the fire protection they look / act like racing shoe

http://www.asics.com/us/en-us/mens-wrestling-shoes/c/mens-wrestling-shoes

Cory M

Plus it lets the competition know you are ready to throw down at any time

Karting shoes are another alternative for people on a budget. Basically the same construction as racing shoes but no fire resistance for a lot less money.

daylorb

As a newbie to regular track driving, I hate showing up with more gear than my skill level... so I kind of cringed when I was told I should get some actual driving shoes. After having them now - they were worth their weight in gold to me. I was driving using your average puma sneaker - driving shoes were stiffer, narrower, never got hung up on anything, had a round heel to make movement easier.

Definitely a must. That, in addition to a CG lock on the belt in my opinion are two no-brainers.

Fumes

Capt_and

Well, sounds like I can put it on the back burner - they don't seem to be of any benefit to me at this point, only drawbacks. I have wide feet as well so it would be pretty tough to find a shoe that would fit. If anybody gives me crap about my loafers, I'll just refer them to Aryton Senna. I may need to go get some white socks... Nomex. You know, to fit in somewhat...