BlackBeauty

I just picked up a new pair of Piloti's and they're a little heavy.

Does anyone have any ideas or suggestions?

I've used Puma's Driving Cats before - they're great from a lightweight design standpoint but low on style.

Even though they're not lace-up I have a pair of Deluth Trading which are on back-order.

Thanks for your help.

4pipes

Hunziker

Dennis C

I tend to prefer Frye slip on leather driving shoes. Great comfort and great style! They are appropriate for casual street use as opposed to proper track use.

scoot911

+1 for Hunziker. Just order a second pair. I found the Piloti too bulky.

NoGaBiker

No offense intended, but if OP thinks Puma driving shoes are "low on style" I doubt he's going to bond with Hunzingers:

asia

Boat shoes

surquhar

I've never really understood the driving shoe. I mean are they really better that a nice pair of running shoes? I've done many track days, auto x, etc with running shoes without issue. I've always thought it's more of a "lifestyle" fashion statement than anything else. Every car race I go to I see hundreds of people wearing their driving shoes to walk around in while they are wearing their Porsche/Ferrari/McClaren gear.

asia

Runing shoes - less feel, less accurate blip

saeyedoc

Not lace up, but these are nice. The Original Car Shoe, made by Prada

sctanton52

I use Puma, I like the simple style, very light and very compact design, with a nice thin sole. But next pair I will give Hunziker a try.

surquhar

I guess I can't see a good lightweight running shoe having any less feel than those shoes posted above. I just wonder if someone bought the Steve McQueen edition if they would be a few tenths faster? J/K

BlackBeauty

Everyone thanks for all thoughts and suggestions. I did look at running shoes, I'm like a size 11 shoe, so trying to keep the soles as flat as possible (obviously the driving shoes won't be great for walking). I've looked at Nike, Porsche Design and ASICs - just can't seem to find a thin Piloti-like tread design in a lace-up, lighter weight shoe, but again I appreciate all the thoughts and help!

Dennis C

I think the key elements that make a driving shoe useful are the rounded, extended heel and the overall lack of bulk compared to a running shoe. The rounded heel is particularly advantageous in a car with a manual transmission.

4pipes

I wear a size 13 running shoe and when I drive my MT car, the toes get caught up in the heater duct. The Hunziker shoe has a more blunt and rounded toe and doesn't get caught in the plastic duct. Also, they have the rounded side for heel/toe down shifting.

needmoregarage

Thin, very flexible sole. Pro shoes are like ballet slippers.
Rounded rubberized (or non-slip type) heel helps keep foot anchored for heel/toe
Nomex! Proper driving shoes are fire resistant using fire resistant/retardant materials to protect in case of fire.

There's a big difference between running/tennis/sneakers and proper driving shoes. They are worth the investment. Not sure how much time they shave - but just like other proper gear - it all serves a specific purpose and isn't simply a fashion statement.

Especially running shoes which are designed to cushion impact and protect feet from repeated strikes on pavement - driving shoes are intended to be as thin as possible for maximizing pedal feel. They are not the best for lots of walking around the paddock as you feel every little pebble. But for driving they are great.

There's a difference