Hello, fellow MINIacs! I've been struggling trying to find a good pair of driving shoes and could really use some recommendations. I searched the forums and found nothing recent regarding this issue. This is the first pair of driving shoes I will buy and I'm totally in the dark as to which shoe I should really consider. I'm looking for a good quality, comfortable, low-top driving shoe that is great for heel-toe shifting. I know Piloti is out of business (which is too bad because I heard the Prototipio shoes were fantastic...). Any recommendations would be very much appreciated. Thanks in advance!

 

Size matters! I have a narrow foot and it's difficult for me to find the right shoe. Highly recommend SPARCO and Simpson shoes. There are plenty of others (OMP, IMPACT, Addidas, etc.) Depending on whether you need a fire retardant shoe (FIA tag) or not, color/s, style, etc. all affect price. Best thing you can do is get to a race shop and try on a bunch of different ones, make notes, then make up your mind. The old addage about helmets (If you have a $25 head, then buy a $25 helmet) can apply to shoes as well. Plan to spend a minimum of $100.

 

Damn that sucks Piloti called it quits. They were great shoes.

So what are looking for DD or track? I have some Puma Drift cats that are great. They are not really meant to walk around in too much but are comfortable to drive in. Also if you need fire resistant than you just kicked it up to awhole-nother level.

 

Thank you, that is very helpful! Now to try and find a race shop!

 

I have friends who use wrestling shoes for driving. They are not fire-resistant (specifically), but they are less expensive and still give good feel.

For the street, I often drive in my socks. I put the shoes back on when I get out of the car.

 

I don't think I'm looking for dedicated track shoes, because honestly I will likely only do that once in a blue moon. However, I am off to play with Phil Wicks in August and as I say might consider a club sponsored track day once in a blue moon. They will be mostly for spirited motoring with clubs in the region so don't really need to be fire resistant. I don't think I need to go crazy but I'm looking for high quality shoes that would be allowed for a track day too, but I definitely will never race competetively. I love NC Trackrat's adage quote, though! I definitely have more than $25 toes . Does this perhaps help to point me in the right direction?

 

Are you going for looks or function?

It's been said that a great driving shoe is a worn pair of converse low top basketball shoes.

Otherwise-

http://www.motoringfile.com/2003/08/...onDrivingShoe/

and more recently-
http://www.shop.puma.com/MINI-Leedst...,en_US,pd.html

and see
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...g-shoes-2.html

For fashion:
http://www.motivemag.com/pub/feature...ng_Shoes.shtml

 

+1 on the Converse low tops!

Dave

 

Try these folks...They're close to you: http://www.ogracing.com/ (no affiliation). You'll enjoy Phil Wicks. I've instructed for him a few times. He's quite a character!

 

I have a pair of Piloti's and love them. I'll even wear them for a weekend drive. They are very comfortable.

 

I've tried Piloti's and a pair of Puma driving shoes. At this point though, to echo a couple other posters, I've gone with Converse All Stars in canvas. I did go high top just because that's what I prefer although the low tops probably make more sense. The canvas is thin enough I don't have to worry about my feet getting hot and the soles are thin enough that I get good feel through them.

 

not "driving shoes" but i have found the barefoot running shoes like the New Balance Minimus series to be great for driving, they really give you a good feel of the pedals

 

Thats my thought as well. I use FiveFingers, best driving shoe ever!

 

Okay, so I know this is probably not what you are looking for but I really like Nike Free Runs... That's the only thing I will use for a spirited drive. They are light and narrow enough to not hit other pedals but great for heel and toe when you want to.

 

Check the requirements of potenti sanctioning bodies, but a fellow racer friend swore by simple cowhide moccosins. He loved the feel and control. NASA safety rules allow them.

Keith, who always raced with G-Force shoes...