Learn me: Race shoes and gloves| Grassroots Motorsports forum |

poopshovel UltimaDork
11/27/12 1:33 p.m.

It's the last remaining bit of my LeMons ensemble that I need to purchase, and I don't mind spending a little more money for a better product. Not the best, but not the worst. I borrowed some cheap G-force gloves for the last couple races and they felt like welding gloves. The shoes weren't bad. So, I'd like some nice fitting, nice gripping gloves. Same with the shoes - I have skinny long ass fingers, and skinny long ass feet, so I'm worried sizing might be an issue. I'd like for everything to fit nice and tight.

Any suggestions? Any input as to different companies and the accuracy of their sizing charts? There isn't a race equipment shop within a hundred miles of me, so trying stuff on is not an option.

Thanks.

sachilles SuperDork
11/27/12 2:12 p.m.

I got a set of sparco gloves that fit nice. The more leather, the less they stretch to fit. I bought two sets of different sizes just to cover fit. Sold the poorer fitting ones to fellow racer at no loss and half the shipping. I have g-force shoes. Not a fan, they ME poorly. Wish there was a place to try on race shoes locally.

Giant Purple Snorklewacker MegaDork
11/27/12 2:19 p.m.

I have some really nice OMP gloves I got for free here with some contingency money I "won" for putting my hand in someone elses' sweaty hat after a race at Summit. http://www.racerpartswholesale.com/product/OMPSpeed2Gloves/OMPRacingGloves

They might even be worth full price but... look for a sale.

Shoes are shoes. They are all too narrow for my oafish feet so I just go with fireproof and cheap. GForce is what I have now. $59

AugustusGloop New Reader
11/27/12 2:52 p.m.

I started in LeMons with the cheap package advertised on their website. It worked for what I needed it for, was cheap, and I didn't know any better as it was my first racing apparel. I then won an OMP Sport drivers package through a ChumpCar raffle and there is a world of difference. http://www.vro.com/racing-apparel-omp-sport-c-7_123.html The shoes are much more comfortable and provide better 'feel' through the soles, and the gloves are even better. Where as the cheapy starter suit was heavy, bulky and felt like I was wearing winter workwear for the farm, the OMP suit is much, much better, lighter, fits better, actually comfortable to wear. My two cents, don't skimp on cheap gloves or shoes. The better feel and comfort are worth the price

DaveEstey SuperDork
11/27/12 3:20 p.m.

I had a pair of Bell vision gloves that I loved. Sadly they were stuffed in my helmet, which somebody borrowed at a rallycross, and one of them went missing.

I have a pair of Sparcos on my wishlist for Christmas.

wbjones UltraDork
11/27/12 3:50 p.m.

I also have long skinny feet ( 13 B ... actually a bit narrower but NOBODY makes them narrower) ... what I ended up with are Puma ... they run narrow and have a velcro strap across the laces ... which I like 'cause that way they can't get caught on the back side of the clutch/brake pedals ... when that has happened it has REALLY made my heart skip a couple of beats ....

poopshovel UltimaDork
11/27/12 4:04 p.m.

Thanks for the info guys. Any thoughts on sizing? Specifically with the shoes? I know my size varies by a full 2 sizes from brand to brand.

16vCorey PowerDork
11/27/12 4:28 p.m.

I went for the cheap G-Force shoes and some ebay Simpson gloves. I had previously used some borrowed G-Force gloves, and like mine A LOT better. As for sizing, I'll have to check, but I seem to remember them being sized similarly to Vans.