"Proper' driving shoes?

As I was browsing through ross today I came across these "driving loafers" from banana republic: http://www.bananarepublic.com/browse/product.do?cid=6852&pid=547908&scid=547908032 They were a cheap $20, but they didnt have my size.. This got me thinking about the van slip ons and lace ups that I usually wear on my "spirited" runs. I like these because like the loafers they have a thin flexible sole that lets me feel the pedal input better, and are somewhat light. so anyone else have a favorite low buck driving shoe

It looks like they would get all stained with oil. Too Light of a color.

Me? A pair of Nike's.

off-brand crocks, I take them off and drive bare foot

i vouch for vans slip-ons. many styles to choose from. not too thin, not too thick, and wide enough for heel-toe downshifting and not too wide like DC skateshoes that are way big and kinda get jumbled when trying to move fast and smooth on left foot braking.

There is but one fake driving shoe and adidas is his prophet. Seriously.

I've got a pair of adidas indoor soccer shoes (model unknown, they're the traditional black w/ white stripes, a rounded heel and 8 white circles on the bottom), and they're great at walking or driving. I've got insanely flat feet, and they feel good no matter how long I've been standing,

I've got 2 pairs of Puma Speedcats. Very comfortable, in style with the 20-somethings at the moment and made for specifically for driving. They are very narrow soled though so you may have to adjust your heel-toe technique but the overall feel is wonderful. Unfortunately they're not exactly grassroots cheap. I got the 2 pair at the local Puma outlet for around 80 bucks last year. Scott

Best and only driving shoe that fits my 9.5 WIDE is a Dragon Slayer from Captial Motorsports. Thet fit were no other brand did infact sometimes i make the drive home from the track in them.

http://www.cmwraceparts.com/Equipment/equipment135.html

about 1/2 way down the page. They go on sale twice a year.

neon4891 wrote: off-brand crocks, I take them off and drive bare foot

Not sure how that would fly at an organized event, but in NY it will get you a ticket just driving around. The logic is you would not depress the pedals as hard as necessary when in panic mode with no shoes on.

I love my Adidas Tuscanys for driving. The soles are even made of recycled Goodyear tires.

I have a pair of Pilotis that I haven't tried yet. Should definitely pull those out of the closet.

I wore a pair of Converse "Chuck Taylors" when I started racing. One of my nurse friends asked me to switch to a pair of racing shoes so I didn't end up gettin burned....still got the chucks though.

Osterkraut wrote: There is but one fake driving shoe and adidas is his prophet. Seriously. I've got a pair of adidas indoor soccer shoes (model unknown, they're the traditional black w/ white stripes, a rounded heel and 8 white circles on the bottom),

Sambas?

If you don't have a super wide foot, (like I do) they're pretty much the greatest bargain driving shoe ever. Even if your foot is a little on the wide side, they're still an awesome shoe.

Otherwise, I mean, there's always Piloti, but those banana republic things in the OP look like something I'd wear driving my triptronic Boxster. "Oh yehs, venever I drive mein Porsche, I alvays vear seze vonderful Drivenslippengalbschuhfoovers."

914Driver wrote:

neon4891 wrote: off-brand crocks, I take them off and drive bare foot

Not sure how that would fly at an organized event, but in NY it will get you a ticket just driving around. The logic is you would not depress the pedals as hard as necessary when in panic mode with no shoes on.

That is a popular misconception. I was told,actually a group of school bus drivers, by a NYS Trooper that it was not agains the law.

I picked up a pair of Adidas wrestling shoes a few years back and I really like them. I bought some other shoes and I could get any second pair for 50% off so I got them for $25 or so. They are a bit narrow, but very good for feel.

I wear these all the time, soft, grippy and cooler (less hot) than sneakers.

http://68.249.38.235/tmscart/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=19&cat=Men's+Moosehide

Puma speedcats and Piloti's (Prototipo's , and others)

/thread

I prefer a low-top converse or a well broken in pair of vans.

+1 for Adidis Sambas I've worn them for the last 20 yrs as everything from casual shoes to my track days shoe of choice. I am planning to try out some Pilotis but for now the Samba is my shoe to beat.

i have a pair of puma driftcats (basically the same as the speedcat) that i do my "fun" driving in. like someone mentioned, not really grassroots, but pretty good anyways.

You mightn't be able to get them in the States, but Dunlop Volleys (the original tennis shoe), are $20 a pair at Target in Australia. I find they make for a pretty good budget driving shoe.

Can't find it right now but you have to wear some sort of close toed shoes for autocross with SCCA. We strictly enforce no open toed shoes. Even flip flops can come off while on course and catch under the pedal and cause some serious problems.

I purchased my Adidas wrestling shoes at the end of the summer in 2002 for $20. They are high tops to give more support and have a very thin sole which gives great feedback of what your car is doing.

http://www.target.com/Mossimo-Supply-Sport-Fusion-Athleisure/dp/B000BYAZ5K

I am wearing them right now.

therex wrote:

Osterkraut wrote: There is but one fake driving shoe and adidas is his prophet. Seriously. I've got a pair of adidas indoor soccer shoes (model unknown, they're the traditional black w/ white stripes, a rounded heel and 8 white circles on the bottom),

Sambas? If you don't have a super wide foot, (like I do) they're pretty much the greatest bargain driving shoe ever. Even if your foot is a little on the wide side, they're still an awesome shoe. Otherwise, I mean, there's always Piloti, but those banana republic things in the OP look like something I'd wear driving my triptronic Boxster. "Oh yehs, venever I drive mein Porsche, I alvays vear seze vonderful Drivenslippengalbschuhfoovers."

Nope. My previous pair were Sambas, these are slightly different. 8 little white circles on the sole.

Still, the Sambas work well too!

I actually use a pair of Adidas Salas. Think Sambas, but thinner soles and snugger fit.

Although i'm coming to really enjoy driving with a pair of Aasics Onitsuka Tiger Ultimates that i got a couple weeks ago from Journeys for like... $30.

Previously i used a worn down to flat soles Merrell Sprint Blasts.

iceracer wrote:

914Driver wrote:

neon4891 wrote: off-brand crocks, I take them off and drive bare foot

Not sure how that would fly at an organized event, but in NY it will get you a ticket just driving around. The logic is you would not depress the pedals as hard as necessary when in panic mode with no shoes on.

That is a popular misconception. I was told,actually a group of school bus drivers, by a NYS Trooper that it was not agains the law.

My NYS DMV student driver booklet says its illegal.

The idea isnt pedal force, its keeping hot fluid off your footsies in an emergency situation.

Luke wrote: You mightn't be able to get them in the States, but Dunlop Volleys (the original tennis shoe), are $20 a pair at Target in Australia. I find they make for a pretty good budget driving shoe.

I like these