MarkDFW

The other half is looking for ideas for me for the holidays, and I am more than happy to oblige.

I know squat when it comes to picking good race shoes. I want function and comfort without braking the bank. Not as concerned with style points. Something between $100 and $200 is fine. I wear a size 12 shoe. I can't find very extensive reviews on this forum.

What do you guys like in my price range?

skxf430

Puma, Sparcos and Alpinestars are always the usual suspects.

I have the Puma mid tops and they are really comfortable.

Check out this site for the shoes

http://www.subesports.com/products/cat/Racing+Shoes

sothpaw2

Try Wrestling shoes from a good sporting good store.

sebdavid

For HPDE? Save some money and get a pair of shoes from a regular store that has the thinnest sole possible, and a rounded heel. You don't need the fire protection the actual race shoes offer, running a stock car in HPDE.

hellrazr

Converse. The price is not in your range, though. ;-)

MarkDFW

I wound up ordering these:

http://www.sparcousa.com/product/race

Only $100, which isn't too bad. I haven't found reviews on them anywhere else. I'll post a review in a couple weeks after I HPDE with them.

getkong

how much track experience do you have? I've done 7 days so far, and I don't think I'm even close to the point where footwear is a limiting factor. I just wear thin-soled pumas.

sebdavid

With thin-soled Pumas, you'll never get to that point. You may get to a point where regulations force you to get driving-specific shoes, if you go racing, but that's it.

Of course, you won't look like a pro driver at HPDEs, so that's a drawback.

MarkDFW

I'm not getting shoes for looks. Comfort is a major factor. I did skydiving all through college and got scuba certified a while back. I've learned from experience it pays to have good, comfortable equipment for these types of activities. Makes whatever sport your participating in more fun.

1BDRSK

Get a pair of Piloti shoes, they are actual very comfortable to just walk around in as well.

MarkDFW

See my post above. I already ordered these:

http://www.sparcousa.com/product/race

braknl8

Why's that? I think a lot of folks need to re-think their safety perspective for HPDE. Not so sure that accidents/death care if there is a TT record or trophy involved....

Not intending to be a smart a** just interested in that opinion from someone who has much more experience than me.

KBow_Photo

good luck finding them anymore.

KBow_Photo

I agree with you, i'd say its even more dangerous because there are so many different skill levels on the track at one time along with who really knows how well the cars on track are taken care of, what is done to them etc. i was at a PDX yesterday and there was this guy in a mustang who seemed so scared to be out there and everyone was stacking up behind him because passing was only allowed on the front straight.

crimlwC6

I got puma shoes for pit crew/fans and they work great. Search for puma motorsports.

c4cruiser

Piloti filed for bankruptcy about a year ago.

Simpson and RCI also have driving shoes.

z06801

those looked really good for the money I just ordered some mine were done

Bills Z06

You might consider asking her to give you some seat time on the track instead of new shoes. If you are fairly new to HPDEs, I think this would be a better choice.

1BDRSK

Wow, I had no idea! Bought my last pair of Piloti just over a year ago...knew I should have stocked up!

RedLS1GTO

It really sounds like you have zero respect for the speed that even a stock Corvette is capable of on a track.

Yep. I know that's exactly why I use safety equipment.



You don't prepare for when things go right. You prepare for when they go wrong. Yea, the odds are that you will never be on fire in an HPDE. At the speeds that even a stock Vette can reach on a track, there is a whole lot that can go wrong. Personally, I would like to walk away in 1 piece when it does.


...as for the original topic. I have a pair of Oakley shoes that I love. They are comfy and have held up really well... and most importantly they make me look like a pro. As mentioned above, can't go wrong with Sparco or Piloti (if you can find them) either.

I didn't take the time to look right now, but saferacer always seems to have a lot of closeout equipment at this time of year at some great prices.