Spring mountain question
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 515
Likes: 42
From: Littleton CO
Spring mountain question
Since my Vette has spend most of the winter snowed in, I decided that I'm going to Spring Mountain Advanced Driving School in March to learn what the car and me can really do. Or not do. I have seen many favorable posts of forum members who have gone to Spring Mountain. So I am excited.
My question is that in my registration materials I noted that they suggested driving shoes like Politi's. Can folks that have been there, tell me are driving shoes really needed or beneficial?
I had been planning on wearing my everyday cross-trainers or running sneakers. I have a difficult time finding shoes that fit me, so if I need driving shoes, I should be out shopping early. (I know Spring Mountain says they sell driving shoes there).
Thanks in advance.
My question is that in my registration materials I noted that they suggested driving shoes like Politi's. Can folks that have been there, tell me are driving shoes really needed or beneficial?
I had been planning on wearing my everyday cross-trainers or running sneakers. I have a difficult time finding shoes that fit me, so if I need driving shoes, I should be out shopping early. (I know Spring Mountain says they sell driving shoes there).
Thanks in advance.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 209
Likes: 0
From: Norton Shores MI
Having been to Spring Mountain this past March, I can share that for the heel/toe training and track driving, the driving shoes do provide an added bennefit. If you look at the shoe website you'll see the differences in this type of shoe. You can purchase them ahead from the manufacturer or at Spring Mountain. I would suggest you call SM in advance to be certain they'll have what you want waiting for you. Also, the SM prices have been as from the manufacturer. Have a great time at Spring Mountain and don't forget to post your experience! lennyg 
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 41,332
Likes: 616
From: FL
CI-7-8-9-10 Veteran
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St. Jude Donor '05 thru '11,'19,'22,'25
St. Jude/CI Name Tag Designer
Having been to Spring Mountain this past March, I can share that for the heel/toe training and track driving, the driving shoes do provide an added bennefit. If you look at the shoe website you'll see the differences in this type of shoe. You can purchase them ahead from the manufacturer or at Spring Mountain. I would suggest you call SM in advance to be certain they'll have what you want waiting for you. Also, the SM prices have been as from the manufacturer. Have a great time at Spring Mountain and don't forget to post your experience! lennyg
My first trip to SM, I did it in running shoes. What a mistake that was.
Heel/Toe braking is difficult to learn. You compound this issue with the wrong shoes. It is not required, but recommended. If you have thin soled shoes, take them with you and give them a try. If you feel they're troublesome, you can always buy the shoes at the school. Have fun! You won't regret it.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 25,032
Likes: 2,720
From: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago
St. Jude Donor '13
Since I went to SM for better street driving, not track, I wore the same shoes that I do every day. Since I drive an automatic, my heel & toe is so bad that mere shoes can't make it any worse.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 6,635
Likes: 0
From: Fallston Maryland
For the extra cost in addition to the cost of Spring Mountain, don't even think twice. It is a small cost.
I would wait until you get there. They have a nice selection and you can touch and try them on.
I would wait until you get there. They have a nice selection and you can touch and try them on.
Advanced
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
i have been to several schools and you do not need driving shoes. if you have lots of money than go for it but you don't need them. i learned ot heal and toe on formula fords with regular sneakers.
you are going to love SM!!
you are going to love SM!!
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 8,991
Likes: 2
From: Hanger 18 Taxachusetts
I used regular sneaks. Maybe driving shoes would have been easier??? Seeing I will only be driving on the street I wasn't going to buy a pair of shoes just to wear for 3 days 
I wouldn't worry about it, just go have the most fun you will ever have in your life
I wouldn't worry about it, just go have the most fun you will ever have in your life
Somba master
Joined: Mar 2005
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Cruise-In 7, 9 & 12 Veteran
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St. Jude Donor '07-'08-'09-'10-'11
I bought driving shoes there, and I like them so much I wear them every day. Makes heel and toe easier.
You can get by with narrow sneakers ( like Vans), not running shoes or cross trainers.
GM
You can get by with narrow sneakers ( like Vans), not running shoes or cross trainers.
GM
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,746
Likes: 0
From: Upper St. Clair PA
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'09
This is what I decided too last year, and ended up using one of the two sets of sneakers that I took along. 
I'm sure that specially designed, top-rated driving shoes would work better, but I decided after the first day I was doing fine with my running waffles.
Have a ball, I certainly did!
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 123
Likes: 0
From: LaGrange IL
Spring Mountain
My son and I are going the end of May. I am anxious to hear any feedback from recent participants. He is "stoked" to drive the new Z06, and I am just looking to have a great experience with him.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 515
Likes: 42
From: Littleton CO
I was there last week.
Wow! My adrenaline is still rushing.
In terms of high performance driving I was a pure novice before my visit to SM. So I was blown away. Wow, did I learn a lot!
Now the group as a whole had a wide variety of experience levels. I think everyone had a great time.
The staff, instructors, vehicles and facilities at SM are awesome! A first class group. I have a new appreciation for the capabilities and reliability of the Vette. I would never think of doing some of those things with my car. Talk about hard miles. They burn through a set of tires every 2-3 classes. You'll soon see why.
I got to drive the C5 Z06, the C6 and the C6 Z06. I spent most of my time in the C6, my choice since that was what I have.
My biggest recommend is prepare to get good sleep. It's a work out. Don't try to party in Vegas all night and drive to hit the track at 8 am.
Also don't go over +5mph of the speed limit on route 160 to Pahrump. Cops with radar everywhere, especially near Pahrump.
Get ready for a great time.
Wow! My adrenaline is still rushing.
In terms of high performance driving I was a pure novice before my visit to SM. So I was blown away. Wow, did I learn a lot!
Now the group as a whole had a wide variety of experience levels. I think everyone had a great time.
The staff, instructors, vehicles and facilities at SM are awesome! A first class group. I have a new appreciation for the capabilities and reliability of the Vette. I would never think of doing some of those things with my car. Talk about hard miles. They burn through a set of tires every 2-3 classes. You'll soon see why.
I got to drive the C5 Z06, the C6 and the C6 Z06. I spent most of my time in the C6, my choice since that was what I have.
My biggest recommend is prepare to get good sleep. It's a work out. Don't try to party in Vegas all night and drive to hit the track at 8 am.
Also don't go over +5mph of the speed limit on route 160 to Pahrump. Cops with radar everywhere, especially near Pahrump.
Get ready for a great time.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 201
Likes: 0
From: Marlborough MA
I've went there when it was Bragg-Smith and used just regular sneakers, though they had a flat sole, and had no trouble at all with H/T.
You're gonna have a ball. Most fun you can have with your clothes on...
You're gonna have a ball. Most fun you can have with your clothes on...
