Last trip to the track the instructor commented that I should get a pair of racing shoes instead of wearing my running shoes. That I was being robbed of a lot of good feedback the car was offering through pedal pressure etc. I'm back at the track the first weekend of March.

What is the consensus on dedicated shoes for the occasional track day?

IF they are a necessity, then what brands are decent and reasonably priced for the occasional track day?

Thanks

 

If you're just doing HPDE and don't need anything fireproof, get a set of wrestling shoes. They have the same ankle support and thin sole of a racing shoe at about 1/4 of the cost.

 

Thanks

 

 

puma speedcat. Cheap because the Hipsters buy them.

 

I scored BNIB FIA/SFI Sabelt hightops for under $90 shipped. I used to wear worn old sneakers under my fireproof suit for my trackdays.

 

I scored a pair of last years model OMP fireproof shoes for like $70 a year ago, they retailed for around $170. Just look around for last years stuff/blowouts.

 

http://www.jegs.com/c/Apparel_Shoes-...10507/10002/-1
or check out outlet stores rbk, puma ect..

 

They always make my heal hurt, and I can't walk around in them all day.
I have these currently:

They are very thin on the ball of the foot, thick on the heal, comfy, and affordable.

I want these but will never buy them:

$300, lol

 

A couple years ago before a Chumpcar race I scored some brand new FIA certed Pumas off eBay for $50, because they had to be rated. But hands-down my favorite shoes for driving are Vans. Soles are medium thickness, but really pliable and offer nice pedal feel.

 

Closeouts
http://www.saferacer.com/g-force-gf-...?productid=911

I have these from G-Force and they are great. I can wear them all day. But I remember paying less for them, maybe they were on sale at the time.
http://www.saferacer.com/g-force-gf2...productid=2202

As a backup I have some really thin sole sneakers I found at WalMart for about $9. Forget who made them but I think they are skater shoes. They have thin soles with really thick padding on the upper and the tongue.

Vans, good idea. Converse All-Stars?

 

I use USDM mad tyte chucks, made in Malaysia of course.....



Although, Im think about trying TOMS for my next pair of track shoes, I hear they have way better feel an support.

 

I think Sav is onto something with the wrestling shoes.

 

+100000 on wrestling shoes.

 

I have a set of Addidas Goodyear, that is pretty cheap, at least when I got it:



then I had some puma ferrari ones, but honestly I don't think it matters too much.

Nowadays I just use my Nike 6.0s on the track too:

 

I'm rocking the Puma Speedcats. Like them very much. Really nice pedal feel, durable enough for some paddock walkin', streetable for pre-track coffee run or post-track margarita run.

They fit me just right. I did a compare and contrast vs. the Puma race shoes and they have very similar construction, although these are low tops (but I've never wanted hightops).

Biggest problem - you look like a club-going youth wearing them anywhere else but at track. Rub oil and dirt on them immediately to lessen this.

 

I also wear Puma's because I'm cheap.

 

wrestling and karate shoes aree hipster too, so they are cheap and available at shoppings malls on sale. macy's is having a president's day sale. extra 15% off !!!!

 

Red oakleys, got them at platos closet for 25 buxxx.

 

I just wear my worn out New Balance 992 tennies. They're beat down and thin at the ball of the foot, but still way comfy for standing/walking around all day. Plus, they're wide enough to make heel-toe action very easy.