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Shoes for track days???

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Old 02-14-2012, 04:52 PM
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Default Shoes for track days???

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
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Old 02-14-2012, 04:55 PM
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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.
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Old 02-14-2012, 04:58 PM
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Thanks
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Old 02-14-2012, 05:30 PM
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Attached Thumbnails Shoes for track days???-4697559163_51912e2e59.jpg  
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Old 02-14-2012, 05:45 PM
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puma speedcat. Cheap because the Hipsters buy them.
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Old 02-14-2012, 05:47 PM
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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.
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Old 02-14-2012, 05:53 PM
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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.
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Old 02-14-2012, 06:04 PM
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http://www.jegs.com/c/Apparel_Shoes-...10507/10002/-1
or check out outlet stores rbk, puma ect..
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Old 02-14-2012, 06:07 PM
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Originally Posted by Braineack
puma speedcat. Cheap because the Hipsters buy them.
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
Attached Thumbnails Shoes for track days???-alpinestars-tech_1-z_driving_shoes-27151519-10_1157.jpg   Shoes for track days???-simpson-fusion_driving_shoe-fs100bl_574.jpg  
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Old 02-14-2012, 06:19 PM
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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.
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Old 02-14-2012, 06:25 PM
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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?
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Old 02-14-2012, 07:18 PM
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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.
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Old 02-14-2012, 09:49 PM
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I think Sav is onto something with the wrestling shoes.
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Old 02-14-2012, 11:22 PM
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+100000 on wrestling shoes.
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Old 02-14-2012, 11:25 PM
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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:

Attached Thumbnails Shoes for track days???-adidas-goodyear-4.jpg   Shoes for track days???-248%2520-%2520nike%25206.0%2520sb%2520zoom%2520mogan%2520dunk%2520low%2520%2520-%2520black%2520white%2520orange.jpg  
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Old 02-15-2012, 11:26 AM
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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.
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Old 02-15-2012, 12:42 PM
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I also wear Puma's because I'm cheap.
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Old 02-15-2012, 02:26 PM
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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 !!!!
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Old 02-15-2012, 04:39 PM
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Red oakleys, got them at platos closet for 25 buxxx.
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Old 02-15-2012, 06:43 PM
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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.
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