Driving Shoes

Often, the only time we need driving shoes is when we are all prepped up for a track day, but really, what about the everyday wearable driving shoes?A good and proper shoe will allow us to feel the throttle paddle better, and this of course allows us to understand the car better. Well, a short introduction to what a driving shoe is.

Driving shoe is most commonly used by racing drivers, most are made from leather, Alcantara, suede and even Carbon-Fiber. The manufacturers aim is to produce lighter weight, slim and comfort shoes, this helps drivers that uses heel to toe downshifting and also those that have the constant need to throw down heavy left foot braking. The construction of these shoes mostly supports the drivers feet as the rounded heels and springy toes allows them to maneuver easier around the pedals, the arch and heels are also reinforces with plastics (sometimes carbon-fiber), just so that the drivers feet won’t get tired during long drives.

As stiff and tiny as it may sound, these shoes are actually really comfortable. Here are some offerings from the manufacturers.

Piloti:

At USD$ 180, the Piloti Corsa is yours. It is fire proof (A great feature), reinforced on the lateral sides of the shoe for essential heel & toe shifting and better acceleration and braking feel. It is available in Suede or Leather.

Alpine Stars:

And there is the Alpine Stars 2009 Tech 1-T Shoes. I am sure you’ve all seen Alpine Stars, the boys at McLaren Formula 1 Team wears them. The Tech 1-T has an ankle cut profile with single Velcro secured ankle strap, the weight of it is retained to its minimum for ultimate performance. It is also fitted with a full-grain leather upper construction and Nomex lining. The sole is made of an exclusive rubber compound for improved feel, vibration resistance and grip. Also, it is engineered for greater feel and precision in Formula cars, GT and Sports Car racing. At USD$ 268. the Tech 1-T is yours.

Puma:

Puma has developing racing shoes for a long time. With that said, they are also providing the best foot solutions for the top teams in the Formula series cars. The Puma Future Cat Mid Pro P is a little different from the rest, its good an Asymetric lacing, which increases blood circulation and decreases lactic acid build up. It also improves heat dissipation within the drivers foot. Sounds bionic eh? It has got a unique 3 panel, internal sesam, pre-formed pig skin sueded consturction with high toe box results in the ultimate durability, fitment, and comfort. In order to do what its suppose to do, it is 25% lighter than the other conventional designs. It is FIA approved. The Cat is avaiable in red/white, black/sliver/grey/ and blue/white at a price tag of USD$ 199.

Aston Martin:

The people who design one of the best looking cars till date came up with some really stunning looking shoes. We don’t really care how this pair of shoes will help in improving laptimes but gosh, it looks stunning! Sabelt produce shoes for Aston Martin. The shoe is FIA approved and it comes with a price tag of USD$ 170.