Best Normal Shoes for Driving?

"DylanToback" (DylanToback) 07/28/2014 at 17:44 • Filed to: None

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Largely out of boredom, I have been looking for some new shoes which would be both well suited to driving, and normal looking enough to wear on a regular basis. This has proven to be quite difficult. The majority of the dedicated driving shoes I encountered would make me look incredibly pretentious (BMW, Porsche and Ferrari branded shoes), or like a Ken Block wannabe. Consequently, any suggestions for normal shoes which work well for driving would be appreciated.

*The unrelated pictures are of an absolutely absurd car I encountered on the Snake. It was featured on a Tuned video a couple years ago, though it had a roof at the time.

McChiken116 - Patrick H. > DylanToback 07/28/2014 at 17:47

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Oh fuck, it's that Lotus. That dude is nuts. And the unbranded puma's are your best bet to be honest. If you have wider feet than any slip on shoe will probably work. And remember, Senna rocked loafers

Klaus Schmoll > DylanToback 07/28/2014 at 17:50

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Puma has a line of "Race Cat" and "Drift Cat" shoes. They are unassuming enough to wear every day, yet are great when stepping on pedals.

MonkeePuzzle > DylanToback 07/28/2014 at 17:51

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easy, Puma Speed Cat

many colours, but you should get blue suede. they are thin, have tyre tread design on the bottom, and a sole that curves up the back because you rest on your heels a lot when you drive. look good for walking around in so daily driver perfect :D

Bob Loblaw Made Me Make a Phoney Phone Call to Edward Rooney > DylanToback 07/28/2014 at 17:52

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A good pair of Sperry Topsiders. Full-foot protection, but relatively thinly-soled so you can still feel the pedals with your feet.

Will with a W8 races an E30 > DylanToback 07/28/2014 at 17:53

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Piloti Shoes: http://piloti.com/

My old pair of Prototipos is just finally wearing out after 4 years. They went out of business during the recession, but Canadian Tire is bringing them back - website says available again in August.

Orange Exige > McChiken116 - Patrick H. 07/28/2014 at 17:53

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That's basically the same reaction I had.

It was an Exige at some point and it has crazy power. I never knew they chopped the top though - that's relatively new. I like my Exiges with the hardtop - they shoulda just started with a 2-Eleven if they wanted a topless car.

HiredHand > Bob Loblaw Made Me Make a Phoney Phone Call to Edward Rooney 07/28/2014 at 17:53

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My daily bread.

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > DylanToback 07/28/2014 at 17:54

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I drive my 5spd miata with sandals just fine. Just get used to whatever u wear

Big Bubba Ray > DylanToback 07/28/2014 at 17:54

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Either those Pumas that MonkeyPuzzle mentioned, or my personal favorite, the Adidas Samba Spezial. How's that for a name? haha

They pretty much come out of the box perfectly broken in and they're a DREAM to drive with.

DylanToback > McChiken116 - Patrick H. 07/28/2014 at 17:54

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Yes, that's the one. The owner was awesome, he said it currently makes upwards of 600 hp at the wheels and weighs right around 2,000 pounds. The seats each weigh about 3 pounds. Crazy car.

And thanks for the suggestion, I'll check those out

MonkeePuzzle > MonkeePuzzle 07/28/2014 at 17:55

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that said, I actually have these Puma's currently, blue and orange make the Broncos fan wife happy too

DylanToback > Orange Exige 07/28/2014 at 17:56

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The owner told me he was in an accident so he decided to make some changes to the car. In the end I believe he added power and dropped even more weight. Not the worst outcome from an accident.

Desu-San-Desu > DylanToback 07/28/2014 at 18:01

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Ahem.

From earlier today.

macanamera > MonkeePuzzle 07/28/2014 at 18:01

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Those are pretty fresh

DylanToback > Big Bubba Ray 07/28/2014 at 18:02

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Interesting, are they significantly different from the normal Sambas?

macanamera > DylanToback 07/28/2014 at 18:02

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I'm honestly most comfortable driving any car in Nike sneakers. It's a matter of preference.

Saracen > MonkeePuzzle 07/28/2014 at 18:02

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+1 on this. I have several pairs of Pumas of this design. They're also quite cheap on Amazon.

I also love Onitsuka Tiger. Great driving shoes.

DylanToback > MonkeePuzzle 07/28/2014 at 18:03

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I do like these, I will have to see if the local outlet has any in stock. Thanks!

DylanToback > Bob Loblaw Made Me Make a Phoney Phone Call to Edward Rooney 07/28/2014 at 18:04

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I will have to check them out, for some reason I have never really given Sperrys a shot.

DylanToback > Klaus Schmoll 07/28/2014 at 18:05

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I like the design, but I tend to avoid white shoes since they are typically difficult to keep clean.

Klaus Schmoll > DylanToback 07/28/2014 at 18:06

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They come in black too.

DylanToback > Klaus Schmoll 07/28/2014 at 18:08

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Good to hear, I will keep an eye out for a pair at the local outlet.

My citroen won't start > DylanToback 07/28/2014 at 18:09

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Those:

DylanToback > Desu-San-Desu 07/28/2014 at 18:09

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Ah I must have missed that, I tried searching on Oppo and all I could find was an old post with very little activity. The price is tempting, but I was looking for something a little more in line with the style of shoes I typically wear, which I likely should have specified.

Klaus Schmoll > MonkeePuzzle 07/28/2014 at 18:09

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I currently wear the race cats in white. But these.... Off to the amazon!!!!!!!!

Desu-San-Desu > DylanToback 07/28/2014 at 18:10

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Indeed.

So....?

What style do you normally wear?

Jeff-God-of-Biscuits > DylanToback 07/28/2014 at 18:11

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For feel, you might try out Merrell's "glove" series, or I really like the VivoBarefoot shoes. Made to give a barefoot feel while walking about, they have super thin soles that really communicate, and they even make some pretty normal styles.

DylanToback > macanamera 07/28/2014 at 18:11

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In the past I have not been too picky, but I have had to alternate between formal shoes and sneakers of late, that may be what is throwing me off.

AM3R > DylanToback 07/28/2014 at 18:12

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Sperrys. You can wear them to dinner with the wife or to take the trash out. No need to wear socks with them either. Thin soled but still offer some protection.

With-a-G is back to not having anything written after his username > DylanToback 07/28/2014 at 18:13

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Google for "driving moccasins." Unpretentious and purposeful, can be worn with business attire.

KirkyV > DylanToback 07/28/2014 at 18:13

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I don't have the widest range of experience, but the best 'ordinary' shoes I've ever driven in are Converse All Stars. They're pretty much perfect for it. Thin soles, for plenty of feedback, and they're only a tiny bit wider than your feet—which helps a lot, when your pedals are as cramped as mine:

(It's cleaner now, I promise!)

Desu-San-Desu > MonkeePuzzle 07/28/2014 at 18:13

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You know, I tried those and they hurt my toes. I was so disappointed, lol.

Bob Loblaw Made Me Make a Phoney Phone Call to Edward Rooney > DylanToback 07/28/2014 at 18:15

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Eh, there's a bit of an image connotation that goes along with them, but I've been surprised by how much more I like driving in mine than any other shoes I have.

I'm a fan of the original-style, plain as can be leather Sperrys. It's easier to get the nasty foot-stank smell out of them than their canvas counterparts, but more importantly, they break in really nicely and get nice and soft and comfort to your foot after a while. I find them (the leather versions) to be more durable as well.

DylanToback > KirkyV 07/28/2014 at 18:20

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I will have to try some on, I have not worn any Converse shoes in years, I had a pair that wore out in roughly 3 months and that turned me off to the brand (illogical, I know).

Thud Slamrod > DylanToback 07/28/2014 at 18:21

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I prefer the Samba Millenium myself, more arch support and a bit more tread for ice/snow/gravel/mud/pushing my broke ass car. Must be on my 4th pair by now.

DylanToback > Jeff-God-of-Biscuits 07/28/2014 at 18:24

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Interesting, some of those VivoBarefoot ones look very good. Do you know if they are carried by major retailers, or do they sell exclusively online?

DylanToback > TheD0k_2many toys 2little time 07/28/2014 at 18:24

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That was my approach in the past, but I have had to alternate between casual and formal shoes which I think has been throwing me off. Looking to try something new.

DylanToback > My citroen won't start 07/28/2014 at 18:25

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Those do look good, a little more formal than what I am looking for at the moment though.

DylanToback > Thud Slamrod 07/28/2014 at 18:26

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I cannot keep track of all the samba variations, I had the original pair years ago, but that was before I really had any interest in driving so I really didn't pay much attention. I may give them another shot.

DylanToback > Desu-San-Desu 07/28/2014 at 18:29

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I typically alternate between Adidas and Vans skate style shoes.

Jeff-God-of-Biscuits > DylanToback 07/28/2014 at 18:29

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I'm not sure... I happened into my first pair by chance. Found the only pair in the store at a DSW, and they were 75% off. I needed some slipper like shoes I could take through the airport, so I bought them. And then bought another pair just like them when I wore holes in the soles. I think you can get them through Zappos, so they would cover return shipping, and I think you can check the Vivo site for retailers.

KirkyV > DylanToback 07/28/2014 at 18:30

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I've had decent luck with mine. They're far from the most durable shoes out there, but I've only had one pair wear out, and they were pretty much the only shoes I wore for about two and a half years.

DylanToback > Desu-San-Desu 07/28/2014 at 18:31

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This is what I am currently wearing. A little too wide and not enough feel through the sole.

Jeff-God-of-Biscuits > DylanToback 07/28/2014 at 18:31

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these are the ones I have

http://www.leftlanesports.com/product.aspx?p…

DylanToback > Jeff-God-of-Biscuits 07/28/2014 at 18:33

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There is a DSW nearby, I will take a look.

DylanToback > KirkyV 07/28/2014 at 18:34

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Yea, I may have just stumbled upon a bad pair, my shoes typically last me forever.

TheVancen- In Pursuit of a Greater Payday and Car Parts > DylanToback 07/28/2014 at 18:35

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I might be kinda silly, but I really liked driving in my old high top sneakers. First pair wasn't even an expensive brand, just some $50 Walmart things. Nice and narrow, thinner sole.

TheLOUDMUSIC- Put it in H! > DylanToback 07/28/2014 at 18:36

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Plain old moccasins. I have a pair of Red wing mocs that I love, and they have a very thin sole. Minnetonka makes some good ones as well. Some of them can even pass for formal shoes.

DylanToback > TheVancen- In Pursuit of a Greater Payday and Car Parts 07/28/2014 at 18:37

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That is my primary issue with my current shoes, they are not particularly narrow so they end up feeling a little clumsy when doing anything other than normal driving.

sefeing, actually bought an E46 > MonkeePuzzle 07/28/2014 at 18:38

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+1 on this too. I've got drift cat's (similar) and love them

Big Bubba Ray > DylanToback 07/28/2014 at 18:38

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Very different. They're not leather like normal Sambas, so they're ridiculously comfortable the first time you wear them. They break in super quick and they're really flexy so its easy to heel-toe and what not in them. I had no idea they were that great to drive in until the first time I did it. I usually wear vans when I drive, but these are exponentially better.

Desu-San-Desu > DylanToback 07/28/2014 at 18:43

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I know they're not a brand typically associated with driving shoes, but one of the best pairs I've ever owned was made by Asics. They don't make that particular style anymore, but they do offer a couple that are very similar and look like they'd be fantastic:

The Gel-Fortius TR , which run about $90 but are supremely comfortable with very good pedal feel.

Or, if you're like me and that's too much money for you, they also have the Tokutens, picture in black, which are about $65 (though they can be found cheaper elsewhere) and are extremely supple and comfortable, but with a slightly thicker sole and no rounded heel.

Tim (Fractal Footwork) > DylanToback 07/28/2014 at 18:48

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There are way to many comments here to check if repeat, but Nike Free

Leadbull > DylanToback 07/28/2014 at 18:49

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Running stores should have them.

New Balance also has a "Minimus" line. They're great as well, and you're more likely to find them at general shoe stores.

I've worn multiple pairs of both brands. I love them all and, yes, they're great for driving.

Desu-San-Desu > DylanToback 07/28/2014 at 18:50

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WAIT! I FOUND THEM!

The Asics Onitsuka Tiger Tai Chi!

They're actually fashion/indoor shoes inspired by Bruce Lee, which automatically makes them badass (they can be had in Game-of-Death-inspired black and yellow). They also happen to be the best driving shoes I have ever had. They're also available in a plethora of color combinations. They run about $65 on average.

ranwhenparked > DylanToback 07/28/2014 at 18:51

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There's way better options out there, but I've been wearing these for years and find them extremely comfortable. At least after the bottoms have been roughed up a bit, way too smooth right out of the box.

Übel > DylanToback 07/28/2014 at 19:28

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I absolutely love my Born Seans (try looking other places for much better prices +color selection) for driving. Thin, stiff sole, very comfortable, all around probably the best shoe I've ever owned.

DylanToback > Desu-San-Desu 07/28/2014 at 19:29

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oh I really like those. And yes, the Bruce Lee tie in is a big plus as well. Are they supposed to function as martial arts shoes as well?

TheVancen- In Pursuit of a Greater Payday and Car Parts > DylanToback 07/28/2014 at 19:31

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yeah. I hate driving the Focus to work, I just wear my work boots and there have been a couple times that I stepped on the brake and throttle at the same time.

Desu-San-Desu > DylanToback 07/28/2014 at 19:33

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They probably could. They look like they'd double-duty quite well.

DylanToback > Desu-San-Desu 07/28/2014 at 19:36

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Agreed.

MonkeePuzzle > Desu-San-Desu 07/28/2014 at 19:49

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the speed cat is narrow, no doubt. i stretched mine, this is mostly why I wear the otherpumas. but stretching is possibke because they are a natural material

That's Engineering? > Bob Loblaw Made Me Make a Phoney Phone Call to Edward Rooney 07/28/2014 at 20:05

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Sperry's are a good option. I actually prefer loafers, however. If it's good enough for Senna, it's good enough for me! Cole Haan Gunnison's are also really good. Though I've noticed that my sartorial persuasions tend to be fairly different than the typical gear head (not that that is either a good or a bad thing... It simply is and a personal observation at that).

Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2 > AM3R 07/28/2014 at 20:07

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YES YES YES. When I wear out a pair they become shit shoes. I have new ones and ones that talk and have holes in them. All great for driving.

AM3R > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2 07/28/2014 at 20:27

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The pedal feel is great with them. It's about as close to being barefoot as you can get.

Jeff-God-of-Biscuits > DylanToback 07/28/2014 at 20:28

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That was the only time I had ever seen a pair there, and I have looked every time I have been in one.

http://www.vivobarefoot.com/us/customer-se…

His Stigness > DylanToback 07/28/2014 at 20:38

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I just got some Nike Lunarglide 5 shoes that are beyond excellent for driving, and walking. I think they just stopped making them though, so now there's the Lunarglide 6 , and the best part is you can customize them for free.

But for driving they are excellent, they're super light, so you can feel everything you're doing, which is nice when you're driving a manual and heel-toeing.

And when you get out of the car they offer excellent support and I can walk around in them all day without a problem.

And on on your pictures, which road is "the snake?" I live in Ventura (one town south of Santa Barbara), so I'm not super familiar with all the names, I only know Yerba Buena, Mulholland Highway, and Kanan.

Desu-San-Desu > MonkeePuzzle 07/28/2014 at 21:08

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Meh, I just went with the Filas. They fit out of the box. XD

Zerofret > DylanToback 07/28/2014 at 21:40

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I've got a pair of these Shelby Cobra driving shoes and love em! they're super comfortable too!

thevoid > DylanToback 07/28/2014 at 22:23

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From the looks of them they would be sweet. However one major problem is wear and tear so buying anything more than 20 dollar pair of shoes for anything martial arts related is redundant, you know?

Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2 > AM3R 07/28/2014 at 22:29

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I'm going to say better than barefoot. I drove with no shoes yesterday and it was strange. The angle was changed just enough to make it uncomfortable.

DylanToback > thevoid 07/28/2014 at 22:39

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Yea, I have never actually used shoes for any of the martial arts I have done. I tend to prefer going barefoot.

AM3R > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2 07/28/2014 at 22:54

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Very true. Sperrys are also pretty cheap too. They aren't bulky so heel toeing is pretty easy.

thevoid > DylanToback 07/28/2014 at 23:48

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I see the benefits of that, and for what it's worth I prefer driving barefoot solely for the feel. In terms of martial arts, to each their own I guess? The paths are many though the goal is singular. My two cents would be practicing in footwear (martial arts/driving) is more practical, rarely will one be able to remove their footwear in an altercation.

Ferrero1911 > AM3R 07/28/2014 at 23:48

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When I was learning to drive a manual I drove exclusively in Sperrys for the first six months. They are great and I already own a bunch of pairs because I sail. They do triple duty!

Ferrero1911 > DylanToback 07/28/2014 at 23:55

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I saw that car at a gas station recently. I didn't get a good pic, but I did get one.

I like Sperrys or Converse Jack Purcells for driving.

AM3R > Ferrero1911 07/29/2014 at 00:45

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I wore Sperrys the first few times I drove a manual too! They actually really helped. I can't say I sail though, I've always wanted to give it a try.

tromoly > DylanToback 07/29/2014 at 01:06

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Simpson Low-Cuts. I wore them with dress clothes to a function this past semester and no one noticed, they're awesome.

Bob Loblaw Made Me Make a Phoney Phone Call to Edward Rooney > That's Engineering? 07/29/2014 at 09:38

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Loafers certainly work well, too, I just don't find myself roaming around in Senna-style loafers as everyday shoes. Give me 10 more years and a kid or two and I'll be there, though.

Did_it_for_the_Alliance > DylanToback 08/01/2014 at 00:27

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My Converse sneakers usually work well enough. They're fairly light, comfortable, and I can feel the pressure on the soles of my feet pretty well.

Did_it_for_the_Alliance > DylanToback 08/01/2014 at 00:28

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Asic makes some awesome wrestling shoes and martial arts shoes, so most likely.

Did_it_for_the_Alliance > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2 08/01/2014 at 00:31

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I agree, definitely a weird feel. I think it's more that I've gotten used to being able to put pressure on different parts of my feet and still being able to depress the pedal enough.

Stef Schrader > DylanToback 08/03/2014 at 04:21

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Laugh away, but...

I ADORE my toe shoes.

DylanToback > Stef Schrader 08/03/2014 at 13:07

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I believe it, I just don't think I have enough self confidence to pull those off. I am also quite certain they would be frowned upon in my chosen profession.

Sir FR-S (Formally CR-Z) > DylanToback 05/30/2015 at 12:33

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slim sole (or regular) hi-top chuck taylor. Are fantastic I remember reading a quote somewhere from a Porsceh factory driver who said they were his preferred driving shoe. Also can usually be found on sale for about 30 bucks.