Driving shoes, who has them?

"K-Roll-PorscheTamer" (k-roll390)
05/13/2015 at 15:14 • Filed to: Shoes

I never thought I’d be asking about this, because I never really thought I needed them, but I need a new pair of shoes in general, so here goes.

I’m not looking for “driving shoes” so much as I am some nice comfortable form-fitting shoes, that are good enough for flat feet, and would be good for daily use and driving at the same time.

Here are my current pair of daily shoes I essentially ruined mowing my lawn yesterday:

I only ever buy shoes probably never. I tried using my tennis shoes, and the soles are so fat, it makes my feet feel further away from the pedals than they really are. these old ones lasted at least 4 years, so I need something new now. I’m looking online and have one shoe that I just think looks awesome:

They appear not to have that much sole on the bottom, which is all I’m really looking for in a nice looking package. they even look more comfortable than my pairs of Converse shoes that are only good for driving, but are really a pain for walking all day and such. So the question is: If not these shoes, does anyone have a preference, a recommendation of sorts? Or do you just slap on whatever shoe you feel like and just go out and drive?

DISCUSSION (63)

Opposite Locksmith > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
05/13/2015 at 15:20

All of you get puma speedcats.

They're not driving shoes exactly, but they totally are. I'm on my third pair

JGrabowMSt > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
05/13/2015 at 15:20

Meh, I used to have a really great pair of Reebok driving shoes, but they absolutely sucked to walk in. Completely necessary if you drive extremely long distances on a semi regular basis though. A commute isn’t really enough, but I’ll do 1-2 hour drives on a pretty regular basis, and a good driving shoe makes it much better. My clown sized dress shoes are also too big for the SL, so it would be nice to have a change in shoe available.

I’ve looked at Adidas Samoas before, but the soles are too thin for me.

Dwhite - Powered by Caffeine, Daft Punk, and Corgis > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
05/13/2015 at 15:23

If your going the Adidas route I love the Campus 2.0. Lots of color options and the last pair I had were awesome, being suede they arent great in the winter. But still, I loved them. Planning on buying the purple sometime this summer.

SubieNick > Opposite Locksmith
05/13/2015 at 15:23

I have a similar pair of Adidas shoes that are so worn but the best things for driving. I find the stepped toes of runners aren’t good for pedal response - especially the clutch!

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Opposite Locksmith
05/13/2015 at 15:24

Do you go through those shoes fast or something?

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > JGrabowMSt
05/13/2015 at 15:26

It’s just the current shoes I’m using make clutch-work a bit annoying so I’m looking for something with thinner soles that are still comfortable.

yamahog > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
05/13/2015 at 15:27

I’m wearing these right meow:

http://us.puma.com/en_US/pd/futur…

I can drive in flats, western boots, and sneakers, but the Pumas are way better. Women’s business casual footwear is generally rather shitty for shifting, but I don’t think you have that issue. My running shoes also made my feet go numb on a long drive, fwiw.

Your boy, BJR > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
05/13/2015 at 15:27

Kinja'd!!!

I’m literally wearing a pair of Busenitzs now. My favorite shoe ever. Highly reccomend. Had mine for like 3 years now and they’re no worse for the wear.

Jedidiah > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
05/13/2015 at 15:27

I just wear combat boots.

Spaceball-Two > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
05/13/2015 at 15:28

I tend to lean towards Vans. The soles have a good pattern for grip.

MonkeePuzzle > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
05/13/2015 at 15:29

I dont put on special shoes to go driving, I buy all my shoes with driving in mind. business casual and blue sneakers, everyday :D

my current everyday shoe, chosen for being fairly skinny. no wraparound sole onto the heel though :(

Kinja'd!!!

MonkeePuzzle > Opposite Locksmith
05/13/2015 at 15:29

sole wraps around onto the heel, many have tyre tread designs on the soles. yes these are great

B_dol > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
05/13/2015 at 15:31

Kinja'd!!!

I have a pair of Puma Drift Cat 6 shoes gifted from a friend. Excellent for spirited drives, aesthetics are lacking...

I only wear them when I am not driving pt A to pt B.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Your boy, BJR
05/13/2015 at 15:32

YES!! I was hoping someone here would have them! How do you like them for daily walking around and driving? Ever used them with a manual?

Trunk Impaired 318 > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
05/13/2015 at 15:34

For competitive driving I have a legit pair of Alpinestars, similar to below, but for regular driving I just use whatever or take my shoes off all together

Kinja'd!!!

$kaycog > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
05/13/2015 at 15:36

Kinja'd!!!

Just kidding. But aren’t they awesome?

Short-throw Granny Shifter is 2 #blessed 2b stressed > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
05/13/2015 at 15:36

I have a pair of Adidas Busenitz and can confirm they are very good driving shoes, my second favorite right now. Their only weakness is they do not breath well at all. Seriously, your feet will sweat so much. Adidas Sambas work almost as well, are cheaper, and breath slightly better. My favorite driving shoes right now are Nike Free 5.0 s. They are the most breathable shoes I have ever owned, fit like a glove, and give excellent pedal feel. They are all mesh, and I have even successfully thrown them in the washing machine to clean.

Source: guy who owns way too many shoes (it me).

JGrabowMSt > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
05/13/2015 at 15:41

Thinner soles and comfortable do not go together.

Have you tried skate shoes? They’re flat, have decent feel, but are also comfortable. The downside is that they don’t really last very long. I end up getting new skate shoes about once a year to a year and a half.

unclevanos (Ovaltine Jenkins) > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
05/13/2015 at 15:42

I usually use Adidas sambas or converse high tops. Like you the converse are horrible for walking or extended periods of standing (high arch foot) I try to avoid using running shoes since they are cumbersome for pedals.

Sir_Stig: and toxic masculinity ruins the party again. > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
05/13/2015 at 15:46

Kinja'd!!!

I vote New Balance Minimus trainers. 1 month ago I would have said Puma Drift Cats, but my 3 month old ones are already splitting. I recently picked up the NB ones and they are great! not too wide, not too narrow, and a grippy sole that doesn’t have too much going on tread-wise that they will get caught on your pedals.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > $kaycog
05/13/2015 at 15:50

Indeed they do look most awesome. Unfortunately Awesome $kay, I cannot wear those.

Dan W. > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
05/13/2015 at 15:50

Kinja'd!!!

Puma Liga is my choice.

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > JGrabowMSt
05/13/2015 at 15:51

That's what I'm going for for the most part. I really need to get shoes more often.

$kaycog > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
05/13/2015 at 15:52

Yes, awesome K-Roll, you would look awesomely ridiculous wearing them.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Dwhite - Powered by Caffeine, Daft Punk, and Corgis
05/13/2015 at 15:53

I just love the look and feel of suede. I hear there are some products that can help them out in bad weather conditions; winter, rain and such.

yamahog > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
05/13/2015 at 15:53

Not with that attitude!!

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > unclevanos (Ovaltine Jenkins)
05/13/2015 at 15:54

My tennis shoes are also huge, they don't help with how close the gas and brake pedals are at all.

JGrabowMSt > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
05/13/2015 at 15:54

I’m in need of two more pairs of shoes, as two of my older pairs are totally dead. I just need to take my laces off and replace them. Doesn’t make my back feel any better to wait.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Short-throw Granny Shifter is 2 #blessed 2b stressed
05/13/2015 at 15:55

Since I've never had an issue with sweaty feet, it seems I've found my perfect match!

Your boy, BJR > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
05/13/2015 at 15:55

Yeah. I mean, they're great for everything. Very soft and flexible, yet hard wearing sole.

yamahog > Trunk Impaired 318
05/13/2015 at 15:55

I also have legit Alpinestars for riding:

Kinja'd!!!

They *really* suck for walking more than a few feet.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Jedidiah
05/13/2015 at 15:56

Dare I ask how?

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > B_dol
05/13/2015 at 15:56

Those look sharp!

finn's arm > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
05/13/2015 at 15:57

leather Onitsuka Tigers or suede Adidas Gazelles.

GTiceman > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
05/13/2015 at 16:02

I don’t typically wear anything special daily when driving. If I have a trip over a few hours I tend to wear my Pumas, which I also wear on the track. Thin soles are great for pedal feel, not great for every day walking around.

Jagvar > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
05/13/2015 at 16:02

Never had driving shoes, but I have to wonder if Vibrams would work well. They’re supposed to be the thinnest shoes on the market.

Jedidiah > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
05/13/2015 at 16:11

They’re comfortable and durable. Perfect for working on and driving cars.

Opposite Locksmith > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
05/13/2015 at 16:12

I go through all shoes very quickly, it's good if I get a year out of any besides dress shoes friend

supra-squirrel > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
05/13/2015 at 16:13

Converse all stairs. Ankle high in leather

Camshaft Chris: Skyline/McLaren/Porsche Fanboy > Jagvar
05/13/2015 at 16:17

They don’t. I have some and hate driving in them. They’re too thin and fell pretty much how they’re supposed to feel, like you’re going around in bare feet.

PushToStart > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
05/13/2015 at 16:24

I’ve had these almost a year, they’re great for literally everything.

Kinja'd!!!

Problem is, I’m not totally sure they make them anymore, since I can’t find them anywhere. Puma still makes shoes that are really similar, but not exactly this. Also, I’m not sure how you make your shoes last 4 years, I typically get 1-1.5 years out of a pair, that’s really impressive lol. Also, I really like the Adidas you’re looking at. If I can’t find another pair of these, I’ll probably go that route.

Bottom line: check out Puma, if you don’t find anything there, those Adidas are a good choice.

Trunk Impaired 318 > yamahog
05/13/2015 at 16:27

The driving shoes arent much better, although once I finally get around to actually buying a bike Ive always told myself that Ill wear full gear, no matter the discomfort.

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > Jagvar
05/13/2015 at 16:27

You, of all people, commenting on a shoe thread. What is this world coming to?

FerrousJackal > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
05/13/2015 at 16:29

I’m partial to Vans Old Skools myself. Lightly padded, grippy rubber bottom, look better as they get the shit beaten out of them...

Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz) > MonkeePuzzle
05/13/2015 at 16:30

These I like, these I’m going to see if they are still available.

Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz) > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
05/13/2015 at 16:36

I have a few pair of Puma Future Cat and Drift Cat (and the older ones I used to have a few of I think were Speed Cat) and they’re great, only problem I found was making sure to get the right size, sometimes up 1/2 as they have a tight fit. Also, they’re fine for walking if you aren’t doing too much of it. After a while they might get a bit uncomfortable, but that could’ve just been me and the way I walk or something.

I’m a sucker for a cool pair of Pumas.

Camshaft Chris: Skyline/McLaren/Porsche Fanboy > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
05/13/2015 at 16:36

Puma’s are really good. I went from the Adidas Goodyear’s to the Puma Drift Cat II and haven’t bought another pair since (and that was like 6 or 7 years ago. They’re beat to hell, but still awesomely comfortable. They look like shit now though because of how faded/stained they’ve gotten so I’ll probably replace them soon. I’ve been looking at these: Puma Speed Cat Sparco’s . They look nearly identical to my Drift Cat II’s, but they’re new and clean! And they make a newer version of the Drift Cat, the Drift Cat 6, but I my DCII’s are suede and I want the next pair I get to be suede too. DC6’s only come in leather. But that’s just my personal preference. Either of those are great shoes for driving.

Just, whatever you do, don’t get the Ferrari propaganda shoes...

CaptDale - is secretly British > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
05/13/2015 at 17:06

I wish I could afford driving shoes...

Biggus Dickus (RevsBro) > yamahog
05/13/2015 at 17:14

I have the men’s version of these. Love them.

Correction: I have the Drift Cat 6

jkm7680 > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
05/13/2015 at 17:16

Sambas are the best.

jkm7680 > Jagvar
05/13/2015 at 17:17

I wonder why

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > JGrabowMSt
05/13/2015 at 19:02

I just need one. I have shoes for just about everything else.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > $kaycog
05/13/2015 at 19:03

Awesome $kay, I fear I would most awesomely break an ankle taking my first step in a most hilariously awesome way that would get many awesome views and shares on the interwebs.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > yamahog
05/13/2015 at 19:04

Can I wear socks?

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Your boy, BJR
05/13/2015 at 19:04

Exactly what I’m looking for!

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > GTiceman
05/13/2015 at 19:05

I’m trying to find a median or compromise between pedal feel and daily comfort.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Opposite Locksmith
05/13/2015 at 19:05

I can make any shoe last longer than it needs to.

$kaycog > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
05/13/2015 at 19:17

It would be awesomely hilarious to watch you walk, but not awesome for you to break an ankle. Have an awesome evening!

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > $kaycog
05/13/2015 at 19:25

As my awesome friend Spiderman says: