Do shoes really affect driving performance?

"mitology" (mitology) 07/26/2015 at 13:12 • Filed to: None

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Hey guys, the title pretty much sums up what has been on my mind today.

This morning while getting ready to go out i realised i was favouring a pair of shoes over the other, with the soul purpose of getting the most of my driving. Like most of you i drive a manual car, and it is indeed a requirement that i am able to get as much feedback as i can from the pedals.

I’ve heard guys that are serious about driving talking about buying driving shoes however i do not find them particularly attractive nor think that there will be additional improvement over a simple regular comfortable pair of shoes.

just look at this things:

very fugly if you ask me lol.

Now, do tell, do you guys have a specific pair just for driving? do you feel any additional benefit besides wearing a regular comfortable pair?

dogisbadob > mitology 07/26/2015 at 13:16

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inb4 Jagvar doesn’t wear shoes at all :p

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > mitology 07/26/2015 at 13:19

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converse: suck for walking, great for heel-toeing.

I also tend to drive barefoot in the summer when I run errands, because the flip-flops I wear don't cut it

ihm96 > mitology 07/26/2015 at 13:21

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Puma makes better driving shoes. They look more like a sneaker and aren't as expensive, but they work well

Jagvar > dogisbadob 07/26/2015 at 13:23

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That’s some rapid response time! ;)

mitology > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power 07/26/2015 at 13:25

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yeah, chuck taylor’s all start are great for driving. But how to you manage with driving barefoot? isn't it painful?

Jagvar > mitology 07/26/2015 at 13:26

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Have to agree on the fugliness. Not feeling any of those designs. Of course, it’s no secret that I drive barefoot, and while I recommend the comfort and control of driving sans-shoes, I know it’s not for everyone!

Jagvar > mitology 07/26/2015 at 13:28

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Only if you have metal spikes glued to your gas pedal. ;)

mitology > ihm96 07/26/2015 at 13:28

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true, but i tend not to like the look very much, you can’t pull off business casual with those lol. Do you own a pair? how do they feel whenever you are driving?

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > mitology 07/26/2015 at 13:29

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not really. the GLI is actually very easy to do so in. all pedals are nice, rounded, and light. the gas is floor mounted and I can go WOT with just my big toe hitting it hard

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > mitology 07/26/2015 at 13:33

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My driving shoes of choice are converse or just plain barefoot. Though in a couple weeks I’ll be forced back into having to drive in steel-toe boots, which is turrible.

mitology > Jagvar 07/26/2015 at 13:35

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hahah i actualy have razo pedals so pretty close lol, that will be my next question probably, aftermarket gas pedals ;)

mitology > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power 07/26/2015 at 13:36

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nice, floor mounted pedals should come in all cars IMO, very easy to be progressive with the pedals in any footwear

mitology > Jagvar 07/26/2015 at 13:37

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yep, girls actually tend to get away with driving barefoot more often though, i have this friend that is always in heels, whenever she gets in her car, off they go

mitology > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 07/26/2015 at 13:40

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I’m thinking if i had to drive in boots i would stall a lot, just wearing some old oxfords i tend to embarrass myself more than i care to admit lol even my mother teased me once when i drove her around town haha

Decay buys too many beaters > mitology 07/26/2015 at 13:58

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New balance minimus, best driving shoe I’ve owned

FSI - alcohol enthusiast with a car problem > mitology 07/26/2015 at 14:06

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My Vans Authentic are pretty good. Better than my Roshes.

mitology > Decay buys too many beaters 07/26/2015 at 14:13

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nice, they look like they are really light

Chech > mitology 07/26/2015 at 14:22

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I was at one point considering picking up some nomex shoes for driving, know a few people so it seemed a decent idea, but as I mostly drive in steel caps, and don’t really notice any change between those, my runners or flip flops/barefoot I just didn’t see much point.

So in my view, I haven’t observed any change in my driving based on footwear.

marshknute > mitology 07/26/2015 at 14:27

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No, they don’t. The Mythbusters tested different footwear on a technical circuit and found zero appreciable difference between shoe types. They tested flip-flops, snow boots, and 4” high-heels (which Adam and Jamie had obviously never worn before).

NJAnon > mitology 07/26/2015 at 14:28

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Racing shoes aren’t meant to be attractive Mito. They’re meant for racing use. :P

I have a pair of Sparco racing shoes. Hopefully one day I’ll be able to use them in conjunction with a car for the track. I don’t anything about those so called “driving” shoes.

KirkyV > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power 07/26/2015 at 14:42

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I don’t mind them for walking, personally, and they are indeed fantastic for driving. An additional advantage is their narrowness relative to other shoes designed for the same size of foot—when your pedals are as close together as mine, wide shoes become an actual problem. I can’t drive comfortably in my New Balances, partly because the sole is too thick to provide decent feedback, but mainly because my feet simply don’t fit around the pedals with them on.

I'm very curious about how these new Chuck Taylor IIs will compare. I wouldn't buy them on looks for now, but I imagine that'll be sorted once they start offering them in a wider range of styles.

KirkyV > mitology 07/26/2015 at 14:49

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Given the choice, I’ll always wear Converse for driving. They provide excellent feedback, and their relatively slim and narrow profile makes my car’s rather cramped pedals feel substantially roomier.

(I actually own a fair few more than are in that picture at this point... I may have a bit of a problem.)

jariten1781 > mitology 07/26/2015 at 14:57

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I like driving loafers because they’re light, comfy, slip-on (I travel a lot so quick egress at the airport is nice), and can be worn with suits. They’re better for driving, not because they make me more precise or faster but because their rounded rubber heels don’t catch on/wear through the carpet like standard wooden heeled dress shoes.

Compared to regular athletic shoes it’s a wash. I don’t really notice any difference. I either wear Nike Frees or driving loafers depending on what matches the rest of my clothing for the day.

JDIGGS > mitology 07/26/2015 at 15:28

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if you are use to wearing athletic shoes e.g. that have a huge height difference of tread in the middle of the shoe, get rid of them. You want skinny soeled flat shoes. Skate shoes are far better than a regular athletic shoe.

Piloti is back in business but I prefer this shoe; low key enough to wear in public, 99 bucks, fireproof,

415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) > mitology 07/26/2015 at 16:03

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I like my Puma driving boots just because they have no sole to hang up and they are comfortable. Those shoes there.... are what douchey guys in Hawaii on vacation wear...

mitology > jariten1781 07/26/2015 at 16:15

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the advantage of being able to wear them with suits is a big one, ill give you that, one win for the loafers

mitology > KirkyV 07/26/2015 at 16:17

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hahahah aren’t you supposed to let us know that converse is sponsoring the comment?

mitology > marshknute 07/26/2015 at 16:17

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nice, never saw this episode

mitology > marshknute 07/26/2015 at 16:20

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but i would like to see something like this done in a manual car, I'm betting the boots F1 drivers wear would show some advantage

mitology > 415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) 07/26/2015 at 16:21

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hahahahah tourists

mitology > NJAnon 07/26/2015 at 16:25

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okay, but come on... in this day and age we should be able to strike a nice compromise between looks and performance, amirite? i want to be able to heel and toe my way to work then get there and have to sue all my female work colleagues for harassment like a boss lol

mitology > JDIGGS 07/26/2015 at 16:27

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but tell me honestly, would you wear this daily? or only on trackdays?

SlickMcRick > marshknute 07/26/2015 at 16:28

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Driving in work boots vs Converse is a HUGE difference.

SlickMcRick > KirkyV 07/26/2015 at 16:29

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Did you see the post about the new Converse All-Stars coming out? I’m really thinking about getting a pair.

KirkyV > mitology 07/26/2015 at 17:37

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I fucking wish they'd pay me.

KirkyV > SlickMcRick 07/26/2015 at 17:42

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I saw them. I’m intrigued, but I think I’ll have to try some on before I really take the plunge; the very same attributes that make the new shoes better for walking/running might well detract from their appeal as shoes for driving in. Also, I’m really not all that keen on the designs they’ve released so far; they’re all too plain. I’ll be more on-board once you can buy IIs with contrast eyelets, stitching and laces. Oh, and the racing stripe. The soles just don’t look right without one.

2Cent86 > mitology 07/26/2015 at 18:58

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Boat shoes are great but for the more professional look, black or brown leather mocassins are also good. The leather is comfortable yet snug around your feet and the sole is thin. You feel everything from the pedals and the variety of styles and colours available means you can make them look smart casual or put on a suit. Pricey though, look for sales!

SlickMcRick > KirkyV 07/26/2015 at 19:34

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The racing stripe is definitely a touch needed. But I’d love to see how comfortable they are. The layer they added into it doesn’t seem to thick so it should help. It also adds a touch of arch support which is something sorely needed for all day use. Need to find me a store with them on display. They come out this week as a matter of fact.

gmporschenut also a fan of hondas > 415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) 07/26/2015 at 22:05

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wrong island

gmporschenut also a fan of hondas > mitology 07/26/2015 at 22:05

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I switch between Van’s, Sperrys and new balance. Depends where I’m going.

415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) > gmporschenut also a fan of hondas 07/26/2015 at 22:23

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I’m a Pacific haole, I’ve never been there, but I can imagine! We get the Tommy Bahama clad guys.

mitology > gmporschenut also a fan of hondas 07/27/2015 at 00:42

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i dig the vans and perry choice, but i don't think i could manage with the new balances, whenever i have my airmax 1 on i hate life lol

mitology > 2Cent86 07/27/2015 at 00:45

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couldn’t agree more, why can’t the good things be cheap for once lol

CaptDale - is secretly British > mitology 07/27/2015 at 18:43

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Converse or similar high heel thin sole.

JDIGGS > mitology 07/28/2015 at 02:11

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they are completely comfortable daily. If you wear shorts they are a little tall. I Usually wear them whenever I go for a drive, go karting, and track days of course.

NJAnon > mitology 07/28/2015 at 08:55

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We’re not there yet. :P

Sir_Stig: and toxic masculinity ruins the party again. > Decay buys too many beaters 09/03/2015 at 11:20

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I have the minimus trainers, and can confirm good pedal feel. I wish the heel was a touch more rounded though...

bleedsblue23 > Jagvar 09/04/2015 at 00:46

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my coworkers all make fun of me bc I need to put my shoes back on. whatevs. clutch is hard to feel with dress shoes.

Tapas > mitology 09/21/2015 at 18:46

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I have had Puma MadCatz (or whatever they’re called) for a while. Great sneaker, love them. The sole is thin, flat and consistent. Gives a good even contact area between the shoe and pedal.

Recently bought Johnston Murphy driving shoes. They’re not as comfy, or driving-friendly if you ask me.

The sole for the Murphys has a wierd pattern that doesnt give me uniform contact. This doesn’t bother me as much. But the fact that they arent as comfortable is the worst negetive point.

mitology > Tapas 09/22/2015 at 01:28

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another reason to just get comfortable sneakers lol

Tapas > mitology 09/22/2015 at 01:40

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True, but ones with thin soles. Not the fat lumpy ones, so you can feeeeel the pedals.

Oh they’re called Puma Drift Cat 5