Gear Talk: 'Daddy needs a new pair of shoes' - Racing Shoes Guide - Team Juicy Racing's Racing School and Race Series Forums

MJAmok · #1 01-09-2006

I'm trying to buy a new pair of hi-top racing shoes.

I have had the medium height Sparcos for 4 years and have been happy with them. (except when worn under booties!)

I just tried a pair of Diadora mids... very light and comfy. But, they stopped making racing shoes- at least for now. No hi tops available in my size.

I currently seem to be deciding between Sparco and Sabelt. The Sabelt feel more comfortable in the house, for what that is worth.

Anyone have any wisdom to share?

Charlie25 · #2 01-09-2006

I just got a shiney new pair of Oaklies myself, and they worked perfectly at Laguna, just as long as you don't hike from the paddock to the Corkscrew then sprint down the hill back to the paddock. That will give you blisters.

Otherwise, they fit well, gripped the pedals well and gave great support.

Sz28r · #3 01-09-2006

I'm in need of new shoes too - - I'm currently leaning towards the
Sparco high tops - - my brother and his son both have the Oaklie
high tops and like them so far - - I need to check out the Oaklie
soles, they look thick like a tennis shoe - ?? - I want something that
is pretty thin to allow good pedal feel.

Where are you finding the best prices??

badgersid · #4 01-09-2006

o k here is my wisdom. i use to grind the sole's of my new shoe's to have a better feel for the pedal's wear them around the neighborhood for awhile to break them in

better to be uncomfortable at home than in a car

p.s. the bird is in the nest

Duncan · #5 01-09-2006

I like my Oakley boots a lot. They are the most comfortable racing shoes I've had and leave nothing to be desired in pedal feel.

sydude · #6 01-09-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Duncan

I like my Oakley boots a lot. They are the most comfortable racing shoes I've had and leave nothing to be desired in pedal feel.

The Oakleys stink! They're way too stiff. But I guess that comes in handy when you do endos. Instant protection for your feet!

Seriously, I bought a pair and tried them on against my current Sparco X-Pros and my old OMP Formulas, and they were awful in comparison to both. My impression of them was they would be very useful in a closed wheel stock car that had lots of engine heat coming through the firewall or the floorplan, and that had lots of room to move your legs around, as your ankles are rendered useless. The soles are much too thick as well. In my opinion, the Sparco X-Pro is the shoe to get for Formula car use.

Duncan · #7 01-09-2006

Perhaps those of us with feet large enough to be everywhere at once aren't bothered by this alleged lack of ankle flexibility :P

MJAmok · #8 01-09-2006

Sy

I agree about the Oakleys... too heavy.

But why the Sparco over the Sabelt?

The guy at Northstar Motorsports convinced me to try them. He says they are made better. They are lighter and more comfortable than the Sparcos. The shoe is the same width, but the sole is a bit wider. The sole on both is about the same thickness.

I am a creature of habit and my gut tells me to stick with the Sparco, but my head says Sabelt.

arig · #9 01-09-2006

michael, what about the puma's and alpinestars? puma has asymmetrical lacing and the large heel cutout and alpinestars just came out with new boots for this year. i have the old style and i like them a lot. also, have you tried stand21? sorry to add options.

sydude · #10 01-10-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by MJAmok

Sy

I agree about the Oakleys... too heavy.

But why the Sparco over the Sabelt?

I've never tried the Sabelts, and I've never really heard anything about them either. If price determines quality (most of the time it does..) though, than the Sabelts are probably not as good as the Sparcos.

Sz28r · #11 01-10-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by sydude

If price determines quality (most of the time it does..)

What about Simpson High tops?? (1/2 the price of the Sparco's)

http://www.simpsonraceproducts.com/p...showFeatures=1

My old Bell high tops look very similar, I'm thinking of giving them a try - the Sparco's are
my next choice, the only issue is that I like to put the shoe string ends up into the bottom
velcro strap - the Sparco only has one velcro strap on top - - don't want those shoe strings
getting tangled in the pedals

MJAmok · #12 01-10-2006

Actually, I don't like the X-lite Sparcos... so I am comparing the Top2 Sparco which is roughly the same price as the Sparco.

Northstar, which sells most of the brands discussed here, highly recommends the Sabelt.

macdod · #13 01-10-2006

The only shoes that are going to help you Auriemma either have an engine strapped to them or wheels!

Here the best I could find.

http://www.heelys.com/

See you at Sebring

dalyduo · #14 01-10-2006

Don't forget these little beauties Donald...

DJR1126 · #15 01-10-2006

hey
i recently got a pair of oakley high-tops and personally i think they are very comfortable. I wear a size 15 tennis shoe and 14 in the racing shoe so i wasn't too concerned about the weight although they are pretty lightweight compared to my regular shoes. when you look at the shoe it doesnt look like youd get much pedal feel out of them but you get a lot. personally id go for the oakleys
-DJ

Sz28r · #16 01-11-2006

Hey DJ,
Good to see you on the site - - some good info here.

I strongly considered the Oaklies knowing you and your
dad really like them, but decided to go with Simpson high
tops right now, cheaper and look very similar to our old
Bell racing high tops - - we'll see

Steve

DJR1126 · #17 01-11-2006

ive seen good reviews for both pairs of shoes so you'll be fine either way
-DJ

LimeRockRacer · #18 01-11-2006

Buy the f'n shoes already Michael! Why dont you buy both, try them on and walk around the house for an afternoon in each of them and return the ones you like least. I am sure Northstar would work with you here...

I agree with Pat though, your competitors prefer you wear booties