Gold FFM Greg | ValetPro Posted February 26, 2021 Gold FFM Report Share Posted February 26, 2021 I've been looking for some good drivers shoes that look like normal shoes but keep my hobbit like feet small and compact. For track days I have some sparco which are great. But wanted something that was better for daily use. When I look for driver shoes all I can seem to find are moccasin style. I don't really want slippers for the car. I want shoe's I would wear once I get out of the car. What are the best shoe makes to look at? Quote All the Best Greg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bravo73 Posted February 26, 2021 Report Share Posted February 26, 2021 How about the Adidas or Puma driving ‘trainers’? https://www.itsamanslife.com/429/adidas-adiracer-worlds-greatest-shoe/ https://eu.puma.com/uk/en/men/shoes/motorsport Otherwise, Sparco do a range of ‘formal(ish)’ driving shoes: https://uk.sparcofashion.com/shoes-man-made-in-italy/ And then, of course, there are Piloti: https://www.pilotiuk.co.uk 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chipp Posted February 26, 2021 Report Share Posted February 26, 2021 These Grandprix Originals - Drive & Lifestyle // EN - Home (grandprix-originals.com) do some nice trainer types as well. chipp 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mattmahope Posted February 26, 2021 Report Share Posted February 26, 2021 I have fairly large size 11 feet and I did not get in with Piloti. Now I use the Puma/Sparco trainers and find they work well. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gold FFM Kevin Wheeler Posted February 26, 2021 Gold FFM Report Share Posted February 26, 2021 I use the cheaper Puma driving shoes (£40?) usually from JD sports. They look somewhere between a trainer and a formal shoe with a very thin sole. Size 10/11 feet and they help me fit in the pedal box of an 84 turbo Esprit. Very comfortable and mean I only hit one pedal at a time - unless I want to do otherwise! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beady Posted February 27, 2021 Report Share Posted February 27, 2021 (edited) google :onitsuka tiger not driving shoes as such but really thin soles so really good and look way cooler than puma. The Mexico ones are great search on facebook as they have regular sales - tend to be about £70-80 but £50-60 in sales. Edited February 27, 2021 by Beady typo 2 Quote construction and property consultants : My company Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toeside Posted February 27, 2021 Report Share Posted February 27, 2021 Lots of different styles and very reasonable prices on "no name" brands on ebay. I bought a cheap pair which I find the best to drive in and look normal when out of the car. Search under Men's drivers shoes. I have a set of Sparco shoes as well but the Ebay cheapies are just as good and look more normal street wear. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bibs Posted February 27, 2021 Report Share Posted February 27, 2021 Sparco just rebrand Puma's I believe. 1 Quote 88 Esprit NA, 89 Esprit Turbo SE, Evora, Evora S, Evora IPS, Evora S IPS, Evora S IPS SR, Evora 400, Elise S1, Elise S1 111s, Evora GT410 Sport Evora NA For forum issues, please contact the Moderators. I will aim to respond to emails/PM's Mon-Fri 9-6 GMT. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gold FFM Greg | ValetPro Posted February 28, 2021 Author Gold FFM Report Share Posted February 28, 2021 Thank you all for your comments. I found a UK stockist of the GrandPrix Orginals. I waiting on them having my size. https://www.195mph.com/accessories-c98/grandprix-originals-racing-leather-sneakers-monza-indigo-p2956/s6751?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=grandprix-originals-racing-sneaker-monza-indigo-shoe-size-uk-9-eu-4-shoe-size-uk-9-eu-43-uk-9-eu-43&utm_campaign=product%2Blisting%2Bads&cid=GBP&gclid=CjwKCAiAm-2BBhANEiwAe7eyFO5bRACvGoIdWNMcBvwT9vxGPS3KQDF8G7fz9iMwxVIK77umtLh_shoC2rcQAvD_BwE Just in case anyone else is looking I also found this company. https://www.pikolinos.com/uk-en/men.html they seem to offer a good range. Quote All the Best Greg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chipp Posted February 28, 2021 Report Share Posted February 28, 2021 195mph I think are the distributer for grandprix originals here. They usually have a stall at the Silverstone Classic. chipp 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gold FFM TdM Posted March 1, 2021 Gold FFM Report Share Posted March 1, 2021 I have Puma speedcats. They are comfy and work brilliantly in the car. I'd rather not walk a long way in them as with any driving shoe, I just find the lack of cushion terrible after a while, fine for short distances around town/in shops though and they look good. Mostly only use them in the car though! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gold FFM Escape Posted March 2, 2021 Gold FFM Report Share Posted March 2, 2021 When I got my second Esprit I bought a pair of Australians for use on a weekend trip to UK. Marketed as normal shoes, they look and feel like driving shoes but the sole gives enough support and grip for walking as well. In neutral brown I could wear them to work as well and did so for a long time. Haven't found anything quite like those again unfortunately. Maybe I should try looking at driving shoes that can cope with daily usage as well. Filip Quote I have made many mistakes in my life. Buying a multiple Lotus is not one of them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
USAndretti42 Posted March 3, 2021 Report Share Posted March 3, 2021 I did drive my Esprit while wearing wellies on occasion. 1 Quote S4 Elan, Elan +2S, Federal-spec, World Championship Edition S2 Esprit #42, S1 Elise, Excel SE Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gold FFM Escape Posted March 4, 2021 Gold FFM Report Share Posted March 4, 2021 12 hours ago, USAndretti42 said: I did drive my Esprit while wearing wellies on occasion. Don't now how you managa that! I've been lazy and kept my safety boots on when having to move the Esprit a couple of times, but that was far from comfortable. I wouldn't take it out on the road like that. Even in the old Range Rover wellies feel like a bad idea (but doable). Quote I have made many mistakes in my life. Buying a multiple Lotus is not one of them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gold FFM Bling Posted March 4, 2021 Gold FFM Report Share Posted March 4, 2021 On 01/03/2021 at 23:37, TdM said: I have Puma speedcats. They are comfy and work brilliantly in the car. I'd rather not walk a long way in them as with any driving shoe, I just find the lack of cushion terrible after a while, fine for short distances around town/in shops though and they look good. Mostly only use them in the car though! I also wear Puma speedcats, driving my Porsche. They are very reasonably priced compared to other driving shoes. They are very narrow which makes them great for driving cars with pedals close together but not optimal for walking. 1 Quote Long time Lotus admirer, recent owner Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yan Posted December 10, 2021 Report Share Posted December 10, 2021 On 03/03/2021 at 08:52, Escape said: When I got my second Esprit I bought a pair of Australians for use on a weekend trip to UK. How did you and two Aussies fit in an Esprit? 🙃 Speaking of Australians, the Senna fanboy in me ssearched for a suitable pair of driving loafers and found these - https://www.aquila.com.au/mens-shoes/driving-shoes?is_page=1&is_index=3 Not sure if you can get them in the UK. There seems to be many other brands that have similar styles. I just make sure the sole is narrow and covers the heel for off throttle comfort. Mine compliment the Puma Speedcats I use most of the time. At the moment the Aussie sun seems to be MIA so haven't worn the loafers much as the intent was to wear them with shorts. Oh well, full Senna mode it is for now... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gold FFM Escape Posted December 11, 2021 Gold FFM Report Share Posted December 11, 2021 12 hours ago, Yan said: How did you and two Aussies fit in an Esprit? 🙃 It's a real snug fit. 🙂 I still haven't found anything quite like them so continue to wear them on occasion. Loafers are not my style, I really should look at proper driving shoes but most don't come in neutral colors. This thread has certainly given me some ideas. Filip 1 Quote I have made many mistakes in my life. Buying a multiple Lotus is not one of them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cdm2018 Posted December 11, 2021 Report Share Posted December 11, 2021 I purchased some puma in my size but found them so tight couldn’t wear them not sure if you should order one size bigger ? anyway my young daughter loves them and wears them as her 10 years old feet have suddenly grown still looking for replacements Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gold FFM C8RKH Posted December 11, 2021 Gold FFM Report Share Posted December 11, 2021 Puma do say they recommend you order one size up. My speedcats have been great. Quote Alcohol. Sex. Tobacco. Drugs. Chocolate. Meh! NOTHING in this world is as addictive as an Evora +0. It's not for babies! The first guy to ride a bull for fun, was a true hero. The second man to follow him was truly nuts! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cdm2018 Posted December 12, 2021 Report Share Posted December 12, 2021 Wish someone told me that before I purchased ! Dam 😮 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bibs Posted December 12, 2021 Report Share Posted December 12, 2021 You could always buy some bigger ones now? Quote 88 Esprit NA, 89 Esprit Turbo SE, Evora, Evora S, Evora IPS, Evora S IPS, Evora S IPS SR, Evora 400, Elise S1, Elise S1 111s, Evora GT410 Sport Evora NA For forum issues, please contact the Moderators. I will aim to respond to emails/PM's Mon-Fri 9-6 GMT. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gold FFM DaveC72 Posted December 13, 2021 Gold FFM Report Share Posted December 13, 2021 On 27/02/2021 at 08:52, Beady said: google :onitsuka tiger not driving shoes as such but really thin soles so really good and look way cooler than puma. The Mexico ones are great search on facebook as they have regular sales - tend to be about £70-80 but £50-60 in sales. +1 for these. Plus you don't look like you're trying too hard to be a driving god. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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