Driving Shoes - Merrell 'Barefoot' Tough Glove

[wolfgang]

Just wearing in a pair of Merrell 'Barefoot' Tough Glove shoes.

They look like this:



Basically they're like an expensive pair of plimsoles. It takes a bit of getting used to wearing a pair of Merrell's Barefoot shoes and they take around a week to 'bed in'. Initially they're very tight, particularly if you have wide feed, and it's advisable to order at least the next half size up from your regular size.

But once they're worn in, they are extremely light and the 'Barefoot' principle really comes through. You can feel the ground through the thin (but very tough) soles. They change the way you walk and are predominantly walking shoes.

However, I purchased a pair for driving and they are very, very good. Due to the lack of a heel and the thin soles, I had to move my seat forward a touch. You can control the pedals a lot more finely and this really contributes to the driving experience.

Highly recommended!

Is anyone else into driving shoes? If so, which makes do you recommend and how have they helped your driving?

[wrekka]

Will give the Merrell a try sometime. I use Piloti, this particular model http://www.piloti.com/Prototipo-P396.aspx?Color=813
Again very tight to begin with but good feel and a rolled heel-meant for easier heel and toeing! lol

[PJC]

I wear these not very often in the RS though. Does make a big difference.

http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/Motorspor ... s/1444/249

In black not red though.

[sonny]

I use these for track days in the RS. Butt find that most smooth soled trainers will do the job.

http://www.gprdirect.com/racewear/race- ... ot-27.html

[PJC]

Deck shoes are good too.

[adsgreen]

I love my sparconrace boots similar to the two above.
I prefer boots to shoes as I find them more stable. Proper race boots have a concave sole which he's with pedals but don't try running with the very thin soles !

[andre3k]

Chuck Tyrwhitt do a pretty classy driving shoe. Much more casual and less sporty as some o the examples above

[svassileou]

Gant Joyriders - despite a name that a Bronski Beat tribute band wouldn't be ashamed of, they're great driving shoes. Any Tods driving shoes are great to wear. I also have a pair of old Bally suede driving shoes that have lasted really well.

[Rick_RS4]

geez how old are you all? flat cap and pipe thread next.

[wolfgang]

^ LOL. Old mate, old! At our age 'every little helps'...

[klauster]

I wear Y-3 trainers, good pedal feel as the soles are thin and they are cool

[Rick_RS4]

^ LOL. Old mate, old! At our age 'every little helps'...

ha ha fair enough

[edge]

A little off topic, but on the same lines of the barefoot shoes.

The first time I drove in these it was quite strange and touchy, but now used to it!

heres the review I did for them on my training blog.



So after checking out these a few times in 53 Degrees North, I finally went and purchased a pair of black KSOs (Keep Stuff Out). The whole range is designed to fit the exact size of your foot and you need to be measured properly to ensure a good fit. When I put them on for the first time, which does take some time , I was impressed and surprised how it felt. Its really a foot glove. They are so different from any other shoe I have ever worn. They are very lightweight compared to traditional runners. The sole is very thin, 3.5mm thick and made of a hard wearing rubber compound. The upper fabric is stretchy and comfortable. A single Velcro strap wraps around the heel and over the foot to help secure the shoe to your foot.

I was worried about traction in the KSO as the sole is quite sleek. This hasn't been an issue, but I have not worn them too much in the rain or on wet surfaces.

I first started using them for short walks. I found that my feet got quite tired quickly at first. Like some part of my feet were not used to the movement. This got less of an issue over time and wear. My next task and the main reason to purchase them was to wear them down to the gym to train in. I read a few posts on weight lifting in bare feet for better stability. So this is where I was hoping to get the most use out of them. One of the first downsides was that we would be doing a 400m run during our WODs. So I would have to change into normal runners to do this as it was hard to run at speed over the hard ground. I even found the warm up 400m sore.

Over time I got used to running 400m in them and my feet adapted. The hardest part of a run was the slowing down to stop and turn. It took some time to be able to get used to doing this at pace. This shoe can be worn comfortably for long periods of time. Just don't be surprised to see people staring at them from time to time!

After about 5 months of use, my KSOs developed a little odour. I've washed them in a towel wash at 30 degrees and once dry there were like new. I am aware that this can be done for all runners, but over time it can weaken the glue holding the upper and lower together. I will have to see how it goes.

About a month ago, I purchased a second pair. I went for something with a bit more grip.

As you can see from the image below, the differences in these compared to the KSO is a brand new sole design to the Vibram line that includes podded Vibram rubber, a small amount of EVA that is thickest under the ball of the foot, an Achilles notch, and a few other additions such as reflective material on the strap and heel.

I would recommend the Vibram's Five Fingers to anyone. There very comfortable to wear day to day and can be got quite cheap compared to normal runner, just cant wear these to a club

[Steve_C]

I often drive in bare feet - takes a bit of getting used to but makes everything a lot more sensitive.

[crispy]

Puma Speedcats for me. Nice, comfortable, and don't look too daft when you're not in the car.

To be honest, they are really for the Caterham, where there is absolutely no room between the pedals, and normal shoes result in an emergency stop when you try to change gear