It might seem extreme, but sim racing shoes are a thing nestled in the world of awesome accessories for your sim racing set-up. You don’t see racing drivers jump into a car in a pair of Loafers, do you? Well, not unless you’re Ayrton Senna doing a promo video in a Honda NSX. But you’re not one of the most charismatic and lauded Formula 1 drivers of all time, but you could be driving an NSX around Suzuka on one of your driving games.
And once you’ve purchased your sim racing shoes, you may want to know the best sim racing socks. Well, we work hard at CAR to determine these trivial things. Picking your sim racing footwear can give you many hours of comfort in your rig.
What to look for in sim racing shoes
The right shoes will mean that you have a grip on the pedals, perfect for a bit of heel and toe, but you may be wondering what racing shoes are. Well, more than shoes that go on your feet when you’re racing, they have design features that help you drive better. You’ll notice that the rubber comes up the heel. This gives you grip while working the pedals. The top of the shoe might be made out of a fabric which aids breathability and flexibility.
Most, if not all, sim racing shoes will be lace-ups. This is good. It means you can get the correct level of tightness on your feet. A nice tight pair of shoes will give you ultimate control over your pedals, leaving no dead zone and no wriggle room.
Lastly, make sure they fit correctly. Different shoes will come in various widths. If they pinch on your toes, they will fatigue your feet more quickly, and you’ll look forward to taking them off. They should feel like sim racing slippers, nice and comfy.
The best sim racing shoes
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Inspired by karting shoes, these S-pole boots by Sparco have features making them perfect for driving and then walking about the house after to celebrate a title win. You could even wear them in your car down to the shops. The breathable microfibre upper part makes them comfortable to wear too.
Pros
- Rubber sole provides excellent grip
- The ergonomic insole provides excellent comfort
- Breathable
Cons
- Not much rubber at the side of the foot
- Kart shoe inspired rubber sole provides superb grip and feel while driving
- Breathable microfibre material reduces perspiration and helps keep your feet more comfortable
- Ergonomic insole provides high levels of comfort even when worn for prolonged periods
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There are very few names synonymous with motorsport as Martini. From Formula 1 to the World Rally Championship, its liveries have been celebrated on some of the coolest cars of all time. We think these Martini Racing Sparco SL-17 shoes are mega, and should give you quicker lap times too.
Pros
- Look good
- Reputable brand
- Great sale price
Cons
- Limited sizing options
- A slim design ideal for vehicles with limited room around the pedals
- Martini racing stripes and limited edition colour
- Race boot-derived sole provides optimum grip and feels for driving or walking
- Soft micro fibre uppers for a comfortable fit and feel.
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The same shoes as above but not in the desirable Martini livery. These shoes are constructed from a soft microfibre upper with a rubber sole, very similar to that on a racing boot. Being sim shoes, they can afford to have more perforations and breathability, and this is what these shoes offer.
Pros
- Nice colour options
- Reputable brand
- Ideal for driving and leisure
Cons
- The slimline toe box doesn’t fit all feet
- A slim design ideal for vehicles with limited room around the pedals
- Martini racing stripes and limited edition colour
- Race boot-derived sole provides optimum grip and feels for driving or walking
- Soft micro fibre uppers for a comfortable fit and feel.
It’s no surprise that Sparco features so much in this round-up. It's one of the most reputable brands in terms of motor racing apparel. The SP-75 is a little more out there in terms of design and features a synthetic upper, still with comfort and breathability in mind.
Pros
- Reputable brand
- Good price
- More of a stiffer shoe
Cons
- Might not be as breathable as those before it
Tell everyone you’re a Ferrari fan without telling everyone you’re a Ferrari fan. With their low-profile cut, these from Puma state your team without you even opening your mouth. The black and red design, and the Ferrari badge, it's undeniably pretty cool. The rubber extending to the heel also provides extra grip for heel and toeing.
Pros
- For Ferrari fans
- Puma are reputable in motorsport
- Plenty of rubber for grip
Cons
- Made from synthetic leather might not be breathable enough
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These look like a pair of flyknits with their lightweight and comfortable upper – purpose-built for sim racers. Super light and comfortable and with thin rubber soles, these should give you the ultimate feel on the pedals.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Comfortable
- Breathable
Cons
- Only for sim racing
- Internal sock design for a better fit and feel
- Racing boot sole for the best pedal feel
- Perforated material for improved ventilation
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Consider these if you’re a Puma fan but not a Ferrari fan. Like the Puma mentioned above, but with a simpler racing look, the motorsport-derived sole gives you a great pedal feel as you drive. They're great for use on a sim racer or just walking about in, they offer plenty of grip and look pretty cool, too.
Pros
- Look good
- Multi-function
- Iconic look
Cons
- Higher price in comparison
- Low-cut design with a comfortable fit and feel
- Motorsport-derived rubber sole
- Rounded heal designed for driving to provide a smooth transition between pedals
- High-quality suede upper with contrasting Puma Formstrip
- Sparco brand logo features on the tongue