The best sim racing shoes

Step up your sim racing with the right pair of boots


by Myles Warwood |
Updated on

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

Sparco S-Pole Shoes
Price: £30.78 (Was £57.02)

www.demon-tweeks.com

Description

Inspired by karting shoes, these S-pole boots by Sparco have features making them perfect for

Pros

  • Rubber sole provides excellent grip
  • The ergonomic insole provides excellent comfort
  • Breathable

Cons

  • Not much rubber at the side of the foot

Sparco Martini Racing SL-17 Shoes
Price: £43.24 (Was £84.00)

www.demon-tweeks.com

Description

There are very few names synonymous with motorsport as Martini. From Formula 1 to the World Rally

Pros

  • Look good
  • Reputable brand
  • Great sale price

Cons

  • Limited sizing options

Sparco SL-17 Shoes
Price: £43.70 (Was £65.79)

www.demon-tweeks.com

Description

The same shoes as above but not in the desirable Martini livery. These shoes are constructed from

Pros

  • Nice colour options
  • Reputable brand
  • Ideal for driving and leisure

Cons

  • The slimline toe box doesn’t fit all feet

Description

It’s no surprise that Sparco features so much in this round-up. It's one of the most reputable

Pros

  • Reputable brand
  • Good price
  • More of a stiffer shoe

Cons

  • Might not be as breathable as those before it

Description

Tell everyone you’re a Ferrari fan without telling everyone you’re a Ferrari fan. With their

Pros

  • For Ferrari fans
  • Puma are reputable in motorsport
  • Plenty of rubber for grip

Cons

  • Made from synthetic leather might not be breathable enough

Description

These look like a pair of flyknits with their lightweight and comfortable upper – purpose-built

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Comfortable
  • Breathable

Cons

  • Only for sim racing

Description

Consider these if you’re a Puma fan but not a Ferrari fan. Like the Puma mentioned above, but with

Pros

  • Look good
  • Multi-function
  • Iconic look

Cons

  • Higher price in comparison

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