Sim racing shoes offer an enhancement to the sim racing experience by mimicking the reality of a real world driver. Not only do they look the part, they actually have there practical use. Although there are some naysayers who will dispute as to whether they are necessary and may have a point. However as individuals in pursuit of varying goals in our passions essentially it comes down to your preference.
In this article I will be exploring the various footwear (or non footwear) sim racers use. Understanding why it may be beneficial for you to consider purchasing some sim racing shoes.
What are the best shoes for car racing?
There are a few varying types of shoes sim racers users. If it’s not socks then sim racers can be found wearing sim specific shoes, karting, or even aqua shoes. Yes indeed the ones worn on a sunny beach (yes you read right). Depending on your own specific criteria this will determine which is best for you.
Racing or sim specific boots are preferably the ideal accessory to use for sim racing. This is due to the practical nature of the shoes. Most are likely to have padding on the soles and the heels which aid towards comfortability when making contact with the pedals.
Although the contact may not be as connected as lets say wearing socks, racing shoes tend to have thin soles . This still provides a fair amount of feeling between foot and pedal.
However due to being well insulated sim racing shoes can become warm and sweaty. Watch out for those balmy summer days or if your rig does not have adequate cooling appliances surrounding it.
Why do sim racers wear socks?
Sim racers wear socks mainly for the purpose of comfort, protection and an overall immersive experience. Dependant on the type of pedals that a sim racers users this will determine the extent as to whether racing shoes are required. Although this is not the main factor it does have an impact on the force used if a sim racers goes bare foot with socks or with racing shoes.
Another reason sim racers where socks is that Socks are very low cost, you really don’t have to break the bank for a pair. An instrumental purpose for socks is that they do actually feel great on pedals. The racer has a strong connection and feel for the vehicle they are driving. However this is not the case all the time as the high end Sim pedals can be hard on the feet and not designed for comfort when using socks.
In turn if your room and the surroundings of your rig are not warm you will find that base plates can feel uncomfortably cold if wearing socks. Negatively socks can also wear out and depending on the brand this can happen quite quickly.
Performance
With Load cell pedals you are required to apply more pressure when braking in relation to potentiometer or high end d based pedals due to the difference in mechanics.
When using socks on potentiometer pedals you are likely to encounter fatigue which will lead to mistakes as braking becomes more and more inconsistent. Inevitably this will make you slower and a detriment to your performance.
There is an argument to suggest that you do not need for sim racing shoes if you do not have load cell pedals potentiometer pedals are fairly easier to brake on in socks.
Cheap sim racing shoes
The cheaper end of the scale will be either the sim specific racing shoe or Non Karting shoes such as the aqua shoes. You will find that the aqua shoes have the most ease of use to put on and take off which acts like a slip on shoe.
Sparco Hyperdrive
The first of the Sparco brand sim racing shoes in this list. The Sparco hyperdrives have been marked as sim specific racing shoes. What you will find with the hyperdrives is that they are quite narrow. Depending on the individual foots shape they hyperdrives may potentially be a bit tight. To note they may also come up quite long on the foot, there is a small but noticeable extension at the end of the boot that may not fit true to size.
The shoes are nicely designed however there is not much ventilation as they are a very close fit with not much ventilation. The lower edges of the boot look far from premium so durability may be questionable.
Sim Hound
Sim Hound are a dedicated sim racing company and have brought a super lightweight sim racing shoe to the market. Inspired by lightweight beach shoes Sim Hound have developed a thin and grippy sole. In addition there is a rolled heel to provide extra comfort.
The sim racing shoe is also based on karting but without the extra clunkiness. The shoes are comfortable and as they are slip on they have good elasticity. A very breathable shoe where it is unlikely that you will have issues with sweat.
Sparco Kruns
The second installment from the Sparco range. The Kruns offer a wide variety of colours which will appeal to the colour freaks out there. Designed specifically for karting you will find that they can get particularly warm. This is the only downside as they are nice and comfortable offering a great connection with the pedals. You will also find they provide great protection.
Abruzzi
Abruzzi’s main selling point is the ability to customise. However the quality of their sim racing shoe is a major selling point. Made to a high quality the soles are flexible made of a thin rubber that is very grippy.
Along with the rest of the boot the quality of the stitching looks durable with clean cut sealing around the edge. As the rubber on the sole is thin you still manage to have a good feel of contact to the pedal.
A highly comfortable boot which also offers good support of the ankles with a strap.