Sparco Race Cat (Puma) shoes - any good?

[alexm520]

Hi Guys,

Looking for reviews and comments about Sparco Race Cat (Puma) driving shoes. They would be used for DE and lapping days.

1) How does their sole compare to the true racing shoes?
a) just as thin and same pedal feel
b) a bit thicker than racing shoes but still fair bit thinner than any other shoe.

2) Are they comfortable just to walk around the padock area?

3) Does the sole last the same period as true racing shoes (meaning: wears out quickly) or does it last a bit longer?


Thanks,

AlexM520

[Law]

BTW - where did You get Your C/F Interiour?

Anyway, to Your Question, I prefer thin low cut shoes and use either the old Stand 21 015 Shoe or the OMP Best Shoe. Checked out the Puma and found It was too High and looked like a "hot" Shoe.

ALL Race Shoes are designed to be removed at ALL times One is out of the Auto!

Dan Law
PTC, GA

[maomaoLTW]

The Race Cat IS a racing shoe unlike some of the other motorsport insipired shoes by PUMA. Although I have never worn it before, I expect it to be just like other Sparco race shoes with the same level of feel and feedback. the non-racing Race Cat is called Repli-cat, I believe.

[alexm520]

Law,

My C/F interior came from the factory as part of Canadian M-SPort package (similar to US' Performance package minus 10hp and only 5speed since it was beginning of 2003 model year).
This C/F is called "Silver Aluminum Cube Trim". It is not as shiny/nice as aftermarket C/F I seen, but for a factory trim I absolutely love it (not to bright or dark).

I know what you mean about taking off the racing shoe but I am willing to give up a bit of pedal feel for comfortable walking at padock and a bit longer sole life. I am just doing DE and open lapping days.

I bought and later sold (earlier this week) PILOTI Monaco driving shoes, they are definetely were too thick (sole) for my taste.

I actually tried Race Cat and normal Sparco racing shoes a couple of days ago. The heel support is very similar between two shoes (race cat puma may have just a touch higher, but nothing major). The main difference you can feel is at the foot's ball support .....racing shoe is completely flat on inside from middle to front (toes) of your foot where as Race Cat has a little support around /just before the "ball" area, which does make walking a bit more comfortable.


maomaoLTW,

I did not try the Replica Race Cat, but to my knowledge the only difference between Replica and regular Race Cat is one is FIRE Resistant and replica is not.


AlexM520

[rockfish66]

I just spent 2 days at the track in G-Force Mid shoes. I wore them all day - walked probably 5 miles in them!

I'm sure they are not the absolute best for pedal feel, but if you are looking for a decent, cheap ($60 at saferacer.com) shoe for autox and track days I can recommend them.

[alexm520]

Apparently Race Cat does not come in mid-top (discontinued), not even replica version :mad:

I checked out G-Force 235 mid-top on saferacer.com, apparently it is their most popular one.

Rockfish66, so does G-Force has innersole with arch support which makes walking a bit more comfortable than other racing shoe like Sparco?

I tried Sparco Racing 2 shoe and I don't believe it had ANY arch support.

Thanks,

AlexM520

[rockfish66]

The G-Force seems to have some arch support - I am surprised how comfortable it was outside the car.

It probably has a thicker sole and more padding than a hard-core race shoe, but much less than a running shoe (which seems to be what the Piloti's are based on).

Honestly, my primary criteria in buying a shoe was cost, since I might wear them 15 times a year if I'm lucky. I think these shoes, being slightly heavier construction, might even end up lasting longer than some others - making the real cost even cheaper. I was pleasantly surprised how well they work and how comfortable they are.

I know it's a pain, but if you can't find a place to try a bunch on I think at least Saferacer has a decent return policy...