I searched through the archives but most of the threads deal with alternative autocross shoes. I'm looking for information on nomex racing boots. I think I would prefer a mid-top or high-top to the low-cut shoes just for safety purposes, but I also don't want anything too restrictive. My only requirement is that they be legal for roadracing. Will I really notice a difference between $200 sparco shoes vs. $60 G-force shoes? Is one safer than another? Comfort? It's not like I'm walking anywhere. Also, do they run near the same sizes as street shoes? I'm having a hard time finding places locally to try them on.

 

travis, I don't know if there is a "popular opinion" on the subject so I'll offer up mine. I would put shoes right up there w/ helmet and gloves - all these items are pretty vital to your ability to get out of a wreck. Plus, all the nomex socks I find seem pretty damned thin. Now I am not saying to buy this or that or that a suit isn't important as well, just that I would look at this as a long term investment just as I would with a glove or helmet. I have the Simpson high tops, I wanted the overlap - they are trucking right along after 2 years and I'd expect to get some more life out of them. Also, as for comfort, a good shoe will probably keep the heat down a bit in the footwell.

BTW, I just noticed looking at the Team Simpson site (www.teamsimpson.com), they are doing 15% off on all blue and red driving shoes.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by phat-S &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
BTW, I just noticed looking at the Team Simpson site (www.teamsimpson.com), they are doing 15% off on all blue and red driving shoes. </TD></TR></TABLE>

Thanks for the advice. I agree that I don't want to skimp on safety, but we all know that most lower end items are "safe," just not always comfortable or convenient. Thanks for the link above. The simpson high-tops are only $76 in blue/red. That's not a bad deal at all!

 

I have the G-Force. I can recognize that they're lower quality than Sparco or OMP, but I don't think they're less safe. They're thicker and have no "features". They're comfortable for driving, even in enduros. They're not that comfortable for walking. They cost 50$ and I was just looking at having the minimum legal stuff. I got a really good deal on an OMP suit at 430$CAD, I bought a used Bell MAG4 for 125$CAD, Leaf gloves for 75$CAD and these shoes with OMP socks. I also got the G-Force balaclava. So I spent a total of 550$US on safety equipment. No problems so far.

 

i have the Sparco Top 2 model. i got it partially because i got it for $50 off. i also bought them on recommendation from a friend. said friend had some G-Force shoes, and they fell apart after 1 season. he also said that the Sparco is much more comfortable to walk around in. i also like that i can pull my suit over the shoes and get some overlap (there are probably G-Force models that do the same).

i probably agree with you though, the cheaper stuff is most likely really close on the safety factor, but longevity and comfort are not there.

 

I have the cheap simpson model and they're junk. They're better than tennis shoes - I bought them because my feet are so big - but compared to everything else they're just... well, cheap.

The newer models simpson is making are much different though. With a size 14 foot, all the Euro models weren't an option.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Civic44 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I have the G-Force. I can recognize that they're lower quality than Sparco or OMP, but I don't think they're less safe. </TD></TR></TABLE>

I used to put OMP in a high stratospheric catagory as well but seeing how much my silly expensive (new) suit continues to deteriorate in the gusset area and how rediculously easy it seems to tear (gussets/cuffs), I am not a fan. I don't know squat about their helmets, shoes and socks but count me in as a non-fan of their gloves and suits (admitedly from one example of each). My gloves ... they got wet one day, I wiped them on each other and the palms wore through. Plus they have some VERY confusing stuff going on w/ their "racing gloves" where several guys I know have bought them to find out they don't have SFI tags.

I really love the Momo stuff (seats, wheel, suit) I've bought. I have been very happy with the Simpson products I've bought (shoes, gloves). I have been very happy with my belts (TRW Sabelt/Sparco). I just have not had the same confidence in what I've bought from OMP.

Just one guy with limited experiences though. I know a lof of guys that have OMP and absolutely love the stuff. I might have just had two very random experiences.

 

just for another perspective, i love my OMP suit, but i've only worn it 2x .

travis
-who wishes it was march so there would only be one more month till racing season.

 

Buy the best protection you can afford. Check the ratings, construction, and fit. If you can afford the best, buy it. If you get caught in a car fire, you want the best you can get. I have been in 3 oil fires when I drove Late model Stock cars, all fires were when involved in crashes with other cars. Fire and fuels were supplied from the other cars. Check out what the pro's are wearing!! Your protection is as only good as the worst prepped car you compete with!!!

 

just throwing this out there for you travis. the GCR states construction of "leather and/or non-flammable material". so its not like hiking boots wouldnt be within the GCR. only the socks have to be made of nomex. just the facts, do with it as you wish.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Tyson &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">just throwing this out there for you travis. the GCR states construction of "leather and/or non-flammable material". so its not like hiking boots wouldnt be within the GCR. only the socks have to be made of nomex. just the facts, do with it as you wish.</TD></TR></TABLE>

And the NASA rule book states "...or common cowhide leather." Your point is well taken and I certainly have shoes that would be legal under this requirement. Still, I'm not sure that I want to be in that position should I need them.

 

Understanding that hands and feet are in extra danger from fire and that, while suede and leather shrink a LOT when it gets hot, I've always tried to stay away from those options.

The result is that I have an extremely crappy looking pair of Deist boots that are several layers of nomex without dead animal covering. They look like hell but have held up amazingly well.

They do not attract chicks like pimpy red booties.

K

 

I got a pair of NoFear racing shoes from Racer Wholesale on clearance for $50. Very nice, pretty comfy and have held up pretty well. They do look a little odd with the silver panel though.

 

Travis: I have been wearing the Simpson Low Top version and they are very comfortable. The High Top is also an excellent choice. When they are on sale they are very affordable. You can get them tagged (SFI) if you want like I did. No matter what brand be careful when you decide on size. Mine are 1/2 size smaller than my running shoes. As others have said this brand holds up well over time. I use shoe trees when they are in the gearbag.

 

Once again I see that members like to state the mininum requirements stated in rules, and not thinking logically about the facts. Most driver's do not think about what could happen or it won't or can't happen to me! I have seen driver's wear torn, worn out, greased stained fire suits, pro-ban, mininum requirements with nylon Athletic tee's under their suits, anything man made melts, to skin!! Driver's have worn tennis shoes, boots, etc, all melt or burn! When you are in sitting position, driving, pant legs usually shorten around the ankle, leaving 1 layer protection exposed to posible heat or flame, Wear high top driving shoes and tuck the fire suit leg into the boot, may not look really cool, but could give the extra seconds you need to get out of a burning car.
"So that everyone basically understands safety burn ratings, here are some facts: SFI-1= 6 seconds, SFI-5 =19 seconds, TPP, the Industry standard.
Many sanctioning bodies allow leather for shoes and gloves. Leather transfers heat almost instantly, and shrinks with sufficient force to crush foot/hand bones. Any man made plastic or rubber will burn, or worse, melt and can imbed into the skin, requiring skin grafting. You must use your hands and feet in a fire, yet, they have TPP ratings of less than your drivers suit. Any scar tissue on your ankles or hands will severely limit use. Nomex socks are a must, and I don't mean dirty or worn thin. I personally would not think of driving with a plastic, leather or rubber shoe. The same goes for gloves. With the advent of fire resistant materials, and now Kevlar, no one need settle for inferior materials and take unnecessary fire risk."
If you have ever worked around heat, wearing leather like welding gloves, you will know leather gloves transfer heat very well to you skin, and when you sweat in them, they transfer heat even faster. You can pull the glove away from the work and cool off, hard to do if you are in a car, trying to stop to get out. Remember, you will be buckled in, window net up, and most likely, panicked!

 

CagedRuss, where are you finding an exterior and interior Nomex (or PBI?) racing boot? Everything I have seen has the leather/suede exterior and (hopefully) Nomex lining. Some only say lined w/ FR material.

 

similarly, I have only seen leather/suede gloves, at least in the palm, with a Nomex top... I looked at OMP, Sparco, and Momo.

 

If you look at the manufacture of your racing boots, they will have leather applied to the outside only, with normal thread. When they burn, they will peel away from the Nomex boot. The leather is only applied for normal wear and tear from walking, etc. The remarks above was made for comments for wearing hiking boots etc, not from leather applied Racing Boots.

The gloves are applied in the same fashion, Most manufactures will state the same.

Shoes - 33610 Heat Shield Kevlar/Carbon

Design to help combat heat in the cockpit, these High Performance, High Quality Driving shoes are designed and manufactured in North America by leading experts in the shoe and boot industry for you.
FEATURES:
*Aluminized Kevlar Outer
*Kevlar/Carbon Knit upper and sock lining.
*2 needled grippex coated outer toe for better pedal control.
*Wear guard on heel for durable grip.
*Radiantex mid sock with metallized thermal reflective membrane to help keep heat out and felt to evacuate perspiration.
*Oil resistant, Flame retardant PVC soles.
*2 Strong Velcro brand strap closures for best fit.
*Padded for comfort tongue, lined with Kevlar/Carbon.
*Strong 90 Tek Nomex thread used.

SFI APPROVED!

Youth sizes 1 - 6.5
Adult sizes 7 - 13
Adult Plus sizes 14 - 15


This is an example, these are the boots I have.

 

cool. thanks for the clarification.

 

I have a set of G-Farce boots. They have seen ~3 years of HPDE use and are holding up well. I believe I paid around $50 for them at Racer Wholesale. Seems like the Sparco and Simpson gear can be had for just a few dollars more. Mine are black and I will need to get some blue ones to match my new pimpy race suit, so I will try to Sparcos or the Simpsons next time.

No complaints about these as far as build and longevity. Not sure of they are any more safe/un-safe then the other brands.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by SJR &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">similarly, I have only seen leather/suede gloves, at least in the palm, with a Nomex top... I looked at OMP, Sparco, and Momo.</TD></TR></TABLE>

It seems that all of the European gloves are single layer nomex.

Personally, I use the double layer nomex gloves.

 

Sparco Elite II's in black, fit and feel great, but I have to sell them to finish other winter projects. I bought them for just under $200 shipped, they honestly couldn't be any newer looking, I'll sell them for $100 plus shipping if anyone is interested. They're size 43 which is a 9.5-10.5 I think. I wear 10.5 and there is extra room for thick socks.