[Absolut Speed]

Never really had dedicated shoes for open track days and autocross. Besides fire retardant, any major differences between wrestling shoes (cheaper) and driving shoes? Any brands to stay away from due to quality or comfort?

[sgarnett]

My autocross shoes are Birkenstock (closed, regular shoes)(IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

First of all, there's a lot of walking in a day of autocross, even without the course walking.

Second, I've driven in thin, sensitive shoes, but didn't care for it. I prefer firm, stable shoes, and on the occasional course that requires downshifting, the wide toe makes heel-toe easier.

However, while Birkenstocks are orthotic by nature, they don't have much padding. The footbed is actually quite firm, and not really all that thick, so I don't think I'm giving up much pedal feel. A thickly padded shoe would probably feel very dead on the pedals now.