Cheap Pilotis

[The Marty]

Not nomex but still nice shoes. Just ordered 2 pair.

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/search/search.asp?r=Page%3A%2FDefault.asp+KW+Box&s=SEARCH&a=search&k=piloti

[J Squared]

Nice, just ordered a pair. Dont wear yours to the same social functions punk :)

[The Marty]

Nice, just ordered a pair. Dont wear yours to the same social functions punk :)


Well which ones and which color did you get??????????????

[~The_Duke~]

Which ones are fire retardant?

[J Squared]

Prototipo blk/ylw, almost went with the blue ones also but thought twice.

http://www.turnermotorsport.com/image/TMS_Gear/tmsgear_piloti_proto_black_yellow_lg.jpg

[The Marty]

Prototipo blk/ylw, almost went with the blue ones also but thought twice.

http://www.turnermotorsport.com/image/TMS_Gear/tmsgear_piloti_proto_black_yellow_lg.jpg


I got those in blue, and the Spyder's in red. We're safe :D

[J Squared]

nice, we are in synch :)

[Photonic]

Which ones would you recommend Martie :)

[The Marty]

Which ones are fire retardant?
...


Not nomex but still nice shoes.

[~The_Duke~]

...

Bah I already got some pumas...

I am having a english challege today, I am having trouble forming sentances and reading properly...

I think I need more caffine...

[maxed1]

Nice shoes

[Wes]

:( No size 14.

[Casey]

damn wes size 14?

so these are driving shoes or something?

[Wes]

damn wes size 14?

so these are driving shoes or something?

Haha yeah man.

I guess my Puma's will have to suffice.

[raulck_hn17]

pumas r good.. i like good years adidas too..

[J Squared]

I just got these in today so I thought I would give a small review. Havent driven in them yet so keep that in mind. I will be comparing these (Prototipo) to standard Speed Cats since thats my normal shoe and what a lot of people like wearing.

http://www.turnermotorsport.com/image/TMS_Gear/tmsgear_piloti_proto_black_yellow_lg.jpg

vs.

http://images.askmen.com/fashion/apparel/puma-speed-cat_1.jpg

Upper:

Both shoes have the same basic "race inspired" shape, with Puma getting a slight edge on looks. I like Puma's full suede tongue also, where Piloti used a mesh tongue on this model (it may pay off with sweaty driving foot, but I cant say for sure). The Piloti have a MUCH deeper Achilles cut out, which is awesome as thats always a point of discomfort for me with Pumas. When youre driving your feet are almost always extended, and a shallow cut out can start to dig in after a bit. The Pilotis have a smaller toe box, and an extra eyelet close to the toe that some may prefer (I keep mine pretty loose but I think it looks good if nothing else). Both shoes have details like toe stitching and colored piping which are always nice touches.

I think the main difference between the shoes is the ankle support, which is much more plush and form-fitting on the Pilotis. Speed Cats are mush in comparison, and I didnt realize it until now. Even for a low top sneaker the extra support in the Pilotis is noticeable. Another difference is the sole thickness, with the Puma sole being noticeably thinner. I like it for that extra sensory input, although comfort is lacking.


Sole:

The Piloti sole is wider than the Puma sole, which I personally find nice since I have wide ass boat feet :) . The sides of my feet almost spill over the sides in Puma's, and they dont in these. The outside edges of both Piloti shoes have extra raised sections that give a bit more support over the Pumas, and the right shoe has a special "heel-toe" section of more durable rubber and an extra layer of suede for durability. Again, it looks cool if nothing else, Im not about to go togue style in my xB.

Both shoes feature a rolled heel for quick pedal changes although the Puma one is more low profile and I like it better. The Piloti has a rolled toe section, though, which I like.

Feel

Hands down winner is Piloti. These things are COMFY! I prefer a thinner soles for driving but the Piloti seems to have a great balance of a thin(ish) sole and a plush insert. They are snug on my feet and run about standard sizing, maybe a tad small (with Puma's running rather small IMO). The Pilotis actually have some cushion in the heel while keeping the toe section thin, which is I think perfect: all your weight rests on your heels when you are driving, and Pumas got uncomfortable for me after a bit. The thin toe offers pretty good feedback from what I can tell.

Once I get some drive time in the Pilotis I may change my tune but for now, its no contest.

Overall

Having owned half a dozen pairs of Speed cats, I dont think I will be buying another pair as driving shoes. I still love the way they look, and would pick them any day over the Pilotis as far as style is concerned, but I am very pleased with the Pilotis as an overall race-inspired shoe. They are comfortable, functional, light, and stylish, what more could you ask for for $38 shipped??

[Z infidel]

:( No size 14.

Wes doesn't heel/toe he big-toe/pinkie-toe.

I love Pumas (I have like 12 pairs) but I just cant see myself in speed cats. I like driving in the Turin.

[The Marty]

Awesome review JJ. I'm wearing my proto's right now

[s7_]

2 purrrrrrrrrr.

[Levi]

2 purrrrrrrrrr.
stompin' in my Pi lotis..lol

[Photonic]

the DTM has a nomex lining BTW. Someone was asking about that.

[raulck_hn17]

great review!