What's the advantage of boots?

[JQ]

I'm off to buy some trainers for trackdays - my normal trainers are rubbish. Was looking at some Puma Drift Cats or something similar for around £30, so nothing too posh - just basic and functional. Anyway, I've found a pair of Lonsdale Boxing boots that look quite good for £25 - good grip on the heel and a very thin sole. I'm just wondering what effect having boots on will have on my driving, as obviously I normally drive in shoes or trainers.

So why is it the racers tend to wear boots rather than trainers?

[PetrolTed]

Fire resistance.

[hbwold]

I use them because they are comfortable and the thin sole gives you a good feel for the pedals. Also the sole's are very flat, unlike trainers which often have an inconsistent surface on the sole.

[marky911]

How high are the boxing boots OP? I only ask as if they're too high up your leg they could restrict calve movement.
I'd just buy the puma trainers because as mentioned race boots are fire retardent whereas boxing boots probably aren't. My puma speedcats I wear for knocking about in, feel very similar to my Sparco race boots, so I'd say they'll be spot on for what you have planned.

[JQ]

marky911 said:

How high are the boxing boots OP? I only ask as if they're too high up your leg they could restrict calve movement.
I'd just buy the puma trainers because as mentioned race boots are fire retardent whereas boxing boots probably aren't. My puma speedcats I wear for knocking about in, feel very similar to my Sparco race boots, so I'd say they'll be spot on for what you have planned.

They're quite low cut and similar height to race boots. So they should be ok.
http://www.sportsdirect.com/lonsdale-box-boot-low-...

I'll probably end up with the Speedcats, but the Boots are £15 cheaper which is looking very attractive, on the basis it's unlikely I'll wear the Speedcats outside the car - just not my cup of tea.

[marky911]

Yeah, they actually don't look too bad for the price.

[JQ]

That's what I thought. They're not the best quality and I wouldn't fancy wandering around in the rain in them. The main thing was that the soles are completely flat, with no trendy designs, and are absolutely wafer thin, much thinner than the Pumas.

[Munter]

JQ said:

That's what I thought. They're not the best quality and I wouldn't fancy wandering around in the rain in them. The main thing was that the soles are completely flat, with no trendy designs, and are absolutely wafer thin, much thinner than the Pumas.

I wonder if a sole can be too thin. Being the delicate flower that I am I can't drive a car bare foot because using the pedals hurts too much to apply proper pressure.

No experience. Just a thought.