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MG TD TF 1500 - Dumb Question

Hi Gang.
I have a dumb question related to driving shoes for the TD. If you own and drive a TD I do not need to explain the issue. I normally drive mine in an old beat up pair of Sperry Top Siders but they are on their last legs (so to speak) and I was looking for something to replace them. They obviously need to be narrow, modertly thin soles, rounded heel with a smooth sole for the TD roller gas pedal. I have tried driving with other shoes and sneakers but it can become difficult and sometimes somewhat dangerous.

Googling driving shoes brings a large assortment of fancy, over priced apparel most of which is not applicable to a TD. Pebbled soles for instance, or prices that make the shoes more expensive than the car on a per pound basis are typical. Any ideas out there or should I just replace the Sperrys?

Thanks
Dick
Safety Fast
Richard McCutcheon

I use LL Bean deck shoes,,, the work just fine,,,I guess they are about the same as the Top siders

SPW
STEVE WINCZE

L L Bean camp Moccasins are fine. Bud



Bud Krueger

Penny loafers - Weejuns

Jud
J K Chapin

Richard on this BB no question is dumb, I thought my fat feet were the problem, and that it was unique to me. It would seem like all the other issues with our toys it's usually secondary to primitive post WWII technology or smaller physical stature
Jon Levine

With size 12 D's I need the narrowest I can get - something with no edge to the sole.

First I picked up a pair of Puma Future Cats similar to these at an online site. Comfortable, but in my MGB where my left foot rests next to the sill on long drives I came out with a sore ankle bone. For the TD they're fine:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mens-Puma-Future-Cat-M2-Weave-Panther-Casual-Driving-Shoes-Running-Black-New-8-/181298037233

Then I went looking at the local Academy sports store and found a pair of wrestling shoes with a padded collar and they work real well:

http://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/asics-adults-matflex-4-wrestling-shoes/pid-790812?color=Black%2fOnyx&N=935629774+4294951358

Neither is good for spending any amount of time on your feet - there's absolutely no padding to the sole.

BobbyG

Bobby Galvez

I have a pair of lightweight Under Armor running shoes that have very narrow soles. They keep my feet pretty cool, are comfortable to walk in and are narrow enough that I can operate the pedals with my size 10.5 flippers.
Jack Long

I have used the basic Oakley black driving shoe for a while. Fantastic to drive the TD or my 280 Z, great side feel for heel/toe. Terrible to walk in. The current equivalent model is the Oakley "Kart". The Sparco Esse shoe is about the same. George
George Butz

Boy. I thought I was the only one that had this issue :-)

I basically use what Bud shows but mine are probably glorified bedroom slippers with soft, narrow soles.

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Home/Mens-Slipper-Sale%7C/pc/105625080/c/106723080/Cabelas-Royal-Elk-Moc-Slippers/1246831.uts?destination=%2Fbrowse.cmd%3FcategoryId%3D106723080%26WTz_l%3DSBC%253Bcat104797980%253Bcat104747580&WTz_l=SBC%3Bcat104797980%3Bcat104747580%3Bcat106723080
Chris Couper

i have 12D's. i drive with whatever i am wearing..except sandals. regards, tom
tm peterson

Anyone remember the GTO driving shoe from Thom McAn?
JE Carroll

The NO NO is to not drive in thongs even if you do have size 5 feet.
G Evans

I agree with Steve on using deck shoes if you can't find something more suitable for your needs. My deck shoes have thin soles, not as thin as driving shoes, but thin enough to feel the peddle. One thing I'm thinking of doing with my roller is putting a spring washer along side of it to tighten the roller a bit. I can't stand having my foot on a peddle that feels slippery all the time. Hit a bump and the throttle jerks. I even thought of pulling the roller out and installing an MGB peddle or locking the roller in place. It will be dealt with as I can''t stand the thing! But that's just me. PJ
Paul S Jennings

I'm bare foot even in winter. When I get out I throw the deck shoes on the ground and step into them.
Peter Dahlquist

I'm with you, Peter...size 8D and drive with only my sock on left foot. No space for any type of shoe. Coastal SC, so no serious climate issue here. Very interesting discussion of a common concern. 53 TD.
S.W. Franklin

Bud, I got my shoes from Cabela's same as yours from Bean, both are good and I too have a 12D so need narrow shoes, cant walk a lot in them but don't need to when driving, Of course here in the Winter Wonderland we may not be driving till July...
Fred Driver

I seem to have more foot room than others ....but wear a deck shoe to drive!
David Sheward "IZZY" TF 7427

This thread was discussed between 07/02/2014 and 09/02/2014

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