Does anybody own Piloti (or other driving) shoes? Need some info. Thx.

Hi there. Been thinking of buying a pair of driving shoes for the longest time, but never looked into that... until now. If you have a specific model to recommend (or any other brand, for that matter), I'd like to hear it, as I'm not familiar with them at all.

My main question is if they're true to size (in both length and width), since I'll have to order online. I usually wear 11 (regular) in dress shoes; never below, and rarely 12s. Finally, if you know of a better place than eBay to buy, please shoot. Thanks gang.
JC

 

Thanks for your help buddy. I was thinking of something unlined, since I like driving barefooted (for the lack of driving shoes), but if you need to walk, like it happened to you, it might be better to buy something like this, no? http://cgi.ebay.com/sz-11-Piloti-driving-racing-shoes-PROTOTIPO-INCREDIBLE_W0QQitemZ190283799833QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_Men_s_Shoes?hash=item190283799833&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50

Tell me what you think. Oh, and now that I think of it, my motorcycle boots (Sidi) are size 46 (European), which is considered 11-1/2 here, but have some sized 45, like the shoes linked above. Not sure which to buy. Thx.

 

Thank you for your comment. May I ask you which one feels and fits better? I'm not going to use them that much to be concerned about wearing them out, but please let me more details (years/miles and model before they fell apart) to make the determination myself. And what's the deal with Puma's sizing? Supposedly 13US is 46 European, and that's not the case; are they true to the US size listed? Thx.

 

That's a good enough argument for me. Hey, but HOW SMALLER? Can you guys tell me what's your normal dress shoe size and what Puma size is comparable?

And Jeff, that 'zappos' site is pretty good. Just have to figure out what size I need. Thanks for all your help.
JC

 

Thanks again for all the comments gang. Well, my lovely wife informed be there was a Puma outlet store near my house, so went to check it out yesterday. They had the latest driving shoe, the 'Future Cats', but didn't like them, plus my size wasn't available anyway. They had the previous model however, the 'Speed Cat'. They had both the suede and leather models, but only a lonely ALL RED pair in suede in my size, which was indeed 1 US size bigger (12 vs my usual 11D). They fit beautifully, and felt extremely comfortable. Unfortunately, they didn't have any other colors, so I blindly bought the least offensive < he he> leather model (cream with navy blue 'stripes') without trying them due to store closing. It was a mistake. Hard (and thick) as heck; developed a blister in my small toes trying to break them in at home, and feet don't breath at all, so they're going back today. The good news is they cost me $35 (less than half the net). By the way, they're very well made, and am sure the leather models would last a long time, but don't waste your money on those folks; they're NOT a driving shoe. So might buy that suede cabaret-style red pair since I want something nice to drive 1,000 miles next week, and they only cost $30, but will look for a more, hmmm, discrete color over the net, preferrably all black. But yes, those suede Speed Cats are really nice folks, but 1 size larger, don't forget. Thanks again for all your help.
JC

 

They actually were not (I have narrow feet), but as you know, they're not a loose fitting shoe by design. The problem was while walking, when the hard-as-hell leather was digging into my toes. The suede ones are fantastic, and the way to go. With hard leather, you can't really have a comfortable shoe that is 'form fitting' IMO. And the other disappointment was they overlooked ventilation. The suede model feels much more 'airy'. Again, I'm sure the leather model was made for the young crowd, not drivers IMO. Those are just my comments folks, but my advice is DON'T buy them blindly if you're considering the (hard) leather models. I don't see how somebody cannot be pleased with the suede ones. Take care.

 

Excellent suggestion... but how??? Now that I can't find any decent color in my size (they're discontinued), I'm definitely going to buy them, but would prefer them black. I can always leave them strictly for driving on long trips (with another pair inside the car), which is the whole reason to buy them. People would probably laugh at red shoes on jeans ... or assume I'm attracted to the wrong sex < ha ha>. Take care.