Image via Complex Original
Intro
Racing shoes have yet to attract the type of cult following common to collectors of basketball and running shoes. In the spirit of setting a trend, we'd like to introduce you to a sampling of the best, most stylish racing shoes ever made. Check em' out, order yourself a pair, and delight as your befuddled friends ask, "where the heck did you get those shoes?"
Santoni SLS AMG
20. Santoni SLS AMG
Price: $200
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Materials: Hand-crafted from leather and suede
Complex Says: Italian fashion house Santoni crafted these shoes specially for owners of the Mercedes SLS AMG.
DS3 by Goi-Gio
19. DS3 by Goi-Gio
Price: $200
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Materials: Full-grain leather, full-padded tongue
Complex Says: This shoe was a limited edition (100 pairs), and it sold out in less than five minute on the Goi-Gio website.
Puma 10th Anniversary
18. Puma 10th Anniversary
Price: $79
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Materials: Two-tone leather, chrome inserts
Complex Says: A little something for the ladies! These Puma's are sleek, cool, and race-ready. Watch out boys, here she comes.
Puma Kart Cat Mid
17. Puma Kart Cat Mid
Price: $117
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Materials: Full-grain leather, non-skid rubber outsole
Complex Says: These kicks were designed for some super serious karting. They have all the modern tech necessary to make it to the winner's circle.
DC Pro Spec 2.0
16. DC Pro Spec 2.0
Price: $100
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Materials: Rolled heel, lightweight design
Complex Says: The 2.0s are half the cost of the 1.0s, and they're twice as stylish. Get your pair on order before they sell out.
Piloti Corsa
15. Piloti Corsa
Price: $180
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Materials: Roll control heel, fire resistant Dupont Nomex
Complex Says: No worries if you are not a pro driver. This shoe is designed for the amateur driver who wants to step it up on notch. It's perfect for some serious heel-to-toe action at the local track.
Sparco Formula SL-7
14. Sparco Formula SL-7
Price: $255.55
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Materials: Low-cut suede, ultra-thin sole
Complex Says: California-based Sparco makes some slick racing gear, including these super fly SL-7s. We love the custom carbon toe patch added for increased durability.
Sabelt Light-High
13. Sabelt Light-High
Price: $299
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Materials: Camel leather, ankle Velcro fastening
Complex Says: Camel leather and Velcro never looked so good. These shoes are pimpin'.
Asics 335 Progear HI
12. Asics 335 Progear Hi
Price: $525
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Materials: Kangaroo suede, laces and Velcro
Complex Says: At $525, you should probably have sponsorship before splurging on this supreme pro racing shoe.
Momo Top Light
11. Momo Top Light
Price: $236
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Materials: Ultra lightweight leather, Nomex interior
Complex Says: This shoe looks simply fantastic and is also one of lightest and most technologically advanced racing shoes on the market. Expensive but worth every penny.
Puma Schumacher
10. Puma Schumacher
Price: $68.99
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Materials: Leather and tech mesh, rubber sole
Complex Says: You don't even need a fast whip to make these kicks look fly. Designed for the fashion-conscious car buff, the Schumachers are a sweet combination of racing shoe technology and vintage style.
AlpineStars Tech 1-K
9. AlpineStars Tech 1-K
Price: $129.95
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Materials: Breathable mesh lining, dual compound rubber sole
Complex Says: The 1-Ks were designed for karting, but we think they look good enough to wear out on the dance floor.
Puma Future Cat Mid Pro L
8. Puma Future Cat Mid Pro L
Price: $199
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Materials: Asymmetric lacing, pre-formed leather with high toe box
Complex Says: Puma designed these bad boys with unique asymmetric laces, which allow for heat dissipation and decrease the chances of lactic buildup and muscle fatigue. Somehow, Puma manged to make them look awesome too.
OMP Vintage Carrera
7. OMP Vintage Carrera
Price: $319
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Materials: Mid-cut design, high-quality treated leather
Complex Says: You will be the talk of the town in these Vintage Carerras.Though, at $319, you might have to put in a few extra hours at work to afford them.
Puma Speed Cat 2.9
6. Puma Speed Cat 2.9
Price: $110
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Materials: Leather and tech mesh, lightly padded collar and tongue
Complex Says: These slick collabo kicks were made exclusively for Red Bull racing. Because of their popularity and low production numbers, they are some of the rarest racing shoes out there.
DC Gold Rally
5. DC Gold Rally
Price: Not available to the public
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Materials: Custom gold print, pattern of Rally America National Champion logo
Complex Says: These are officially the rarest racing shoes on the planet. Presented to Travis Pastrana in 2006, DC made only ONE pair of these bright gold kicks.
Puma 708
4. Puma 708
Price: $76
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Materials: Asymmetrical lacing, rubber outsole
Complex Says: Pretty much anything with an emblazoned Ferrari logo is cool. Fortunately, these Puma 708s look pretty slick with or without the prancing horse.
Simpson Adrenaline
3. Simpson Adrenaline
Price: $139.95
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Materials: Fleece Nomex lining, single speedfit lining
Complex Says: If you show up to the track wearing a pair of these puppies, the other dudes will know that you are not messing around. They are perfect for some hardcore heel-and-toeing.
AlpineStars Tech 1-R
2. AlpineStars Tech 1-R
Price: $225
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Materials: Form-fitting suede, full leather upper, flame-resistant Nomex lining
Complex Says: The Tech 1-R is built exclusively for the track, but also might work for a night on the town. Who said Velcro straps were going out of style?
Alpinestars Tech 1-Z
1. Alpinestars Tech 1-Z
Price: $299.95
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Materials: Kankaroo leather, Nomex flame-resistant lining
Complex Says: The 1-Zs were developed in conjunction with Alpinestars's Moto GP program. They look sick, built for the pros, and painted with actual gold leaf. What could be better than that?
