Heel-and-Toe Shifting Explained

Optimizing your lap times involves more than pushing the pedal to the medal. Heel-and-toe shifting is an advanced technique used in sim racing (and real racing) to smoothly downshift while maintaining engine revs. It requires pressing the brake pedal with the ball of your foot while using the edge or heel of the same foot to blip the throttle, briefly increasing the RPM.

This technique adds realism and immersion to sim racing and provides practical benefits for control and performance and Fanatec pedals give you a range of options on which to learn this skill.

Mastering this technique offers multiple advantages, whether you're racing casually or competitively:

1. Smoother downshifts: Achieve seamless gear transitions, minimizing disruptions to the car's balance.

2. Improved control: By matching engine RPM to wheel speed, you help prevent rear-wheel lock-up, improving stability during cornering.

3. Better lap times: Consistent and efficient downshifts allow faster corner exits, leading to improved lap times.

4. Rewarding experience: Perfecting this skill boosts confidence and adds enjoyment to your sim racing sessions.

Pedals like the Fanatec ClubSport Pedals V3 provide the adjustability and realism required for effectively learning this technique, thanks to features like load cell braking and adjustable pedal positions.

A proper pedal setup is crucial to successfully performing this technique. Follow these tips to optimize your pedals:

Spacing: The brake and throttle pedals should be close enough to allow easy movement between them. Pedals such as the Fanatec CSL Elite Pedals V2 are designed with adjustability in mind, enabling precise spacing customization.

Angle: Tilt the brake and throttle pedals slightly for easier simultaneous use. The ClubSport Pedals V3 inverted include adjustable pedal angles, ideal for tailoring the setup to your comfort.

Resistance: Ensure the brake pedal has firm feedback for accuracy and that the throttle pedal allows smooth, controlled blips. Load cell-equipped pedals like the Fanatec CSL Pedals with Load Cell Kit deliver realistic resistance for precise control.

Comfort: Adjust the pedals to match your natural foot positioning, ensuring that you can operate them comfortably for extended racing sessions.

Practice calibration: Use in-game tools to fine-tune pedal input sensitivity, ensuring that each input feels natural and matches your driving style.

Once your pedals are adjusted, follow these steps to use the heel-and-toe technique:

1. Position your feet: Place your left foot on the clutch pedal and your right foot on the brake and throttle pedals. Your toes should rest on the brake pedal, while your heel hovers near the throttle.

2. Begin braking: Press the brake pedal with the ball of your right foot to slow the car.

3. Downshift: While braking, press the clutch pedal with your left foot and shift to a lower gear.

4. Blip the throttle: Before releasing the clutch, use the heel or side of your right foot to press the throttle briefly, thereby increasing the engine RPM.

5. Release the clutch: Gradually release the clutch pedal while maintaining pressure on the brake, ensuring a smooth transition into the lower gear.

6. Focus on cornering: Once the gearshift is complete, turn your focus to navigating the corner.

This technique requires practice and patience to master. Start slowly, focusing on rhythm and timing, and gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable.

Investing in high-quality pedals can greatly simplify the learning process and Fanatec has great product options to help you acquire this skill:

· ClubSport Pedals V3: With load cell braking, customizable pedal angles, and vibration feedback, these pedals offer exceptional realism to master heel-and-toe.

· CSL Elite Pedals V2: These pedals feature smooth throttle response and customizable positions, providing flexibility for various driving styles.

· CSL Pedals with Load Cell Kit: A more budget-friendly option, these pedals feature a precise load cell brake and adjustable pedal spacing, making them a fantastic choice for beginners and advanced sim racers alike.