Mastering the Art of Heel and Toe Downshifting

If you’ve ever dreamed of perfecting the heel and toe downshift, you’ve come to the right place. In this comprehensive guide, Brian Makse—a racing driver, performance coach, and unapologetic manual transmission enthusiast—takes you through the finer points of a technique that separates good drivers from great ones. Whether you’re a club racer, a vintage car enthusiast, or just a manual transmission lover looking to elevate your skills, this is your definitive roadmap to heel and toe mastery.

What Is Heel and Toe?

Contrary to popular belief, heel and toe isn’t just a shifting technique—it’s a braking technique. Imagine approaching a corner, braking hard while downshifting, and keeping your car perfectly balanced so you’re in the right gear for the exit. That’s heel and toe.

This technique is used by racing drivers, enthusiasts, and anyone who wants to enhance their connection with a manual transmission. Though it originated on the racetrack, it’s equally enjoyable and useful on the road, adding an extra layer of excitement to your driving experience.

Why Use Heel and Toe?

The purpose of heel and toe downshifting is simple: maintain balance and control under braking. By matching engine revs during a downshift, you reduce the jerkiness that unsettles the car’s weight distribution, allowing for smoother transitions. On the track, this means faster lap times. On the road, it means a seamless, more enjoyable drive.

Before You Begin

Before diving into the technique, there are a few key prerequisites:

Manual Proficiency: You should already be comfortable with driving a manual transmission.

Proper Seating Position: Sit close enough to maintain a slight bend in your elbows, wrists, knees, and ankles. This ensures precise control over the wheel and pedals.

Footwear: Choose shoes that suit your car’s pedal box. In Brian’s case, a wider pedal box calls for skate shoes.

The Six Steps to Heel and Toe

Mastering heel and toe involves six distinct steps:

Brake On: Use the ball of your right foot to apply consistent pressure on the right side of the brake pedal.

Clutch In: Engage the clutch smoothly.

Downshift: Move the gear lever to the lower gear.

Blip the Throttle: Roll your ankle so the right side of your foot taps the gas pedal, increasing the engine RPMs by about 2,000.

Clutch Out: Release the clutch smoothly, matching the engine speed to the new gear.

Brake Off: Gradually ease off the brake pedal.

The Hack: Practice Standing Still

If blipping the throttle while braking feels awkward, there’s a game-changing hack to make it easier. Find an open, safe space and practice the following with the car stationary:

Press the brake pedal with the ball of your right foot, applying moderate pressure.

Roll your ankle quickly to stab the throttle, aiming for a 2,000 RPM bump in engine speed.

This exercise helps you develop muscle memory for the most challenging part of heel and toe.

Common Mistakes

Timing: Poor timing can lead to jerky shifts. This improves with practice.

Foot Placement: Missing the throttle or misplacing your foot on the brake can disrupt the sequence. Focus on precision.

Practice Makes Perfect

Like any skill, heel and toe requires repetition. Start in a safe environment, gradually increasing speed and complexity. And don’t worry if it doesn’t click right away—even professionals like Brian honed this technique under pressure on the racetrack.

Final Thoughts

Heel and toe downshifting is more than just a driving skill—it’s a gateway to connecting with your car on a deeper level. Whether you’re racing around a track or cruising a winding road, mastering this technique will transform your driving experience.

Ready to learn more? Check out Brian’s full video tutorial on his YouTube channel for an even deeper dive into the world of heel and toe.

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Embrace the challenge, and keep practicing until heel and toe becomes second nature. As Brian says, “The car will tell you when you’re doing it right.”