Key Takeaways
- SFI 3.3 is the SFI specification for driver accessories such as gloves, shoes and underwear.
- Our auto racing gloves are Nomex®, built to SFI 3.3/5 in single- and two-layer versions.
- Two-layer SFI 3.3/5 gloves fit about half a size smaller than single-layer gloves.
- Racing shoes need a thin sole for pedal feel; boots with FR lining fit about half a size smaller than low-cut styles.
Why gloves and shoes matter
A driver's hands and feet do the work: steering, shifting, braking and balancing the throttle. In a fire they are also close to the sources of heat — the steering column, the pedal box and the footwell. Good gloves and shoes protect you and improve your feel for the car.
SFI 3.3: the standard for driver accessories
Where SFI 3.2A covers suits, SFI 3.3 covers driver accessories such as gloves, shoes and underwear. Like suits, accessories carry a protection level after the slash; /1 and /5 are the levels you will see most often in rulebooks.
Our auto racing gloves are made to SFI 3.3/5, and our auto racing shoes are built as SFI-5 footwear. As always, check the minimum your sanctioning body requires.
Choosing racing gloves
Our racing gloves use a Nomex® fire-resistant construction and are available in single-layer and two-layer SFI 3.3/5 builds. What to look for:
- A pre-curved cut. Every glove we make is built on a pre-curved racing block, so it follows the shape of a hand holding the wheel — no loose fingertips or bunching in the palm.
- Grip. A grip-enhanced palm helps with wheel control, especially with sweaty hands in a long stint.
- External seams. Outside stitching keeps seams away from your fingertips for better feel.
- Cuff style. The cuff should overlap the suit sleeve so no skin is exposed at the wrist.
Sizing tip: two-layer SFI 3.3/5 gloves fit about half a size smaller than single-layer gloves because of the extra layer. If you are between sizes in a two-layer glove, go up.
Choosing racing shoes
Our racing shoes combine suede uppers with fire-retardant lining options, built on a narrow, low-profile last with an ultra-thin sole. What to look for:
- A thin, flexible sole so you can feel the pedals and modulate the brake precisely.
- A narrow profile so your foot does not catch neighbouring pedals.
- Heel support for heel-and-toe downshifts.
- Shoe or boot. Low-cut shoes are light and free; boots give more ankle coverage and overlap with the suit cuff.
Sizing tips: boots with a fire-resistant lining fit about half a size smaller than our low-cut styles, and drivers with a wide foot should order one EU size up.
Karting gloves and shoes are different
Kart drivers need grip and comfort more than fire protection. Our karting gloves use a light nylon, spandex and polyester stretch blend, fully sublimated to match the suit, with a silicone palm grip pattern. They are not fire resistant and are not a substitute for SFI gloves in a car. Read karting suit vs car racing suit for the full picture.
Matching gloves and shoes to your suit
Gloves and shoes can be made in your team colours and carry your logos, so the whole kit matches. Colours, cuff styles and logos are customised to your specification, and colours are referenced to Pantone. Teams and retailers can order them as private label under their own brand.
Add gloves and shoes to your quote list alongside your suits, or request a quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is SFI 3.3/5?+
SFI 3.3 is the SFI Foundation specification for driver accessories such as gloves, shoes and underwear, and /5 is the protection level. Our auto racing gloves are made to SFI 3.3/5.
Should racing gloves be tight?+
They should be snug with no loose fabric at the fingertips or palm, but not so tight that they restrict circulation. Two-layer gloves fit about half a size smaller than single-layer gloves.
Can I race a car in karting gloves?+
Not where fire-resistant gloves are required. Karting gloves are not fire resistant — use SFI-rated racing gloves in a car.
Have a project in mind?
Talk to our manufacturing team about your racewear — stock, private label or fully custom.