FIA Karting has always been a pioneer in adopting advanced standards to increase the safety of drivers on the track. Precisely for this reason, the FIA ​​karting division (also called CIK-FIA) has made it mandatory, starting from January 2025, to use only clothing approved according to the FIA ​​8877-2022 standard in all competitions included in its international calendar (here you can find the complete list). This is a regulation that, for the first time in the history of karting, regulates not only racing suits, but also gloves (for more information, read “Must Have | 4 FIA Karting 8877-2022 homologated gloves (from 79 to 115 euros!)” and shoes, imposing very specific technical and construction requirements. The aim is to guarantee a higher level of protection, through the use of certified materials and passing laboratory tests that simulate real conditions of use on the track. In the case of karting shoes, to obtain FIA 8877-2022 approval, each model must pass three specific tests:

• a mechanical abrasion resistance test, which checks the grip of the sole and instep after rubbing on a rough surface. The test is performed by rotating an abrasive drum at 150 revolutions per minute, simulating the scenario that occurs in the event of an accident that involves the driver being thrown out of the driving seat and causing him (and his shoes) to rub on the asphalt;
• a contact heat resistance test, in which the materials must resist 100°C for at least 10 seconds without deforming or being damaged;
• a seam resistance test, which evaluates the ability of the construction material and the stitching to withstand a minimum traction of 300 Newtons, without breaking or giving way.

In addition to these tests, the regulation also imposes a series of mandatory construction features. The racing boots must be high above the ankle and have a flat rubber sole, without heels or thicknesses. External elements that can get caught while driving are prohibited: we are talking about laces (which must be suitably hidden under dedicated protections) or inserts of various kinds. Furthermore, all the materials used must be heat resistant, so as to pass the test indicated above. So, what are the FIA ​​8877-2022 approved models currently available on the market? Specifically, there are 6, to help you choose, we have selected 5 of the most well-known brands in the karting business: 

• Alpinestars, with the only model in its range;
• OMP, with its two models currently in the list, one of which is… “Special”;
• Sparco, with its model (of the two products) without laces;
• Freeminds, with the only model it produces. 
   

The models we present to you are ordered by decreasing price. The last one on the list? It differs from all the others because it is the only one... Discover it!

Editor's Note
Are you looking for karting sportswear but don't need to wear FIA 8877-2022 homologated material? You can find the right solutions for your needs in the articles:

• Must Have | 6 top-of-the-range kart racing gloves
• Must Have | 4 “entry level” overalls (CIK-FIA approved) for going karting
• Must Have | 4 top-of-the-range children's overalls (fia karting approved)
• Must Have | 5 top-of-the-range driver shoes for karting

N.B. Do you think there are other products that can be added to this selection? Don't hesitate to share them with other TKART users in the "Contributions" section at the end of the article. The community will be grateful to you!