The 5 Best Kart Racing Shoes In 2021
Your gear is important—and your shoes are no exception.
It is critical for karting to wear the correct pair of shoes to perform well on the track. That’s why you need comfortable, ventilated shoes that help you maintain focus.
We reviewed the best karting shoes available on the market. Among them, Alpinestars Men’s Motorcycle Shoe remains our favorite.
To accelerate and brake at optimum times, you need reasonable pedal control. It is, thus, essential to get the perfect go-kart racing shoes for yourself to reap these benefits. Continue reading to find out what’s best.
Our Top Picks For The Best Karting Shoes
RaceQuip Carbon-L Racing Shoes
These are the best go-karting shoes available!! This pair not only looks good, but it offers great features as well, with an SFI 3.3/5 rating.
The suede leather upper makes this shoe very comfortable to wear. It is also 30% lighter than your standard racing shoes. There are carbon-l wear pads on each side of the shoe to give excellent support, as well as a suede leather sock liner for an extra layer of comfort.
The pyrovatex flame retardant liner will help protect your feet from the shoes’ potential flames while also keeping your feet cooler by eliminating exposed skin. These boots also come with contrast stitching and molded rubber sole for better grip – an overall best pick!
Specifications:
- Brand: RaceQuip
- Material: Pyrovatex
- Ventilation: Yes
- Color: Black
- Dimensions: 14 x 11 x 5 inches
- Weight: 3.5 pounds
PUMA Motorsport Kart Cat Iii Sneaker
The second product in our reviews is the PUMA Kart Cat Sneaker which has an anti-slip rubber outsole and a soft EVA midsole for comfort.
Its synthetic sole and stitched details give the shoe a modern look. However, its mesh uppers and racing stripe details give it the traditional Kart Cat identity.
The shaft measures somewhat low-top from the arch, and a PUMA emblem is on the side. PUMA’s shoe is a must-pick for anyone who feels they need a more stylish pair of shoes from their favorite motorsport series.
Specifications:
- Brand: PUMA
- Material: Rubber
- Dimensions: 11.5 x 7.4 x 4.2 inches
- Weight: 9 ounces
RaceQuip SFI Race Shoe
This pair stands firm in the competition. The RaceQuip SFI Race Shoe has many benefits of higher-priced racing shoes and is competitively low-priced for those seeking a great value.
We loved its classic look and soft feel. The double-stitched seams on this shoe are highly resistant to tears and abrasions. The Pyrovatex lining is flame-retardant and provides comfort when combined with the padded ankle area on this shoe.
The Achilles flex opening allows for flexibility in the back of the shoe without sacrificing stability.
This shoe performs well with a reinforced lace area. Its molded rubber sole rolls up the back of the shoe for support. And the shock-absorbing padded ankle areas to support your drive through the turn.
Specifications:
- Brand: RaceQuip
- Material: Pyrovatex
- Weight: 3.5 pounds
- Size: 8-13
- Certification: SFI 3.3A/5 rating
Alpinestars Men’s Motorcycle Shoe
This Alpinestars race karting shoe pair is the best among others because of its high-quality material.
These shoes come with features that increase their durability, such as internal heel bumpers that protect your racing shoes from wear and tear. There are hooks to fasten these shoes in place, and the heel padding is removable and washable.
Furthermore, there is an anti-slip sole to ensure its wearer a firm grip when driving your kart or bike. The TPR reinforcement at the toe helps resist abrasion and enhances stability.
They provide you with increased comfort and excellent heat-resistance with their microfiber collars, soft fiber, and perforated tongues. Outside reinforcements offer protection against scuffing and eroding. Those attributes make the shoe perfect for karting!
Specifications:
- Brand: Alpinestars
- Material: Para-aramid Fiber
- Ventilation: Yes
- Closure: Velcro + Laces
- Weight: 10 pounds
- Dimensions: 14 x 10 x 5 inches
SIMPSON Karting Shoes
The final product in our favorites list is the SIMPSON karting shoes designed and manufactured from a highly waterproof and breathable Nomex fabric that is very durable and shock-absorbent.
The sole of the shoes built out of PU rubber with triple-layer construction provides you with the highest degree of slip resistance without sacrificing great comfort. There’s also traction on all four corners to prevent any unnecessary slippage in wet conditions.
You would love it for its design and extra wear protection. It features a unique bottom wrist strap that is not only durable but also stylish and comfortable. Overall – a must-have for any go-kart racer!
Specifications:
- Brand: Simpson
- Material: Nomex
- Ventilation: No
- Closure: Velcro + Laces
- Colors: 1
Factors To Consider When Buying Go-Kart racing Shoes
You have many choices when it comes to karting shoes, making finding the right one quite tricky. You’ll have to explore so many different features and options. If you’re choosing racing shoes for go-karts, keep the following factors in mind.
Fabric
A few things all fabrics must share are durability, lightweight, and resistance to abrasion. Nomex, leather, and suede leather are the most common fabrics used for go-kart racing shoes.
It is generally more expensive and more durable to use high-quality leather in high-end racing shoes.
Leathers made of suede are made of split leather, meaning they are less durable and less abrasion-resistant than leathers made of split leather. Fire resistance is a property of both top-grain and suede leather.
As well as general FIA / SFI certified race gear, Nomex is exceptionally durable and flame resistant. Here is a brief description of the top 3 karting shoe materials:
Leather:
- Expensive
- Used by any manufacturer
- Highly abrasive-resistant
- Used in high-quality shoes
Microfiber:
- Moderate price
- Patented material by DuPont
- Flame-retardant properties
- Used in all kinds of shoes
Suede:
- Moderate pricing
- Used by any manufacturer
- Abrasive-resistant
- Used in mid-range shoes
Design
Choose a shoe for go-karting that suits your tastes. When it comes to safety equipment, we would always recommend functionality over form.
From traditional European to modern to minimalist, a vast array of design and style options are available. Make sure you pick something that feels comfortable to you.
Closure
Different closure systems secure Go-kart racing shoes around your feet. To keep your shoes from coming loose, you must tie them fast before running – this is not optimal.
Velcro: Two types of Velcro strips work with a Velcro closure. Upon closing the closure strap, loops on the strap attached to the shoe bind with hooks. The shoe is then secure, preventing it from coming loose.
Dual: Dual closures are ideal because the laces can secure the front part of your shoes, while the Velcro secures the top over your feet. Having dual closure karting shoes should be your go-to choice for extra safety.
Lace: Race shoes for go-karts also come with shoelaces. To make sure that these don’t come undone, you’ll have to tie the loop properly.
In racing, they can become caught in the tires if they come loose, making this a potentially deadly situation. Conversely, laces make it possible to tighten the shoe from the top-down, as opposed to Velcro.
Correct Size
Having a comfortable fit around your feet depends to some degree on how big your shoes are. As a matter of fact, too-tight shoes will feel highly uncomfortable while racing.
Too loose shoes will make it difficult for you to control the pedals. The right size of kart boot and the type of boot you like are essential. Whether it’s a full boot, mid-top, or low-top shoe, they must fit correctly.
Additional Features
To even qualify as a pair of karting shoes, most go-kart racing shoes must come with a set of basic features. Some racing shoes have additional features, such as perforations that allow airflow to your feet, depending on your needs.
The following are several additional features that you may want to consider.
- Perforated ventilation
- Premium fabric
- Dual closure system
- Anti-fatigue features
- Achilles heel support
- Flame-retardant material
- Lightweight materials
- Anatomic Insoles
Price Range
Purchasing the right pair of karting shoes doesn’t have to be expensive. As a matter of fact, if you’re on a tight budget, you can get perfect racing shoes for go-karting for just $70 or less.
Shoes for karting cost between $110 – $130 on average. The price of premium racing shoes can be well over $300.
- Entry-Level Karting Shoes: $60 to $100
- Mid-Range Karting Shoes: $100 to $180
- Premium Karting Shoes: $180 to $ 350
FAQs
Do karting shoes make a difference?
It totally depends on you. Go-karters who use them leisurely usually wear regular sneakers, which is acceptable. Go-kart racers who are intermediate or professional will always have a pair of dedicated shoes for racing.
Because they are lightweight and have a thinner sole, they are much safer and increase racer safety. Accelerating and braking efficiently get much more manageable with better pedal control.
What shoes should you wear for go-karting?
We recommend wearing shoes that are comfortable – nothing too loose or that you’d worry about getting mucky.
Racing in trainers is the best option – you won’t be able to race in anything with open toes or heels. You can’t wear sandals, crocs, or open-toe shoes.
Can you wear running shoes for go-karting?
Definitely! Go-karting requires closed-toe shoes. You will need closed-toe shoes if you are doing karting because it is a variant of motorsports where you drive an open-wheeled vehicle.
Final Thoughts
Now you know it, fellow kart racers and enthusiasts!
Regardless of which karting shoes you select, you can’t go wrong with any of them. Even if they don’t fit your needs, we’re confident you can use our tips to find a pair that will compliment your gear.
Get out there and race those go-kart boots, whichever you decide!