Driving Gloves & Shoes for Autocross and HPDE
Gloves and shoes are the last items most drivers buy — and for good reason. They're not required at most autocross or HPDE 1-3 events, and the improvement over regular clothing is subtle. But once you've driven a full day with proper driving gloves and thin-soled shoes, it's hard to go back.
Driving Gloves
Are they required?
Not at SCCA Solo or NASA HPDE 1-3. Required at HPDE 4 and above at most regions, and at SCCA Time Trials Club level and above. GridLife Track Nation generally requires gloves starting at Group 3.
What gloves actually do
- Vibration damping: a full day on track transmits significant vibration through the steering wheel; gloves reduce fatigue in your hands and forearms
- Grip: suede palms grip leather/Alcantara steering wheels better than bare skin, especially once your hands get sweaty
- Fire protection: SFI-rated gloves add protection, though light — most driving gloves won't save you in a serious fire without a full suit
- Blisters: aggressive driving with a thick-rimmed wheel can cause blisters on a long event day; gloves prevent this
What to look for
Thin palm material for feel, Nomex or fire-resistant back, short wrist cuff (works with HANS tethers), and a secure closure. The thinner the palm, the better the wheel feel — don't buy padded motorcycle gloves for this purpose.
Driving Shoes
Are they required?
Not at most HPDE or autocross events. Required for SCCA wheel-to-wheel racing and SCCA Time Trials at Club level and above. GridLife Time Attack requires them.
Why thin soles matter
The single biggest reason to buy driving shoes is sole thickness. A standard athletic shoe has 20–30mm of sole. A driving shoe has 3–5mm. That difference in sole thickness translates directly to pedal feel — you can actually sense when your brake pedal is 80% vs 90% depressed, and heel-toe becomes dramatically easier. Drivers who switch to proper shoes for the first time are universally surprised by the difference.
What to look for
Thin sole, high ankle support (protects against ankle roll in braking), rubber grip on the sole, fire-resistant upper if SFI/FIA certification is needed. Boot cut at the ankle allows the shoe to go under a driving suit leg properly.
Yes — most karting shoes have appropriate thin soles and high ankle support. They're generally cheaper than full car racing shoes and perfectly acceptable for HPDE 1-3 and autocross. They typically lack SFI/FIA certification, so they won't work for events that require rated shoes.