Race Boots

[matthew83268]

Hi, can anyone recommend a race boot for narrow foot?

I bought Alpine Tech 1-z and found it was too large (7.5, anyone want?) and wide for me.

How is Sabelt Light Mid boot? And Stand 21 AXV3000? I heard they do customisation but dont know the price.

Cheers.

[Chris Y]

I usually find the exact opposite!

Have you tried Sparco's range?

[matthew83268]

Originally Posted by Chris Y

I usually find the exact opposite!

Have you tried Sparco's range?

I tried sparco years ago and cant remember, puma fits me quite well but they dont have new ones...

[Tim Falce]

Thread hijack, can anyone recommend a wide boot?

[morninggents]

Originally Posted by Tim Falce

Thread hijack, can anyone recommend a wide boot?

The one on the back of Delta's Galaxie is quite wide.

[matthew83268]

Originally Posted by Tim Falce

Thread hijack, can anyone recommend a wide boot?

-_-# alpinestars mate

[midgetman]

Sabelt are quite roomy. The Puma Future Cat we sell is pretty narrow, I like them.

Tim, Sabelt. Sparco are normally a bit tight.

[terence]

Originally Posted by morninggents

The one on the back of Delta's Galaxie is quite wide.

Thats not funny,this is a serious question!

[Peat]

I would say that my Sparco's are tight. My feet are quite long, thus narrow.

Hope that helps?

[matthew83268]

Originally Posted by midgetman

Sabelt are quite roomy. The Puma Future Cat we sell is pretty narrow, I like them.

Tim, Sabelt. Sparco are normally a bit tight.

Cheers~

[matthew83268]

Originally Posted by Peat

I would say that my Sparco's are tight. My feet are quite long, thus narrow.

Hope that helps?

I will try some sparco then cheers mate

[alexhall]

Further thread hijack - I'm sure I've read somewhere that boots have to be "fireproof" in 2012, rather than just recommended to be. Is this the case? Not got my bluebook through yet.

[Tim Falce]

Boots and gloves have to be flame proof.

[tim dodwell]

According to the MSA (I rang the other day), boots do NOT have to be fireproof in National saloon racing in 2012.

[Tim Falce]

Originally Posted by tim dodwell

According to the MSA (I rang the other day), boots do NOT have to be fireproof in National saloon racing in 2012.

According to the 2012 Blue book rule
10.1.c Flame resistant gloves and shoes are mandatory.

It doesn't say what standard they have to meet.

[johngee]

Originally Posted by tim dodwell

According to the MSA (I rang the other day), boots do NOT have to be fireproof in National saloon racing in 2012.

Don't believe eveything said in a phone conversation - it's what written in the Blue Book that counts ..... and I don't think there's a definition of 'National saloon racing' as such.
As 'we' (as in Clerks and Stewards) so often say "it's in the Blue Book" and that's why they send you one. We're always there to help but tend to help those who try and help themselves..... and we don't normally bite

Happy Christmas - just seen the time! 00.03 !

[tim dodwell]

Since I could not find any requirement, I rang the MSA, telling them I competed in National level saloon car racing. They said that it was NOT compulsory to have FIA fireproof shoes.
When I looked at the 2012 Blue book, it doesn't say anything either, and the version available on their website doesn't have a 10.1.c.
HAPPY XMAS - waiting for the family to gather, so thought I would look to see if anyone replied!!
PS Just had a thought, it might not be in the safety requirement section, and sure enough I find this 10.1.c in the specific regs for racing section - but as has been said, not FIA only fireproof. So room for confusion then.

[midgetman]

My family will moan at me for working on Christmas Day, but you look for the numbers 8856-2000 or ISO 6940. HTH.

Max

[Tim Falce]

Originally Posted by tim dodwell

When I looked at the 2012 Blue book, it doesn't say anything either, and the version available on their website doesn't have a 10.1.c.

Sorry my mistake, It's in regulations specific to circuit racing. Q10.1.c although it just says flame resistant, nothing relating to FIA standards.

[SFurness]

Good morning Gents,

It was/is expected that boots and gloves are to be mandatory for 2012 and they must be to the current FIA spec the same as the overalls.

However the 2012 blue book says in section K.


9.1.9.

Competitors are also strongly advised to wear

Flame Resistant gloves, socks, balaclavas and
underwear.
Plastic shoes (such as trainers) should be avoided.

9.1.10.

Specific regulations concerning Flame Resistant

gloves, socks, balaclavas and underwear are published

by the FIA and applicable to International events.


Still just strongly advised.

Yet in section Q highlighted in red as it has changed from 2011.

(c) Flame Resistant Overalls which shall cover arms,
legs and the torso up to the neck. The use of
flame resistant balaclava, socks, and underwear is
strongly recommended (see K9). Flame resistant
gloves and shoes are mandatory.
(d) For events outside the UK the minimum standards
would normally be FIA specification personal
protection equipment.

It is mandatory yet it refers to K9 which is strongly advised.


Section K 14.3 states.

14.3.

Heat and Flame Resistant Clothing

. Where

appropriate and required by specific regulations the
FIA standard is shown below, as detailed in FIA
Yearbook, Appendix L, Chapter III, Article 2. These
standards are advised for all competition use where
protective clothing is either mandatory or
recommended.
(a)

Underclothing. Materials tested to ISO 6940.

An indication of this should appear on the front
of the upper garment, which must cover the
neck.
(b)

Balaclavas. Materials tested to ISO 6940. All the

part seen in frontal projection when worn to
consist of at least 2 layers of minimum 180 gr/m

2

each. The bottom of the balaclava to meet the
requirements in (f).
(c)

Socks. Materials tested to ISO 6940. Socks to be

half hose (to mid-calf) and made from at least one
layer minimum 180 gr/m

2.

(d)

Shoes. To cover the whole foot and ankle.

Materials tested to ISO 6940 and fastenings and
laces to be of non-fusible material. Soles to be
manufacturer certified as resistant to
hydrocarbons and to flames. Thread used to be
flame resistant. Manufacturers to register all shoe
models with the MSA and FIA.
(e)

Gloves. Materials tested to ISO 6940. Each glove

to be labelled to that effect. Backs of gloves to be
made from at least two layers of 180 gr/m

2.

Thread must be flame resistant and non-melting,
seam stitching to be invisible from the outside.
Gloves must be fitted at the wearer’s wrist and
cover the cuff of the wearer’s overalls.
Manufacturers must register all glove models with
the MSA and FIA.
(f) Where MSA/FIA regulations specify the wearing of
protective clothing the labels on overalls and
upper underclothing may be verified by the
organisers for compliance with regulations.

Officials shall also have the right to examine other
articles of clothing subject of regulations upon request.
Wearers are warned of the particular vulnerability of
neck, wrists and ankles. Balaclavas must extend to
enter inside the overalls or undergarment around the
neck and not come free whichever way the head is
moved. Upper undergarments should have a polo style
neck.
Ankles and wrists should always be covered by at least

two items of protective clothing.

So that should clear everything up.


Steve

[midgetman]

Don't risk an @r5y scrutineer at a wet and windy Cadwell, simply buy FIA homologated stuff and as long as it's in good order you'll never fail scrutineering.

Technically speaking, there is no standard quoted for "fire resistant". Some people will be selling gear with the ISO6940 labels on, but all that does is claim the fabric is FR, not that the manufacture is to a specific standard. Let's put it this way, I've stopped importing ISO gloves from the far East because of concerns over quality. They may be cheaper than FIA ones, but compared with the cost of racing an extra few quid is peanuts for stuff that lasts better and has the backing of a big brand name.

Also, if you see cheap gloves or boots stating FIA 8856-2000, check that the label also mentions a brand name. Some of the small manufacturers have printed their own labels and are adding them to products that do not conform to the spec. The label should give the name of the manufacturer or importer, if they don't they can be refused at scrutineering. There is a definitive list of registered designs on the FIA web site, print it out as a guide if you're going round Autosports for a cheap deal! Oh, and ask if the importer is insured. If you do get burned, you need to sue and I know that many of the far Eastern manufacturers don't have product liability insurance.

Goodness knows why the MSA don't just bite the bullet and specify FIA clothing. It's a simple standard, easily policed, and not excessively more expensive than the non-FIA stuff and has the backing of a big brand. Why this constant fudge?

[johngee]

.....and there speaks a man who knows what he's talking about !

My take on this is that why on earth would you worry about trying to find a way round the various standards and regulations? Get the best possible reputable FIA standard protective clothing that you can - you only have one body and the car is far more repairable than your body.

Another point is that you should look after your gear, pretty much like a climber or diver does. I've sometimes had to intercede in the scrutineering bay when overalls, gloves, socks etc. were presented so soaked in oil that they represented a fire hazard! It never ceases to amaze me that people will spend huge amounts on their vehicles and yet begrudge the relatively small amount it takes to protect their body.

[Tim Falce]

Originally Posted by johngee

My take on this is that why on earth would you worry about trying to find a way round the various standards and regulations? Get the best possible reputable FIA standard protective clothing that you can - you only have one body and the car is far more repairable than your body.

Because a lot of the time we are ignorant of the facts. At autosport 2010 I bought some new gloves and was assured they were homologated for Europe, as it turned out they are only ISO6040 and no good for FIA meetings, I have had to buy a new pair and now have an expensive pair of work gloves left over. These were purchased from a very well known safety racewear company so if we can't get any sense from them what chance have we got unless we are very well forearmed beforehand?