Non-Leather Race Boots

[Alan Dove]

This is a bit of a long-shot. I can't find any race boots that don't contain some form of leather. Does anyone know of any manufacturer doesn't use it in the construction of an FIA Homologated Boot?

[Tim Falce]

Welcome to the forum Alan and that's an interesting question to which I don't have an answer. You could try contacting midgetman on here if he doesn't show up soon with an answer, he runs a racewear sales company.

[midgetman]

Here I am! That's an interesting question as every one I know of these days is suede or leather. I presume suede is no good either? Although I expect this is faux suede, I can't *guarantee* it isnt derived from animals:

https://www.racewear.co.uk/race-boot...wear-boots-fia

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[Tim Falce]

Just wondering if it would be worth calling AWS to see if they could make a pair.

[midgetman]

They import the similar sort of boots as I do. Without the all important FIA homologation they can't be worn in racing

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[Alan Dove]

Hey guys, thanks for the replies, much appreciated.

I spoke to AWS yesterday, very helpful, but they no longer make boots so that's a no-go. Also any bespoke boots would (probably) require re-homologation. I've contacted most of the manufacturers and all but one hasn't replied. The FIA have been completely silent too.

As it currently stands I will need to find a manufacturer to make a boot and then homologate. Not something I can really do right now. Will soldier on and find a solution

[midgetman]

So can you give me some enlightenment, why you need a non leather boot? I can look into what our homologated boots are made of.

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[Alan Dove]

I'm vegan. Thanks for the help Max

[midgetman]

Alan Dove of Karting 1?

I've had a look and I can't see that our boots are synthetic suede. Sorry.

Years ago we used to have FIA boots made of just Nomex but they didn't last long and they're the wrong homologation now. The cheapest way of passing the FIA test is to have a leather type material outer with Nomex inner bonded to it, so that's what everyone has made.

Sorry I can't be any help.

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[Alan Dove]

Originally Posted by midgetman

Alan Dove of Karting 1?

I've had a look and I can't see that our boots are synthetic suede. Sorry.

Years ago we used to have FIA boots made of just Nomex but they didn't last long and they're the wrong homologation now. The cheapest way of passing the FIA test is to have a leather type material outer with Nomex inner bonded to it, so that's what everyone has made.

Sorry I can't be any help.

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I am he

yeah, I am looking into whether I can get bespoke boots made. It would be good if like gloves material change occasionally doesn't require a re-homologation. I'll figure something out. Cheers for the help.

[Tal Aras]

It might be a long shot but you could try contacting the Federation of Motorsport Clubs of India, as they may already have had to manage the issue given the various faiths of their drivers will have restrictions on what materials they can use.

[midgetman]

Gloves are easy because Nomex is synthetic and the grips are rubber.

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[Alan Dove]

Originally Posted by Tal Aras

It might be a long shot but you could try contacting the Federation of Motorsport Clubs of India, as they may already have had to manage the issue given the various faiths of their drivers will have restrictions on what materials they can use.

Good call I will message, though their regs seem to be as per FIA on shoes.