Best Racing Socks For Track Days And Racing
Just to be clear before we start, this is about fireproof motorsport socks, the Nomex kind worn under race boots as part of your fire-resistant underwear layer, not running or compression socks. If you searched for racing socks and expected sportswear, this is not that guide.
Racing socks are one of the cheapest items in your fire-resistant kit and one of the easiest to get wrong, mainly on sizing rather than the sock itself. Most of the models below are similar in construction, the differences come down to height, fit, and whether you actually need FIA approval for what you are doing.
- FIA 8856-2018 is the current approval standard for fire-resistant underwear, including socks, used in FIA regulated motorsport
- Approved socks are cut knee or calf length, usually a minimum of 25cm, a short ankle sock will not satisfy the regulation even in the same fabric
- Kart socks (OMP KS) are comfort socks, not fireproof, do not confuse them with an FIA approved sock
- Prices correct on 6 September 2026
What FIA 8856-2018 actually covers
FIA 8856-2018 is the current standard for fire-resistant underwear, and it covers your whole base layer, suit lining, underwear, balaclava and socks, worn together as a system alongside your outer race suit. If your series regulations specify approved underwear, your socks need to carry this approval too, not just the top and bottom.
The height matters as much as the fabric. Most approved socks are cut to at least 25cm, calf length rather than ankle length, because that is what the regulation requires for full leg coverage under your boots and race suit trousers. A short sock in the same Nomex fabric will not be approved if it does not meet that height.
FIA approved socks we stock
At the lower end, the OMP First calf length sock at 21 pounds and the OMP One sock at 26 pounds are both approved to FIA 8856-2018 and both cut to the required height. The difference between the OMP One and the step-up OMP Tecnica at 26.50 pounds is mostly in the finish and stitching instead of the approval itself, both satisfy the same regulation.
The Alpinestars Race V4 at 26 pounds and the Sparco Nomex Calf sock at 32.10 pounds sit in the same bracket, both approved, both knee or calf length, sized against UK shoe size instead of S/M/L on some models, so check the size chart against your actual boot size instead of guessing. The Sparco RW-7 at 35 pounds is part of Sparco’s wider RW-7 underwear line instead of a standalone sock, worth knowing if you are buying a matching base layer set at the same time.
| Model | Price | Approval |
|---|---|---|
| OMP First calf length socks | 21.00 | FIA 8856-2018 |
| Alpinestars Race V4 socks | 26.00 | FIA 8856-2018 |
| OMP One socks | 26.00 | FIA 8856-2018 |
| OMP Tecnica socks | 26.50 | FIA 8856-2018 |
| Sparco Nomex calf socks | 32.10 | FIA 8856-2018 |
| Sparco RW-7 sock | 35.00 | FIA 8856-2018 |
Prices correct on 6 September 2026
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A step up: temperature regulating socks
The Walero 2.0 at 56 pounds is a different category again, still FIA 8856-2018 approved and also carrying SFI 3.3, but built around Walero’s own temperature regulating fabric instead of standard Nomex. If you run hot in your boots or do longer endurance stints, this is the one to look at, at roughly double the price of a standard approved sock.
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Sizing against your race boots
Buy your sock size against your boot size, not your everyday shoe size. Several of the ranges above list sizing directly in UK and EU shoe sizes instead of S/M/L, which lines up more reliably with your race boot fitting. A sock that is too tight bunches inside the boot and becomes uncomfortable over a long session, too loose and it can bunch under your foot in the same way. If you already have your race boots, take that size with you instead of sizing socks in isolation.
Common questions
Do racing socks need to be FIA approved?
Only if your series or club regulations specify FIA approved fire-resistant underwear, in which case your socks need to carry FIA 8856-2018 alongside your suit and undergarments. Check your specific regs if you are not sure.
Can I wear normal socks under race boots?
You can for a track day where fireproof underwear is not mandated, but if your regulations require an approved fire-resistant underwear system, normal socks will not satisfy it and you risk being turned away from scrutineering.
What length do racing socks need to be?
Approved socks are cut to a minimum height, typically calf or knee length, around 25cm or more, an ankle sock in the same fabric will not meet the requirement.
Are kart socks fireproof?
Not usually. Comfort kart socks like the OMP KS are a wicking fabric with no fire resistance and no FIA approval, distinct from the fireproof Nomex socks covered in this guide.
How do I size racing socks against my boots?
Use your race boot size where the sock is listed in UK or EU shoe sizes, instead of guessing from your normal shoe size or an S/M/L chart, fit varies enough between brands that this matters.
What we would buy
For most people needing an approved sock for club or national racing, the OMP First calf length sock at 21 pounds or the Alpinestars Race V4 at 26 pounds both do the job without overspending, this is not a category where the expensive option buys you much more than the cheap one. If you run hot or do longer stints, the Walero 2.0 is worth the extra outlay.
Final thoughts
Sizing against your boots is the bit people get wrong, so if you are not sure what to order, call 0115 9893488 and Cameron will help you match sock to boot size before you buy.
