Is it time to replace your race suit? Let’s get you track-ready. Guide to FIA-Approved Touchscreen-Compatible Racing Gloves
In today’s track day and motorsport world, touchscreen-compatible gloves aren’t just a convenience, they’re quickly becoming a must-have for many drivers. Whether you’re adjusting settings on a digital dash, navigating data on a lap timer, or sending a quick update from the paddock, we’re all using smartphones and tablets more frequently at the track.
The problem? Traditional FIA-approved race gloves don’t play nicely with screens. The flame-retardant materials, reinforced seams, and performance-first design often mean you can’t operate your phone or timing device without pulling your glove halfway off, and if you’ve ever tried doing that in a hot pit garage or strapped into a tight seat, you’ll know it’s a pain.
Touchscreen-compatible gloves solve this issue by adding conductive material to the fingertips, usually the thumb and index finger, so you can interact with screens while keeping your hands fully protected. That means no fussing with gloves mid-session, no fingerprints on visors or devices, and no risk of compromising safety by loosening gear just to check data or messages.
More brands are now offering FIA 8856-2018 homologated gloves with this feature, recognising that motorsport is becoming increasingly digital. Whether you’re a time attack driver managing live telemetry or a club racer checking track conditions, touchscreen gloves add genuine practicality to your setup without sacrificing compliance or performance.
Sparco Arrow+ Race Gloves – FIA Certified & Touchscreen Ready
Sparco Arrow+ Race Gloves are an evolution of Sparco’s popular Arrow gloves, upgraded to meet the stringent FIA 8856-2018 standard for fire resistance. This means enhanced heat and flame protection across all areas of the glove, giving track day and motorsport drivers maximum safety. Despite the beefed-up protection, the Arrow+ maintains the superb fit and comfort of its predecessor. These gloves were engineered for high performance, combining comfort, precision, and control with advanced materials.
Sparco’s exclusive HTX material is used on the palm and fingers, providing exceptional grip and tactile sensitivity for better vehicle control. The design features external seams for a snug, irritation-free fit, and pre-curved fingers to prevent bunching of material while you grip the wheel. A padded palm section helps absorb vibrations and shocks, reducing hand fatigue over long stints. Crucially, the Arrow+ gloves include touchscreen-compatible inserts on the thumb and forefinger, allowing you to operate mobile devices, data loggers, or lap timer apps without taking the gloves off. This “Touch-S” tech makes it easy to check your phone or in-car touchscreen between sessions while keeping your gloves on.
Key features:
- FIA 8856-2018 Approved: Latest-spec flame and heat resistance for maximum safety.
- Sparco HTX Grip: Patented palm/finger material for superior grip, dexterity, and steering feedback.
- External Seams & Pre-Curved Fit: Reduces pressure points and avoids material bunching for all-day comfort.
- Padded Palm: Vibration-damping padding to lessen hand fatigue during long drives.
- Touchscreen Thumb & Forefinger: Touch-sensitive tips let you use a smartphone or lap timer without removing the gloves.
The Sparco Arrow+ gloves hit a sweet spot for professional racers and serious enthusiasts alike, delivering top-notch protection with modern convenience. No wonder they’re a popular choice for those who demand safety and practicality in one package.
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From £131.00 Excl. VAT Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Sparco Tide and Tide+ Race Gloves – Premium Comfort with Touch-Tech
Another high-end option from Sparco is the Tide series of race gloves, including the latest Tide+ model. These gloves are built for competitive motorsport and meet FIA 8856-2018 homologation, offering the highest level of fire protection. What sets the Sparco Tide gloves apart is their focus on grip and comfort. They utilize Sparco’s 3D HTX “volcano” material on the palm and fingers, a raised silicone-like pattern that maximizes grip on the wheel while also cushioning against shocks and vibration. This technology helps reduce hand fatigue by dampening vibrations, perfect for endurance races or rough rally stages.
The Tide gloves feature external seams and an ergonomic, pre-curved shape for a close fit with no pressure points. They also include extra padding over the knuckles for protection in tight cockpits. Crucially, Sparco has integrated touchscreen-compatible material on the thumb and index finger for this glove range. That means you can use your phone, tablet, or other touchscreens in the pits without peeling off your gloves, a huge convenience for drivers who need to check data or communicate quickly. As Sparco describes, you can operate your mobile device “without having to remove your gloves” thanks to these touch-ready pads.
Key features:
- FIA 8856-2018 & SFI 3.3/5 Approved: Top-level fire safety compliance for racing use.
- 3D HTX Palm Technology: “Volcano” textured silicone palm gives high grip on suede or leather steering wheels and absorbs vibrations to reduce fatigue.
- Ergonomic Design: Pre-curved fingers and external stitching for a comfortable, natural fit when driving.
- Knuckle Protection: Padding on the knuckles adds safety without restricting movement.
- Touchscreen Thumb and Forefinger: Special material on these fingertips lets you use touchscreens with gloves on.
Whether you choose the Sparco Tide or the updated Tide+ version, you’re getting a premium glove that blends protection, comfort, and modern tech. These are ideal for drivers who spend long days at the track and appreciate features like vibration damping and touchscreen access.
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From £179.00 Excl. VAT Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
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From £165.00 Excl. VAT Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Alpinestars Tech-1 ZX Gloves – Pro-Level Gear with Touch Capability
Alpinestars’ flagship auto racing glove, the Tech-1 ZX, is another FIA-approved model embracing touchscreen functionality. The latest Tech-1 ZX V4 gloves are certified to FIA 8856-2018 and represent the cutting edge of Alpinestars’ racewear development. Designed with input from Formula 1 and endurance drivers, the Tech-1 ZX uses a dual-sided honeycomb aramid fabric that significantly improves heat resistance (about 20% better heat transmission protection than prior models) while also boosting breathability. In other words, these gloves keep your hands safer from fire and heat, without making them hot and sweaty during use.
Alpinestars built the Tech-1 ZX to maximize feel and grip. A 3D silicone print is applied to the palm and fingers, giving excellent steering wheel grip with minimal material, so you maintain fine feedback. The fingers are pre-curved, and the glove shape is ergonomically refined to fit the hand in a driving position, resulting in less material bunching and reduced fatigue. Most seams are external for comfort, except the thumb, which has an internal seam for better sensitivity on wheel buttons. Crucially, Alpinestars added a touchscreen-compatible print on the thumb and index fingertip of the Tech-1 ZX gloves. This allows racers to use mobile devices or data acquisition touchscreens in the car/pit without removing their gloves. Even at this pro level, convenience matters, whether it’s operating a pit tablet or checking a phone, Tech-1 ZX has you covered.
Key features:
- FIA 8856-2018 Certified: Built to the latest fire safety standards, with 20% improved heat protection over the previous gen.
- Honeycomb Aramid Construction: Dual-layer Nomex fabric with bonded lining for flame resistance plus breathability and comfort.
- 3D Silicone Grip Zones: Printed silicone patterns on the palm and fingers provide superb grip and steering feel with minimal material for more tactile feedback.
- Ergonomic Fit: Pre-curved fingers and external seams (except thumb) give a close, fatigue-free fit and avoid pressure points during use.
- Touchscreen-Compatible Fingertips: Special conductive print on the thumb and index finger lets you use smartphones, tablets, or lap timer touchscreens while gloved.
Alpinestars Tech-1 ZX gloves are a top choice for professional drivers, and the addition of touchscreen capability shows even elite gear is adapting to modern needs. If you’re after a no-compromise racing glove with every bell and whistle, from safety to convenience, the Tech-1 ZX is a worthy investment.
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From £152.00 Excl. VAT Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Other Notable Touchscreen-Compatible FIA Gloves
The trend of touchscreen-ready race gloves is growing, and a few other FIA-approved models deserve mention, even if they aren’t in our current product range.
One example is Sabelt’s new Hyper Touch TG-12 gloves, introduced recently. As the name suggests, these FIA 8856-2018 homologated gloves feature touchscreen-friendly inserts on the fingers (allowing device use mid-race) combined with Sabelt’s signature silicone palm technology for grip. The Hyper Touch gloves are aimed at the highest levels of competition and reflect the industry’s push toward integrating tech features. (We don’t stock this model yet, but its development shows how glove tech is evolving.)
It’s also worth noting that some manufacturers have updated their more affordable gloves with this functionality. For instance, OMP’s latest lineup has hinted at touch-compatible material in certain designs like the refreshed OMP First series. While traditional OMP racing gloves (e.g. One Evo X, One S) focus on lightweight comfort and grip, newer versions of OMP’s entry-level First gloves now advertise “touch screen support” in some markets. This means even budget-conscious racers may soon enjoy touchscreen use without removing gloves. Keep an eye out as we expand our range with such models once they become available.
The Best of Both Worlds: FIA Protection with Everyday Usability
In summary, the ability to operate touchscreens is no longer at odds with serious motorsport gloves. Top brands have incorporated special thumb and fingertip patches that conduct to touchscreens while maintaining full FIA fire safety compliance. Whether you choose Sparco or Alpinestars from our catalog, or look toward emerging options like Sabelt, you can have the practicality of using your devices trackside and the peace of mind that comes with FIA-approved protection. It’s all about enhancing the driving experience: staying safe, staying connected, and keeping your focus on the race. Happy driving!