What to Wear Go Karting

What UK Karting Venues Provide

The good news is that you don't need to buy or bring any specialist karting equipment. UK venues supply everything you need to race safely as part of the session price. Here's what to expect:

The race suit goes on top of whatever you're wearing, so your own clothes need to be comfortable to layer underneath. They may also come into contact with a small amount of engine grease or exhaust residue, which is worth bearing in mind if you're visiting straight from work or planning to go somewhere smart afterwards.

What to Wear Underneath the Race Suit

This is where most first-time visitors go wrong — either overdressing and overheating during the session, or underdressing and getting cold at an outdoor venue. The right approach is different for indoor and outdoor karting, but some principles apply across the board.

The Basics

Wear fitted, comfortable clothing. Race suits are practical garments but not spacious — they zip up over what you're wearing, so bulky jumpers or thick hoodies will be uncomfortable and restrict movement. Fitted layers work much better than a single thick layer.

Good Options

• Jeans — the go-to choice. Practical, comfortable, and unlikely to restrict movement
• Leggings or fitted joggers — excellent, especially for indoor sessions where temperature can be higher
• Chinos or smart trousers — fine, though you may not want to wear your best pair given the slight grease risk
• T-shirt or fitted long-sleeve top — ideal base layer
• Thin fleece or base layer — adds warmth at outdoor venues without adding too much bulk under the suit

What to Avoid Underneath

• Thick hoodies or sweatshirts — you will struggle to zip up the race suit and will overheat
• Bulky coats — leave these in the locker
• Very wide-leg trousers — excess fabric around the legs is uncomfortable in a kart
• Smart office clothes — not because they're forbidden, but because you'll regret it if you pick up a grease mark

The Right Shoes for Karting

Footwear is one of the most important clothing decisions for karting and one that's often overlooked. The right shoes make a real difference to how much feel you get through the pedals — which directly affects your lap times and enjoyment.

What Works Best

The ideal karting shoe is flat, closed-toe, and thin-soled. You want to feel the pedals clearly and modulate throttle and brake smoothly. Thin-soled trainers — the kind you'd wear for running or gym work — are perfect. Canvas trainers also work well.

• Thin-soled trainers (running shoes, gym trainers)
• Canvas plimsolls or pumps
• Flat sports shoes
• Flat ankle boots with a thin sole

What Doesn't Work

Boots with thick soles, high heels, and platform soles all reduce pedal feel and make it harder to apply precise throttle and braking. More importantly, open-toed shoes and flip flops are not permitted at any UK karting venue — this is a firm safety rule, not a suggestion. You will not be allowed on track in open-toed footwear.

• Not permitted: flip flops, sandals, open-toed shoes of any kind
• Not recommended: thick-soled boots, platform shoes, high heels, very chunky trainers
• Uncomfortable: steel-capped work boots — technically allowed but not ideal in a kart cockpit

Hair and Jewellery — What to Know

Two areas where first-timers often need a quick bit of guidance before they arrive at the venue.

Hair

Long hair needs to be tied up before putting on the helmet. Most venues will mention this in the briefing, but it's easier to sort before you arrive rather than scrambling for a hair tie at the desk. A low bun, braid, or ponytail all work well inside a helmet. Very thick or high hairstyles can make it harder to fit the helmet correctly — the helmet should sit level and snug, not propped up by hair at the back.

If you've recently had your hair done and want to protect it, consider bringing a balaclava or asking if the venue provides one. It creates a barrier between your hair and the helmet lining, which has been worn by many people before you.

Jewellery

The general rule is: remove anything that dangles, protrudes, or could be uncomfortable inside a glove or helmet. In practice, this means:

• Remove: rings (uncomfortable in gloves, pinching hazard), long necklaces, dangling earrings, bangles, bracelets
• Usually fine: stud earrings, small nose studs, flat pendant necklaces that sit close to the chest
• Ask the venue: if you have piercings you can't easily remove, check with the staff — most will be fine as long as they're covered by the race suit

The concern with rings specifically is that they can cause a painful pinching sensation inside tight racing gloves. It's a minor thing but worth avoiding. Take your ring off, put it in your pocket or leave it with your bag, and collect it after the session.

Indoor vs Outdoor Clothing Differences

The biggest practical difference in what you should wear is determined by whether you're visiting an indoor or outdoor track. The safety equipment provided by the venue is the same, but what you wear underneath changes with the environment.

Indoor Karting Clothing

Indoor venues like TeamSport Brent Cross or Revolution Karting in London are temperature controlled — warm in winter, sometimes very warm in summer. The combination of a race suit, physical exertion, and a heated indoor space means you'll typically be warm within a few laps.

For indoor sessions: dress lightly. A t-shirt and jeans or leggings is the standard recommendation. Bring a layer you can leave with your bag in case the venue is cooler than expected, but expect to be warm once on track.

Outdoor Karting Clothing

Outdoor venues like Buckmore Park in Kent, Lakeside Karting near Thurrock, or PF International in Grantham are fully exposed to the British weather. This means what you wear in January is very different from what you wear in July.

For outdoor sessions in cold weather: a thin thermal base layer, fitted mid-layer, and warm trousers underneath the race suit will keep you comfortable. The race suit adds a layer over everything but isn't heavily insulating. Gloves and a neck collar are standard issue. If the venue is windy, you'll feel it between sessions.

For outdoor sessions in summer: the same principle as indoor applies — dress lighter than you think. A race suit in 25-degree heat is warm work.

Frequently Asked Questions