Approval is the process by which products, in this case racing shoes, receive official approval from regulatory bodies such as the FIA (International Automobile Federation) or SFI (SFI Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization that creates and manages standards for safety equipment used in motorsports). This approval certifies that the products meet specific safety and performance standards set for racing use. Approved racing shoes provide racers with the assurance that their footwear has been tested and verified for protection against fire, heat stress and mechanical damage. Wearers of homologated shoes can safely race in official races and competitions.