Footwear and driving

[Buckman]

Would you drive barefoot or while wearing loose slops? I have always thought either to be unsafe?

 

[Mr Grumpy]

Way back in my misspent youth I would often drive barefoot especially when driving home from the beach.
Could never quite manage to get all the sand out from between my toes and putting on any form of footwear would drive me crazy until I was sure it was all gone.

 

[otherclive]

My ex SIL would drive his HGV artic in bare feet. My issue is the opposite . I only have size 10 but am very conscious of the tendency of some shoes or boots to catch the toe behind the lower dash area, thus risking a delay to braking. So I‘m careful what footwear I use for driving. Fathers Day has just passed and the Tod’s didn’t arrive , so fingers crossed for November or December 🤞🏼

 

[Mr Plodd]

I would never drive in flip-flops because......
They flip-flop around

Bare feet certainly, as that gives you far more sensitivity than any shoe can. Competition drivers use special driving shoes that have very thin suede soles, for exactly the reason just given, better sensitivity.

However I believe that it is illegal to drive barefoot in Spain? Can't see any logical reason, but what do I know?

 

[ProfJohnL]

As far as I have been able to find out, there is no specific stipulation about what you can or cannot wear on your feet whilst driving in the UK. However there is a requirement the driver must be able to remain in full control or the vehicle whilst driving, and having any sort of clothing inc foot wear that might prevent you from maintaining that control could lead to a charge of driving without due care and attention.

Loose shoes (like flip flops or loose slippers) can easily fall off your feet and become entangled with the foot pedals, which could prevent them from operating safely.

I personally don't think I'd be comfortable driving bare footed, as there could be grit stuck to the pads on the peddles making it uncomfortable.

 

[Buckman]

I would never drive in flip-flops because......
They flip-flop around

Bare feet certainly, as that gives you far more sensitivity than any shoe can. Competition drivers use special driving shoes that have very thin suede soles, for exactly the reason just given, better sensitivity.

However I believe that it is illegal to drive barefoot in Spain? Can't see any logical reason, but what do I know?

In South Africa we were told it was illegal to drive barefoot and with any loose fitting footwear like slops. Probably why I have never attempted it.

Over here I have seen cyclists and motorcyclists riding barefoot or with slops on which I think is very foolish.