Best shoes for driving?

The right pair of shoes can make or break an outfit. The same principle applies to driving, and wearing appropriate footwear is crucial for safety and comfort when you’re out on the road.

Choosing the right pair of shoes helps with your overall control of the pedals while driving. Shoes that are too thin, high, or thick can make it hard to feel the pedals and make it difficult to brake or accelerate properly.

In 2010, the AA conducted a survey and found that 27% of people said their choice of shoes led to difficulty while driving. Around 5% went as far as to say their footwear caused them to drive dangerously, lose control, or even have an accident. Evidently, the kind of driving shoes you wear really does make a difference – no matter the weather or road conditions.

You may be tempted during warmer months to drive without shoes. However, according to Rule 97 of the Highway Code, drivers should make sure “clothing and footwear do not prevent you using the controls in the correct manner." Failure to do so can result in fines or a penalty. Driving barefoot isn’t illegal, but it’s also not advised.

What are the best driving shoes?

The best shoes to drive in are soft shoes with a thin sole that also have a good grip.

This includes:

• Trainers
• Loafers
• Boat shoes

These shoes allow you to feel the pedal properly and decrease the risk of accidents. Choose shoes that allow your ankle to remain flexible and keep your sole sensitive to how much pressure you're placing on the pedals. They should not be too heavy or so chunky as to put you in danger of pressing two pedals down at once. If you're planning a long road trip , comfort is key.

The impact of wearing thin soles when driving:

• Allow better contact with pedal
• Improve control of the car
• Add to your overall comfort in the car

This explains why so many shoes sold specifically for driving are in the style of a moccasin. Over a third of people in a 2015 uSwitch survey said they’d encountered some kind of driving difficulty because of their shoes. It's easy to see why, and it's not hard to find yourself getting in the car wearing sandals during the summer, heavy boots in winter or heels at any time.

Shoes you should avoid:

• Shoes that are rigid or restrictive such as boots or shoes with thick soles. They make it hard to apply the right amount of pressure
• High heels because they can get stuck under the pedal which is dangerous
• Shoes that are too loose because they don’t provide enough support

It's a good idea to keep a pair of shoes specifically for driving in the car so you don't wind up driving in flip-flops.

Is it illegal to drive barefoot?

The UK has no specific law that says it's illegal to drive barefoot, more a general rule about maintaining control of your vehicle. The 1988 Road Traffic Act is the main piece of legislation which basically says that you're guilty of an offence if you're in a position which doesn't give proper control or a full view of the road and traffic ahead.

This could apply to footwear, but also any in-car activity that impedes your driving ability, including eating, drinking coffee or putting on makeup. Meanwhile, the Highway Code does not say anything specific about driving without shoes.

If you’re driving barefoot, you’ll be charged a £100 fine and get 3 penalty points on your driving license.

Is it illegal to drive in flip-flops?

It's not illegal to drive in flip-flops in the UK, but it’s not something that is considered a safe driving practice. As the Birmingham Mail reported, the body which regulates driving tests in the UK is sure driving barefoot or in flip-flops is not a good idea.

According to the Driving Standards Agency, “suitable shoes are particularly important behind the wheel. We would not recommend driving barefoot because you don't have the same braking force with bare feet as you do with shoes on.”

Are any other shoe types illegal to drive in?

There are no specific shoe types that are illegal to drive in, but if the shoes you wear while driving affect your ability to control your car or move the pedals, you could be driving without sufficient care, which can result in penalties or fines.

Avoid shoes such as crocs, high heels, sandals and sliders. These shoes will impact your ability to drive safely and comfortably. Instead, wear comfortable shoes with a good grip.

Conclusion

It’s essential to wear proper shoes while driving to ensure safety and control. Prioritise shoes with a thin sole and good grip to help maintain control and reduce the risk of accidents. Although there are no shoe types that are illegal for driving, it’s crucial to avoid shoes that can compromise pedal control.