Driving without Shoes

[thepd7]

Originally posted by: clamum
I only do it after swimming at the beach. I've had friends tell me driving barefoot was illegal, and I really doubted it, and after looking at a couple places on the Internet it looks like it is not (at least for Michigan).

I swear I remember hearing in driver's ed that barefoot was okay, but flip-flops were not because you could get the pedal stuck between your foot and flip-flop. I suppose it could happen.

I have almost hit a car due to flip flops. I was in a rush and didn't want to take them off like I normally do. Never again. Barefoot is much better and not illegal.

 

[Krazy4Real]

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Originally posted by: Krazy4Real
I don't drive barefoot. I think about all the crap I've walked in with my shoes, and I wouldn't want my bare feet touching those pedals.

I guess you must never walk around barefoot then?

The only time I ever walk around barefoot is in my house on the carpet. I don't allow shoes on the carpet.

 

[Mr Pickles]

Originally posted by: Pale Rider

Originally posted by: KeithTalent

Originally posted by: MrLee
You guys are all really wierd.

Too funny:

http://forums.anandtech.com/me...119364&highlight_key=y

http://forums.anandtech.com/me...145815&highlight_key=y

http://forums.anandtech.com/me...093072&highlight_key=y

http://forums.anandtech.com/me...071102&highlight_key=y

And of course, lest anyone forget: http://forums.anandtech.com/me...142932&highlight_key=y

KT

Damn Lee, My. Talent just owned you.

No he didn't, he brought back great memories. Ha! Those are some of my best ones! Good searching!

Worried about wearing shoes while driving... still dumb.

 

[Fritzo]

I had a gas pedal in a Mustang once that was foot shaped (it even had indents for each toe), so I thought it was made to drive barefoot

 

[paulney]

Originally posted by: BlahBlahYouToo
nope, too much shock from the clutch pedal onto my foot.

Same deal.

 

[thomsbrain]

It is legal in state of CA to do it, but I don't recommend it.

Taking yours shoes off changes the distance from the "bottom" of your foot to the pedal. The result is you don't push the pedals far enough initially. In addition, there is a tendency to feather pedals because it can hurt if you need to pound one of them and you don't get the ball of your foot dead-on the pedal. It can also be uncomfortable to heel and toe without shoes. If you want to avoid the "clunky" feeling you get with dress shoes, bulky athletic shoes, or boots, I recommend a dedicated pair of driving shoes or even just a pair of Converse Chuck Taylor lo-tops. They provide a lot of feel for the pedal and still give you confidence to stomp around down there when you need to.

I will agree with people who say they would rather drive bare-foot than with flip-flops. Sandals that don't have heel straps get caught and jammed between the pedal and floor. That's bad news, and it is better to just take them off.

 

[imported_Imp]

I don't drive yet. Still I don't see the problem if you did drive without shoes. I personally wouldn't cause I would treat the pedal the same as the floor/ground outside (dirty). You would lose some of the protection and stiffness in your feet when manipulating the pedals, though your feel would improve. Still, no I wouldn't. It just wouldn't feel right to use bare skin to manipulate machinery.

 

[TwiceOver]

I never do, the pedals just don't feel right. My wife usually drives without shoes in the summer, though it is illegal here.