Appropriate footwear should:
Stay on your feet.
Allow quick braking.
Allow even exertion of pressure on the brake and gas pedals.
Enable good sensitivity to the amount of pressure you exert.
Not excessively restrict ankle motion.
Not interfere with safe operation of the brake and gas pedals.
Have adequate friction with dry or wet brake and gas pedals.
Allow …show more content…
While convenient at home, this very same characteristic makes it dangerous while driving. The shoe may slip off entirely which causes distraction when trying to place it back on. It can also partially slide off which means it may catch on the pedals.
High Heels
High heels cause the driver to operate the brake and gas pedals with ankles at extended and unsafe angles. It forces the driver to use the balls of the foot which prevents it from exerting even pressure. Because the heel is narrow, it provides an unstable platform for resting the foot. The awkwardness of these shoes prevents quick operation of the brakes.
Bare Feet
Bare feet have poor friction with the pedals, especially when they are wet with perspiration. Operating a manual transmission with its small clutch pedals that require a lot of force is painful. This is distracting and reduces the amount of force that the driver can exert. The arch of the foot has a poor tolerance for pressure. This causes the driver to use only the balls of his feet and therefore prevents even application of pressure.
When social occasions require wearing unsafe footwear for operating your car, bring a second pair of shoes with you for the driving. Keep these in your trunk for future