When driving, avoiding a crash and bringing your vehicle to a quick and full stop as necessary, does not just require effective brakes, but even more so for you to be able to react swiftly and apply the right pressure to your brakes.
Despite this, there are still very few drivers who pay attention to their footwear when driving, the one thing that could best enable them to control their vehicles safely in an emergency.
Women are one of the biggest culprits in this scenario, as they are more likely to wear footwear that is dangerous and not effective when it comes to driving safety.
Footwear and Driving Safety for Women
So What Are the Rules
Many countries do not specify the appropriate footwear to wear in their legislation about driving although some countries require drivers to ensure that their clothing and footwear, does not present any hindrance from using the controls of the car in any manner.
How Footwear Affects Your Ability to Drive Safely
The choices you make on the road may not just have an impact on your own life, but the lives of others equally. The footwear that you use for driving must be able to allow you to feel and exert the pressure needed on the pedals for effective acceleration and braking.
The appropriate footwear should also prevent you from pressing two pedals at a time, or hooking your shoe on the floor mat, and they should prevent jerky movements.
When you need to drive for very long distances that place stress on your feet and ankles, as a supportive and comfortable shoe can leave your feet feeling more relaxed and prevent pain and foot fatigue, which in turn could affect your concentration and reaction speed.
Driving Barefoot
If you have to choose between driving with high heels, flip-flops or barefoot, then barefoot by far is your best option, although it is still not recommended.
Driving barefoot can cause pain and cramping, and your feet can slip from becoming sweaty. You may also not have enough strength in your bare feet to apply the appropriate amount of pressure to the pedals. Wearing socks alone are even worse, as they will most definitely slip!
Shoes to Avoid When Driving
Here are some shoe types you should definitely avoid when driving;
Flip Flops:
They offer no support, come off easily, and get hooked on the pedals.
High heels:
Your heel is not on the floor, where you need it to apply pressure on the pedals, the heel can get caught in the floor mat, heels offer less grip and get stuck under the pedals.
Wedges and platforms, worse choice ever!!
Boots may restrict necessary ankle movement and catch against your seat.
Thickly padded and soled running shoes may not be effective for safe driving.
Tips on Footwear and Driving
- Make sure your shoes are comfortable and supportive enough for a long drive.
- The sole must not be too thick or thin, allowing you to regulate pedal pressure effectively.
- Basic trainers and flat soled shoes are your best options, just stay clear of a very wide sole.
- Make sure your footwear fits well with just enough bulkiness to protect your feet during a crash, but not so much as to hinder driving.
- Be extra careful in wet weather as slippery shoes can easily make your feet slip off the pedals.
- Look for comfort features such as cushioning and arch support.
- Likewise, look for a shoe that is lightweight and breathable.
- The sole of the shoe should offer effective grip and traction.
Whether you are driving to a faraway destination or just a short distance, make sure that you take all precautions necessary to drive safely;
Reviews: The Best Shoes for Driving
Whether Driving Long distance or just Short Stances, these shoes will always come in handy for safe and easy driving;
DUOYANGJIASHA Loafers for Womens Casual Shoes Slip on Dress Women Comfortable Leather Driving Shoes Outdoor Walking Flats Black - Fun and Funky Loafers for Driving
The LabatoStyle Casual Loafers in a Moccasin style are comfortable, yet fun and funky shoes with an anti-slip rubber outsole. The perfect casual is wearing the shoe for the more extravagant individual with the perfect features for driving safely with.
Top Features:
- A moccasin style loafer available in eight fun and funky color design options.
- It is manufactured from pure cowhide leather with delicate stitching details.
- Flexible and stylish, ideal for driving with as well for any casual excursion.
- Features a very durable anti-slip rubber outsole.
- The footbed has a massaging function and keeps it shape.
ECCO Women's Yucatan Sport Sandal, Chili Red/Concrete/Black Nubuck, 4-4.5 - Sandal for Driving
If you must drive with sandals, particularly those very hot summer days, then the ECCO Yucatan is your best option. Comfortable with a safe design and excellent traction, ideal as a sandal for driving.
Top Features:
- 100% durable Nubuck upper construction with multiple adjustable points and a neoprene lining for the most comfortable fit.
- An EVA footbed with microfiber cover for better cushioning and stability.
- A direct-injected PU midsole from foam, for long-lasting cushioned comfort.
- The Receptor technology offers exceptional stability and great impact support.
- An Omni-Directional, durable rubber outsole for outstanding grip capabilities.
PUMA Women's Prowl Alt Knit Sneaker, Quarry White, 10.5 M US - Fashionable Sneaker for Driving
This is a very fashionable and sleek designed sneaker that is lightweight and safe to drive with. The Puma Drift Cat 4 is made for driving.
Top Features:
- Features a clean, sleek and lightweight, yet stylish design.
- Fabric and textile uppers for breathability.
- The midsole is lightweight and cushioned for ideal support and comfort.
- A durable rubber outsole.
- Some color options.
JABASIC Women's Slip-on Loafers Flat Casual Driving Shoes(5, Red-1) - Driving Flats for Women
The Jabasic casual Flat is designed specifically for driving with, it features and rounded Moc toe, is easy to slip on and off between stops and offers great grip.
Top Features:
- A classic solid check pattern with a rounded to design, excellent for all occasions and driving.
- An easy slip on and off style for when you need to change your shoes with ease.
- Durable and comfortable leather uppers with a leather lining and soft memory foam footbed for added comfort and support.
- The rubber outsole offers superb anti-slip characteristics, along with solid support and traction.
- The moc toe style features gorgeous brass detail on the top and is available in many colors, as well as neutral color options.
Ablanczoom Womens Loafers Flats Shoes: Women Comfortable Soft Floral Print Dress Loafer Casual Slip on Walking Driving Shoe White - casual Driving Shoes
These are some stunning slip-on loafers for driving, made from real leather and available in many colors or fun prints to choose from.
Top Features:
- A thick rubber outsole with Anti-Slip functioning.
- Slip on design in many fun prints and colors.
- The uppers are made from genuine cow leather.
- A breathable insole with a moisture absorbing lining.
Naturalizer Women's NATASHA Shoe, TAHITI GREEN, 11 M US - Wider Width driving Shoes
Naturalizer is a highly popular and high-quality shoe brand in general, with their Natasha model, manufactured for driving to offer excellent grip.
Top Features:
- Genuine and durable leather uppers available in many bright and bold color varieties.
- A thick and high grip rubber outsole for driving safely.
- Inside is a cushioned comfort insole.
- Easy slip-on design with a moc toe for decorative detail.
UGG Women's Flores Slip On Shoe, Jasmine, 6 - Driving Loafer
We all know UGG boots as being comfy leather fur lined winter boots, well today I introduce to you their leather loafer which is perfect for driving and all day casual wear.
Top Features:
- Features a Molded thick rubber outsole, for better grip and support.
- Soft genuine suede leather uppers are available in many colors.
- A comfortable insole and leather lined the interior for excellent moisture absorption.
- Easy slip on and off loafer design.
Sperry Women's Lounge Away Sneaker, Rose, 8 M US - Driving and Boat Sneakers
The Sperry Lounge Away Sneaker is a lightweight and comfortable sneaker with a vulcanized rubber outsole which is perfect for driving and wearing outside.
Top Features:
- Breathable and lightweight textile uppers available in a variety of soft pastel colors.
- A thick and shock absorbing Vulcanized rubber outsole with a high gripping tread.
- Easy slip on and off the design.The classic and feminine appeal that can be worn out and about.
- Comfortable and supportive memory foam footbed for walking and driving comfort.
adidas Terrex Climacool Boat Sleek Black/Chalk White/Matte Silver 8.5 - Sleek Driving Shoe
The Adidas Climacool technology shoe will keep your feet cool and comfortable on those long drives.
Top Features:
- Lightweight and flexible uppers.
- Climacool technology with an open mesh design to keep your feet cool and dry.
- A durable and stable Traxion outsole.
- Comfortable and cushioned insole and midsole.
- The heel insert is stretchable for easy on and off.
Aerosoles Women's Soft Driving Style Loafer, Bone Nubuck, 9.5 - Loafer For Driving
The perfect Driving shoe from Aerosoles with soft and supple leather uppers as well as a high gripping outsole.
Top Features:
- Soft and supple genuine leather uppers with a comfortable foam footbed and a padded insole that soothes and pampers your feet.
- A advanced technology rubber outsole with a unique diamond tread pattern to disperse friction from your feet and ensure excellent grip.
- Strong and durable construction from high-quality materials.
- Available in a few color options to choose from.
In The End
Do not let your footwear become the reason for a life and death situation. Keep safe when driving, and wear appropriate footwear that is easy to drive with, posing no risk to your safety.
I have chosen a selection of shoes that have no attachments or unnecessary niceties that could cause difficulty when driving, as well as shoes that have soles the offer excellent grip.
As you can see they are all slip on models that are easy to put on and off, hence you only want to wear them while driving and change your shoes at your destination.
Index Table: The Best Shoes for Driving
