Just Wondering About... Sandals and Driving?
By DB
@dgobucks226 (34300)
July 8, 2022 2:38pm CST
With summer here I enjoy airing out my toes with flip flops or sandals. They are so comfortable to wear, especially on those sweltering hot days when sneakers, shoes, and socks just won't do. I even wear them while driving. But some say that is a very dangerous thing to do. 
FLIP FLOPS/SANDALS
Seems there is some debate over whether it is safe to wear flip flops or sandals while driving? I am one who wears flip flops when driving to the beach for example.
Makes sense to me, flip flops are part of my beach wear not sneakers so wearing them as I head to the ocean simplifies putting them on when I get there.
Some experts warn that flip flops are loose fitting and can slip causing you to get them stuck on the brake or accelerator leading to an accident. Also, less force is applied to the brake pedal when wearing flip flops resulting in a longer time to stop your car. I have not had any issues yet. What do you think?
If you're a user of this comfortable footwear, do you wear them when you drive your car? Even if you don't drive what's your opinion. Am I being careless?
Some Source Info- slippersowner.com
FLIP FLOPS/SANDALS
Seems there is some debate over whether it is safe to wear flip flops or sandals while driving? I am one who wears flip flops when driving to the beach for example.
Makes sense to me, flip flops are part of my beach wear not sneakers so wearing them as I head to the ocean simplifies putting them on when I get there.
Some experts warn that flip flops are loose fitting and can slip causing you to get them stuck on the brake or accelerator leading to an accident. Also, less force is applied to the brake pedal when wearing flip flops resulting in a longer time to stop your car. I have not had any issues yet. What do you think?
If you're a user of this comfortable footwear, do you wear them when you drive your car? Even if you don't drive what's your opinion. Am I being careless?
Some Source Info- slippersowner.com13 people like this
15 responses
@snowy22315 (169619)
• United States
9 Jul 22
I drive in them. I have some that are kind of thick soled so I guess they are OK.
2 people like this
@snowy22315 (169619)
• United States
12 Jul 22
@dgobucks226 I wouldn't let footwear keep me from going anywhere I wanted to go but that's me
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (34300)
•
12 Jul 22
It is a short drive, and I am aware of the potential problems, so I am careful to drive accordingly.
Reaction time is another reason to be careful when driving in flip flops.
Other footwear that may cause probems are hiking boots, Uggs, platforms, work boots, slippers, snowmobile boots, socks or slippery-soled loafers. What do you think?
2 people like this
@kaylachan (57366)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
8 Jul 22
I would have to say it's dependent on the person as to whether it's a risk for them or not. Those with not the best motor control probably shouldn't take the chance, or those who aren't aware of how much force they're applying. I can't drive, but do know and have pressed on the breaks, before. And, I've been fine. Of course the viciles in question weren't moving, but you have to step on them to start it. I would just advise to be careful and use flip flops with strong souls, and if you feel your motor skills are slipping reevaluate.
1 person likes this
@kaylachan (57366)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
12 Jul 22
@dgobucks226 I think so. We're always balancing comfort and safety. Being in a wheelchair example, I need to ensure my clothes aren't to lose so they don't constrict when I sit. And I can move freely. But, then I also have to think of the heat in summer and the rare cold day in winter and balance those worlds.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (34300)
•
12 Jul 22
An excellent answer and very sound advice. 
Other footwear that may cause problems are hiking boots, Uggs, platforms/high heels, work boots, slippers, snowmobile boots, socks or slippery-soled loafers. I guess the same philosophy could be applied to these footwears. What do you think?
Other footwear that may cause problems are hiking boots, Uggs, platforms/high heels, work boots, slippers, snowmobile boots, socks or slippery-soled loafers. I guess the same philosophy could be applied to these footwears. What do you think?1 person likes this
@DaddyEvil (137145)
• United States
9 Jul 22
I drive wearing sandals that strap onto my feet but not in flip flops.
I guess it just depends on how lucky you are while wearing them and driving.
2 people like this
@dgobucks226 (34300)
•
12 Jul 22
That's true... I am very careful of the potential issues from wearing them. My drive to the beach is a short one which does not involve any major highways for safety. Women who still wear high heels and drive can encounter the same issues like their heel getting caught or shoe slipping off the pedal.
Comfortable tennis shoes or running shoes are best for driving as they provide an even pressure to the brake and gas pedal. It also allows easy switching from pedal to pedal.
Thanks for your input!
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (155566)
• United States
9 Jul 22
I wear flip flops 365 days of the year. I would never wear them driving. It's too easy for it to get caught or slip off your foot. Have a good weekend.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (155566)
• United States
13 Jul 22
@dgobucks226 They all can be problems. I think I'd rather drive barefoot!
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (34300)
•
15 Jul 22
@LindaOHio 
perhaps that's a better alternative Linda.
perhaps that's a better alternative Linda.1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (34300)
•
12 Jul 22
Well, at least I'm not using my bare feet. 
Ok, your point is extremely convincing
Other footwear that may cause probems are hiking boots, Uggs, platforms, work boots, slippers, snowmobile boots, socks or slippery-soled loafers. What do you think?
Ok, your point is extremely convincing
Other footwear that may cause probems are hiking boots, Uggs, platforms, work boots, slippers, snowmobile boots, socks or slippery-soled loafers. What do you think?1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (34300)
•
16 Nov 22
Shoeless driving is not safe too according to experts. You cannot accurate feel how much pressure is needed to stop. Also, one might slip off the pedal barefooted. Thanks for your response, all logical reasons especially woman wearing high heeled shoes!
1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203454)
• Nashville, Tennessee
16 Nov 22
@dgobucks226 Very true but I have been guilty many times fo doing this. I am a careful driver. You are very welcome.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (34300)
•
13 Jul 22
Yes, I absolutely agree there! Barefoot driving is not safe. You could slip off switching pedals and also not feel the pressure of the pedals too.
According to some expert's high heels are another footwear to avoid wearing while driving. Due to the soles not providing enough contact and slipping off the pedal. The heel might even get caught in the floor mat.
The top choice for safe driving seems to be tennis/sneaker shoes.
1 person likes this
@much2say (53909)
• Los Angeles, California
14 Jul 22
@dgobucks226 I have little feet too, it's no match for the pedals 
.
High heels. Admittedly I have done a lot of driving with heels - but that was in my younger days. The heel becomes the base point, which is higher - not stable and can completely throw you off (especially if you have gigantic heels, which I never had).
.
High heels. Admittedly I have done a lot of driving with heels - but that was in my younger days. The heel becomes the base point, which is higher - not stable and can completely throw you off (especially if you have gigantic heels, which I never had).1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (34300)
•
16 Jul 22
@much2say Yes, I would imagine it being really difficult to apply even pressure to the gas.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (34300)
•
12 Jul 22
That's true... I am very careful of the potential issues from wearing them. My drive to the beach is a short one which does not involve any major highways for safety.
Oh well, at least I'm not driving in bare feet 
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (34300)
•
13 Jul 22
I can understand that about flip flops as it took some time getting used to them for me. Now I like them. I see your point about wearing open toed shoes in areas where stickers or vines might scape up those toes and feet, ouch!
Here are some other footwears some suggest you avoid wearing when driving: are hiking boots, Uggs, platforms/high heels, work boots, slippers, snowmobile boots, socks or slippery-soled loafers. What do you think?
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (34300)
•
15 Jul 22
Yes, I think platform shoes would be really difficult to drive in...
1 person likes this
@LadyDuck (457413)
• Switzerland
13 Jul 22
Here it is very clear and written in the driving code, you cannot drive wearing sandals or barefoot.
If you cause an accident and they notice you were barefoot or wearing sandals, the insurance does not cover, you have to pay for all the damages... people think twice.
1 person likes this
@LadyDuck (457413)
• Switzerland
15 Jul 22
@dgobucks226 People know, do they want to drive wearing flip-flops? This can cost them a fortune if they cause an accident.
@dgobucks226 (34300)
•
15 Jul 22
Ah, in the U.S. no such law. Which probably makes a lot of comfort shoe wearers here very happy. Although as you mention, wear at your own risk, if an accident occurs you could be cited for reckless driving.
1 person likes this
@Deepizzaguy (94287)
• Lake Charles, Louisiana
8 Jul 22
I would never drive an auto wearing slippers. I usually drive an auto either with sneakers or shoes.
1 person likes this
@Deepizzaguy (94287)
• Lake Charles, Louisiana
13 Jul 22
@dgobucks226 You are welcome since I do not like to drive an auto with slippers on.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (34300)
•
13 Jul 22
I see. That's a sound decision. Comfortable tennis shoes or running shoes are best for driving as they provide an even pressure to the brake and gas pedal. It also allows easy switching from pedal to pedal.
Thanks for your input!
1 person likes this
@misunderstood_zombie (8142)
• United States
8 Jul 22
I usually will take my flip flop off to drive. I don't think you are being careless--I think it's up to the driver to decide.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (34300)
•
12 Jul 22
I suppose so... They also say driving barefoot is unsafe. I am very careful of the potential issues from wearing them. My drive to the beach is a short one which does not involve any major highways for safety.
I guess I could wear tennis shoes and swap out when I arrive there. Thanks for your input!
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (34300)
•
16 Jul 22
Your footwear of choice is sneakers/tennis shoes?
Comfortable tennis shoes or running shoes are best for driving as they provide an even pressure to the brake and gas pedal. It also allows easy switching from pedal to pedal.
For me when it comes to driving to the beach, I guess I'm "Born to be Wild."
1 person likes this
@ArtemDreadnought (21)
• Smila, Ukraine
9 Jul 22
I used sandals while driving but not flip flops sandals. Looks it is not comfortable, specially when you drive with a stick.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (34300)
•
12 Jul 22
I see your point. Sandals do offer more safety.
Other footwear that may cause probems are hiking boots, Uggs, platforms, work boots, slippers, snowmobile boots, socks or slippery-soled loafers. What do you think?
@dgobucks226 (34300)
•
13 Jul 22
Probably right, but boy they are comfortable on a hot summer day! And safer to wear than going barefoot 
The top choice for safe driving seems to be tennis/sneaker shoes.
The top choice for safe driving seems to be tennis/sneaker shoes.