When it comes to driving, many people are unsure about what footwear is both safe and legal. For instance, is it illegal to drive in sliders? Can you drive in Crocs in the UK? And can you drive barefoot?
In this guide, we answer some of the most asked questions about footwear and driving. We look at what the Highway Code says about driving barefoot, highlight the footwear you should avoid, and offer tips on how to choose the best shoes for safe driving.
Is it illegal to drive barefoot in the UK?
The short answer is no, it’s not illegal to drive barefoot in the UK. However, according to Rule 97 of the Highway Code, you must ensure your clothing and footwear do not prevent you from using the controls correctly. This means you must be able to operate the pedals safely, and maintain full control of your vehicle.
If you’re involved in an accident or pulled over by the police, and it’s found that driving barefoot (or wearing unsuitable footwear) has affected your control of the vehicle, you could face fines, penalty points, and other more serious charges.
So, while driving barefoot isn’t illegal, it’s not always the safest option. It could also have legal consequences if it compromises your ability to drive safely.
Why driving barefoot can be risky
While the law doesn’t specifically ban driving without shoes, this doesn’t mean it’s safe or advisable. In fact, driving barefoot comes with a variety of risks, such as:
- Reduced grip: Bare feet can easily slip off the pedals, and they also make it more difficult to judge how much pressure you’re applying.
- Slower reactions: If you’re used to driving in shoes, driving barefoot can throw off your reaction times in an emergency.
- Discomfort: There’s also the issue of physical discomfort, with hard braking or accelerating hurting your feet.
What shoes can you not drive in in the UK?
Just as it’s not illegal to drive barefoot, there’s also no specific law surrounding driving in certain shoes. However, some footwear makes it much more difficult for you to control your vehicle, including:
- Sliders or flip-flops: With very little grip and no ankle support, sliders and flip-flops are particularly awkward for driving in.There’s also a risk that the sole could get caught underneath the pedal, causing problems for braking and acceleration.
- Heels and platforms: Thin high heels can get caught under pedals, while chunkier platforms make it difficult to judge pressure.
- Heavy boots: Stiff or rigid footwear, like snow boots and walking boots, make it difficult to move your feet and feel the pedals properly.
The best footwear for driving
Now that you know which shoes to avoid, what shoes should you wear when driving? Well, while flimsy shoes like flip-flops can be unsafe, so can heavier boots, so the key is to find a comfortable middle ground:
- Thin, flexible soles: Soles no thicker than 10mm are ideal, as they allow you to feel the pedal and easily control pressure. However, it’s best to avoid soles that are too soft or thin.
- Firm fit: Your shoes should fit snugly on your feet, without slipping or restricting ankle movement.
- Good grip:Non-slip soles prevent sliding off the pedal, especially in wet conditions.
The bottom line
So, can you drive barefoot in the UK? Well, while it’s not against the law, this doesn’t mean it’s the safest choice. Driving barefoot can make it harder for you to stay in control of your vehicle, so it’s best to wear shoes that offer grip, flexibility, and comfort.
As a final tip, we’d recommend keeping a reliable pair of driving shoes in your car. Then, if you wear heels or heavy boots day to day, you can swap them out for a safer alternative before getting behind the wheel. This can be especially useful in rainy or snowy weather, as wet soles are particularly prone to slipping.
Finally, if you’re looking for more guides, tips, and insights, just head over to the rest of our blog. There you can read about when to use your car lights as well ashow to navigate UK weather warnings.
We also offer more practical guides on common driving laws and safety issues, for instance: Is it illegal to park on the pavement? And could tiredness behind the wheel land you a fine?
