Style or safety? When driving, there's no question. The ideal shoes for driving must allow you to safely control the vehicle. Neither too tight nor too loose, they must provide sensitivity on the pedal and stable heel support. So, no 12-inch heels, flip-flops, wedges, or mountain boots?
For a direct comparison between different types of footwear, ÖAMTC – the Austrian Automobile Club – conducted a practical test. The drivers involved in the experiment had to: quickly avoid an obstacle, perform an emergency brake, and execute a parking maneuver. Here are the results. High heels were rejected by ÖAMTC "because they make it impossible to regulate braking force and perceive pedal resistance." No to flip-flops and bare feet either: "they yielded the worst results in emergency braking, because it was not possible to apply the correct pressure to the pedals." Sandals are not recommended "due to the risk of the pedal getting caught between the shoe and the foot." Only sports shoes were approved, as the best for driving: "depending on the maneuver required, they allow for sensitive or powerful pedal control."
The Highway Code does not establish explicit prohibitions but stipulates in Article 140 that «Road users must behave in such a way as not to constitute a danger or obstruction to traffic and in any case to safeguard road safety» and in Article 141 that «the driver must be able to perform all necessary maneuvers safely, especially the timely stopping of the vehicle.»
Wearing footwear unsuitable for driving can be considered risky behavior and can provide an advantage to insurance companies. "Wrong shoes" could demonstrate the driver's inexperience and allow – according to a Criminal Court of Cassation ruling from 1978 – for a reduced reimbursement to be recognized. How to solve this? Always keep a pair of suitable driving shoes in the car. Style, without compromising safety.
