Appropriate Footwear When Driving
Author: Sally Aquire - Updated: 22 July 2010
Your brand new pair of Jimmy Choos might look fantastic but certain footwear is just not suitable for driving in. Even something as simple as changing gears could cause a serious accident in the wrong type of shoes.
Avoiding Certain Shoes
The sole of the foot can become trapped underneath the pedal whilst raising your foot to change gear. Wearing mules, flip-flops and other shoes without adequate ankle support can lead to the foot slipping off the pedal or missing the pedal altogether. High heels are not advised for similar reasons. These dangers can cause accidents if you don't have enough time to recover the situation.
A 2005 survey conducted by Norwich Union Motor Insurance in the UK found that flip-flops are the most dangerous item of driving footwear. Of the 1000 motorists questioned, three-quarters said that they found it challenging to drive in flip-flops, yet a quarter admitted to regularly driving in them.
What Shoes Should I Buy?...driving car shoes
Driving footwear must have a sole thin enough to feel the amount of pedal pressure needed to meet the necessary braking and accelerating. Flip-flops prevent this. The brake and accelerator are both operated by the heel of the foot. Naturally, high-heeled shoes obstruct this, as they elevate the heel and tamper with the pedal operation.
Generally, the best option is to find footwear with thin soles, narrow welts (a necessity if your vehicle contains a confined pedal box) and adequate ankle flexibility. Trainers are best avoided as the soles are too thick and padded. Pumps or deck shoes are a safer option. For material reasons, keeping a pair of suitable driving shoes in the car avoids the chance of ruining a dressy pair of shoes on sharp objects in the foot well.
When shopping for shoes which you plan to wear whilst driving, forget about assessing how well you can walk in them. Instead, focus on how they will feel when you are driving, particularly how your ankles will be positioned in them. In reducing the level of discomfort, you will also decrease the amount of effort required for driving. This is especially important for long-distance driving and will increase your control and safety.
Driving In Wet Weather
You will need to take greater care in wet weather. Slippery soles make it more likely that your foot will miss the pedal or slide off prematurely. To combat this, ensure you dry them thoroughly on the carpet in the foot well before driving.
Top Footwear Tips
The Driving Standards Agency issues the following advice: "Wear sensible clothing for driving, especially on a long journey. Suitable shoes are particularly important. We also would not recommend driving barefoot because you don't have the same braking force with bare foot as you do with shoes."
Features of suitable driving footwear:
The sole of the shoe should be no thicker than 10mm
At the same time, the sole should not be too thin or too soft
There should be enough grip to prevent the sole from slipping off the pedals
The shoe should not be too heavy
It should not limit ankle movement
It should not be wide enough to mean accidentally stepping on two pedals
Gym or walking shoes should work fine
The right footwear
can make all the difference to your driving safety. Leave the dressy shoes aside whilst driving- it could save your life! Information from http://www.safermotoring.co.ukReviews of piloti Men's Prototipo Oxford driving shoes
Great shoe and even better price !, April 1, 2011By GTr35
This review is from: piloti Men's Prototipo Oxford
Cant believe these shoes are so much cheaper than in Oz. Great fit, great quality and 1/2 the price ! No wonder Oz retailers complain about internet stores!
awesome seller amazing shoes, March 9, 2011By cp
This review is from: piloti Men's Prototipo Oxford
these shoes are extremely comfortable. I bought them specifically for driving but I now wear them as my every day shoe. they are amazing the only regret I have is buying a 1/2 size bigger than I needed.
Extraordinarily comfortable, December 11, 2010By R. Bixby "Bix" (Santa Cruz, CA)
This review is from: piloti Men's Prototipo Oxford
I've had this shoe for about 5 years. It had worn extremely well and is very comfortable. It is one of the few shoes I can spend hours walking in and have my feet feel good afterward. I bought them at the antique race car show at Laguna Seca from the owner who had a booth there. While I know they were designed for driving, I find them excellent for walking and workouts. The low firm sole makes them good for CrossFit training. They are very stable. For me they are reminiscent of early Adidas sneakers. Low, long, tight, lot's of laces.
PILOTI RACING SHOES, September 19, 2010By ANTHONY HAMBOYAN "DA MAN" (BURLINGTON)
This review is from: piloti Men's Prototipo Oxford
The shoes fit like a glove (if you chose the right size) I typically wear size (10.5) I read while researching that they tend to run 1/2 size smaller; therefore I took a gamble and ordered size 11, it was a smart decision, research paid off,(perfect).
The shoes are very light so you don't feel feel like you have lead weights on your feet. The objestive of my purchase was for Drag Racing; however I will purchase another pair for casual use, they are that comfortable, not to mention that they look awesome.
I am very pleased with my purchase and will highly recommend them to anyone whether you race or not.
Sincerely,
Anthony. H.
Burlington. MA.
Great shoes, July 22, 2010By Bobjob
This review is from: piloti Men's Prototipo Oxford
These shoes are great very comfy no matter what you are doing. The plastic eyelits that hold the laces ripped mine but it was no big deal.
They are great for driving, running, and everyday use. Look good too.
piloti men's driving shoe, November 4, 2009By John A. Hamill "bostonaudi" (Charleston,SC USA)
This review is from: piloti Men's Prototipo Oxford
Got em for $35 or so from Amazon, nice shoe for $, no brainer. I love driving in these rather than sneakers or regular shoes. Allow easier heal and toeing, and comfortable.
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