Page 6 | Do you drive in flip flops?

Incandescentangel · 2026-07-16T06:50:41+00:00

I was people watching in a coffee shop yesterday, and noticed how many people were wearing flip flops. I started wondering how many of them had driven there wearing flip flops. I have always considered it a bit dangerous so I change into a pair of shoes for driving. Am I being sensible, or am I just being ridiculous?

MinnieCoops · 16/07/2026 08:41

Yes all
summer.

Pedant61 · 16/07/2026 08:41

Never. But then I woukd never wear flip flops anywhere other than on a beach, or by a hotel pool - they are not proper footwear. Barefoot driving also sounds pretty dangerous too. How hard is it just to keep a pair of slip on shoes in the car?

user293948849167 · 16/07/2026 08:38

I remember when I was a fairly new driver, about 21 and my mum telling me not to drive in flip flops but I did anyway and at one point the accelerator pedal got stuck between my flip flop and foot and i couldn’t get my foot on the break! It was all fine but could have caused a collision so I have never driven in unsuitable shoes again. Even if I want to wear heels I will take flat shoes for driving.

shoesandshipsandsealingwax · 16/07/2026 08:37

NoWordForFluffy · 16/07/2026 08:22

Thank you!

Legality aside, I'd find it seriously uncomfortable driving barefoot. I wouldn't be able to press the pedals hard enough because of discomfort.

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It definitely feels off you’re not used to it - I did it the first time as my shoes were so sweaty my feet were slipping and it felt too unsafe. Now it just feels normal though still I prefer to have shoes on.

AgedPudding · 16/07/2026 08:34

No. I always wear proper shoes to drive.

NoWordForFluffy · 16/07/2026 08:22

shoesandshipsandsealingwax · 16/07/2026 08:07

It’s not illegal in Australia - they have similar rules to us - so you have to be in control of the car and if your footwear (or lack of) causes an accident then you can be prosecuted, but driving barefoot isn’t something you can get in trouble for in and of itself.

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Thank you!

Legality aside, I'd find it seriously uncomfortable driving barefoot. I wouldn't be able to press the pedals hard enough because of discomfort.

SowWhatNow · 16/07/2026 08:21

No because I don't want to end up in an accident and get prosecuted for careless driving because my footwear slipped and got caught under the pedals.

WeddingInvitation · 16/07/2026 08:21

I got them stuck under pedals once so don’t anymore. But I do drive in Arizona Birkenstocks as they are sturdy. But I’d be more likely to change into proper sandals for a long drive.

AbzMoz · 16/07/2026 08:21

I was told a story of someone who was in a minor collision that was not their direct fault whilst wearing flip flops, ending up with points/fines/astronomical insurance…. I would always wear trainers or pumps when driving.

CharlotteStreetW1 · 16/07/2026 08:17

It is illegal in Spain to drive in flip flops according to my lawyer friend who has a house there.

I used to drive in Birkenstocks but I was wearing a pair of flimsy sandals (with heel strap) when the front got caught on the pedal and scared the bejesus out of me so it's full shoes or trainers only now.

PituitaryPippa · 16/07/2026 08:16

I do but I tend to wear chunkier ones like fit flops or Skechers go walk. I wouldn’t drive in the very thin soled ones.

Ohmygawdflippingheck · 16/07/2026 08:11

I keep a pair of cheap flats in my car and almost always change into them for driving. I live in flip flops in the summer and chunky boots in the winter and I don't like driving in either of them

TheAnnoyingSatsuma · 16/07/2026 08:10

Absolutely no way would I drive in flip flops. I wear flat sandals that are secured around my ankles though.

VibrancyInspector · 16/07/2026 08:09

I wear them all summer but take them off to drive and just drive with no shoes only takes a second to slip them back on

hellospring26 · 16/07/2026 08:07

No I take them off and drive barefoot. Probably not allowed and if I was doing a long / motorway journey I’d put some trainers on but for short journeys, no.

shoesandshipsandsealingwax · 16/07/2026 08:07

NoWordForFluffy · 16/07/2026 08:02

I agree. Fully enclosed, flat, shoes only for driving. Before I had this rule, I had a heel get caught in the carpet of the car. That was a fucking frightening few seconds til it came out and I had full control again!

I don't think barefoot is a good idea either (I think it's illegal in Australia, for good reason).

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It’s not illegal in Australia - they have similar rules to us - so you have to be in control of the car and if your footwear (or lack of) causes an accident then you can be prosecuted, but driving barefoot isn’t something you can get in trouble for in and of itself.

Sweetpeasaremadeforbees · 16/07/2026 08:03

I once drove in wellies (as a stupid teen) and the top got lodged under the seat and I couldn't move my foot. Scared the hell out of me and I only wear sturdy shoes or trainers now, nothing loose.

Feelingshotshotshot · 16/07/2026 08:03

I drive in flip flops, probably shouldn't but I forget sometimes as I live in them over summer.

PeonyBulb · 16/07/2026 08:02

the police can arrest you for careless driving if you’ve had an accident wearing flip flops because The Highway Code states you should drive wearing footwear that must not prevent you from using the controls correctly

DisplayPurposesOnly · 16/07/2026 08:02

I'll happily drive in any footwear that feels secure on my foot and is safe. I dont have a blanket no heels or not flip-flops rule, it depends on the shoe.

As it happens my sliders are fine but I won't wear my trainers as I can't feel the pedals properly.

I actually learned to drive in bare feet as I couldn't wear shoes to drive, it took me years to come round to driving in shoes.

NoWordForFluffy · 16/07/2026 08:02

youngwhippersnapper · 16/07/2026 07:56

I wouldn’t drive in flip flops or any other sandals as it’s not safe.
I keep an old pair of flat shoes in the car.
Don’t feel safe driving in heels or boots either.

I agree. Fully enclosed, flat, shoes only for driving. Before I had this rule, I had a heel get caught in the carpet of the car. That was a fucking frightening few seconds til it came out and I had full control again!

I don't think barefoot is a good idea either (I think it's illegal in Australia, for good reason).

maisybobbins · 16/07/2026 07:58

Birkenstocks yes. Flip flops no.

DierdreDaphne · 16/07/2026 07:58

ToffeePennie · 16/07/2026 07:56

Flip flops belong in the bin. No support for your feet, exposure to all the elements and they don’t even protect your feet from things like glass or dog poo. Get rid!

Haha yes they are no good for my plantar fasciitis so not being worn for anything this summer 😅

PeonyBulb · 16/07/2026 07:57

I drove in flip flops one time years ago and they got stuck under the pedal. So yes i can attest to the fact that it’s extremely dangerous

MistakenFlutterby · 16/07/2026 07:57

It’s not illegal but you can be charged with careless driving if your footwear (or lack of footwear) contributes to an accident eg if your flip flops come off and get stuck under a pedal.