Are there any sandals you feel happy/safe to drive in?

[tobee]

I would rather not have to change my shoes in summer but maybe it's inevitable if I drive?

Teva walking sandals. They’re not pretty but they’re comfy and secure.

Do you drive manual or auto car? That makes a difference. I live in a hot country so always drive in flip flops but if I was back in UK driving a manual I’d probably wear some with a back on them.

I have an automatic car.

I've just bought some Teva Original Universal Slim and I wasn't sure whether they would be substantial enough.

I love my Tevas for walking and driving

Saltwaters?

Teva’s.

the ones that have a strap behind the heel and two over the top. Better than slip on shoes.

I’ve got a version of these from a couple of years ago and yes they’re substantial enough to drive in (and I drive a manual).

Blowfish Malibu Sandals

I also drive in saltwaters. I find anything with a strap at the back and a buckle/some kind of fastening is fine.

I personally wouldn’t feel happy to drive in flip flops or Birkenstock type sandals.

I drive in all my sandals. I prefer barefoot to flip flops however. I drive an automatic so less foot movement needed.

Any sandal with a decent sole should be ok to drive in? I drive in anything - flip flops, Birkenstocks, clogs…

Why can’t you drive in sandals?

Yep Tevas. My pairs are VERY pretty!

I have worn my Teva Universals for driving (an automatic) but I find they have soles which are too flexible and don't feel quite right. So I wear my Teva Universal midforms as the sole is more 'solid'.

Why can't you drive in sandals? I'll drive in anything - flip flops, birkies, walking boots, barefoot...

Personally I think it is irresponsible to drive in sandals, it is not illegal but they can cause accidents by falling off your feet and getting stuck under your pedals but there is also research saying that they slow your reaction time in emergencies. Driving is the most dangerous thing most of us do and I won’t be taking any chances.

if you cause an accident you can also be fined for driving without due care and attention. Someone drove into the back of me just after Christmas and they were fined on the spot for driving in Crocs.

I also drive in Saltwaters

I feel fine in anything with a strap around the back/ankle I wouldn't drive in flip flops

I'm struggling to think of sandals I've not felt safe to drive in. Possibly some flimsy flip-flops.

I drive in anything! Apart from flip flops but I don't really wear those. I do drive in FitFlops. Used to drive in heels too but I don't wear heels much since Covid. Car is manual.

I don't own shoes I wouldn't drive in - but all my sandals have a back strap - so aren't as easy to slip on/off as flip-flops for example.

Birkenstocks - done so for years with no problems!

I always think this question is a bit driven by the size of the wearer’s feet. I have friends with small feet who won’t drive in sandals because there’s a real risk of them getting caught on the pedals. With my hulking great feet, not such an issue, they come well up the pedals.

I completely agree with this. My father was a professional driver (as in racing) as well as a mechanic and it’s been drilled into me from a young age that you always wear appropriate footwear when driving. That means no sandals, no heavy/thick soles, no bare feet.

I have driving shoes (Tod’s loafers) that I wear if I’m going somewhere in unsuitable (for driving) footwear.

That’s a good point, I have giant feet 🤣

Although it’s not illegal (as far as I know) in the UK, if you were involved in an accident it would be deemed that you weren’t in full control of the car .

Is it illegal to drive in flip-flops?

No, there's no specific law in the UK that prohibits driving in flip-flops.
However, Rule 97 of the Highway Code states that your footwear shouldn't prevent you from using the car's controls properly.
if your feet slip or slide in flip-flops, or if they interfere with the pedals, you might be considered not to be in proper control of the vehicle,
in such cases, you could face charges for driving without due care and attention, which carries a maximum fine of £5,000 and 9 penalty points