Many people wonder if it is legal to drive barefoot or in shoes such as flip-flops. The short answer is no, it is not illegal. However just because something is legal, does not mean it is safe and there are many reasons why driving barefoot is not a good idea.

Stay safe

Whether you are driving in your own car or in a hire vehicle, it is the paramount responsibility of the driver to drive safely for the well-being of themselves and their passengers as well as other users of the road.

Accidents can happen to even the safest of drivers, so make sure that your insurance is up to date. If you are in a hired vehicle, consider taking out car hire excess insurance so you are not left out of pocket.

Why not barefoot?

Driving while barefoot or in flimsy shoes like flip-flops may mean that you lack the necessary force needed when braking. Flip-flops or bare feet may also lack the grip needed to operate the pedals effectively, particularly if feet are wet.

If you are on holiday, just off the beach, it can be particularly tempting to drive barefoot or in flip-flops. But it is recommended that you do not do this and instead keep a sensible pair of shoes handy.

For further security when driving on holiday, if you have hired a car, car hire excess insurance through an insurance comparison service like moneymaxim.co.uk/car-hire-excess-insurance can protect you financially.

Choosing the right shoes

If you are unsure what the right shoes are for driving, you may want to take some advice from the Top Gear team, but there is some general guidance to help you find the best shoes. Along with flip-flops, high heels and heavy walking boots too are not advisable.

Instead, look for comfortable shoes that have a sole that is no more than 10mm thick, although neither should it be too soft or thin. Make sure it has a good grip so your foot does not slip off the pedal, is not too heavy, and does not restrict your ankle movement.