Wearing the wrong shoes while driving may lead to pedal error when your foot slips off the brake or accelerator pedal or pushes the wrong pedal. This could cause a crash. After all, very few people pay attention to what they’re on their feet when they get into the driver’s seat. Do you?
If you think about it, there are tons of shoe options that can ease your drive. If you ignore the options, are Converse good for driving for that matter?
Most Converse shoes are lightweight and have sticky soles that minimize slipping while stepping on your car pedals hence offer a comfortable driving experience. Be it a manual or an automatic gear shift, expect to have a less challenging long drive especially if you opt for the unisex Chuck Taylor low-top.
What makes Chucks good driving shoes?
In one way or another, you know about Chucks. They’re popular and have a rich history spanning over a century. Besides all that, here’s why I have always picked Converse as my go-to shoes for my many drives.
1. Appropriate sole thickness
Thin Sole – you will drive safely with converse due to the thin sole helping you make your calculation right when braking. It will allow you to feel the pedals properly and apply the correct amount of pressure
2. Comfortable on your feet
Chucks fit perfectly. You just need to pick your correct foot size to get a perfect fit. Having well-fitting shoes helps you to drive efficiently and properly step on the pedals.
If you’ve ever owned a pair of Converse, you must have noticed the stretchable material that allows comfortable feet movement.
3. Ankle-protective
4. The sole should be non-slippery when wet
5. Rounded heels
The rounded-heels are perfect for allowing smooth control when releasing and pressing pedals for full brake pedal control
6. Slim Design
It helps the shoes take up only a small pedal area space. You can quickly shift your foot from the brake to the gas pedal accurately.
When searching for the best driving shoes online, you’re likely to find people recommending Vans shoes. Here’s a post talking about Vans as driving shoes.
While shopping for your shoes, these are the characteristics you should check out. The thin sole enables you to have the best pedal pressure when braking or accelerating. But if the sole is thick, it means more weight, which hinders you in controlling the pedal. The sole shouldn’t be wide, too, as it can touch two pedals. It should have a good grip also to avoid slipping. Shoes with tire tread fit driving as they can adequately grip the pedals.
What type of shoes is best for driving?
Chuck Taylor Converse shoes (Chucks) have what a driver needs for an evening traffic drive or a long road trip.
If you get a pair of Chucks or any Converse for that matter, you’ll feel how the excellent outer sole, lightweight, breathable material, laces for a secure fit make Converse ideal for driving.
It also has a tread pattern on the sole for excellent grip and traction. The rubber sole is thin and flexible for easy pedal movement.
Why are you not supposed to drive barefoot?
Driving without shoes is risky and not recommended at all. You may feel comfortable at first, but later your feet will get tired and start straining. Your bare feet may easily slip off the pedals or make you miss them. The feet do not have the same braking force as shoes and will not generate enough safe driving friction. The feet will also have injuries like burns or blisters since they have no protection.
Is it better to drive with or without shoes?
Driving with shoes is always better than doing so barefeet. Here’s why.
- The clutch may require heavy pressure that the feet can’t apply
- In case of an accident, appropriate shoes will offer protection from injuries, unlike bare feet.
- Your feet can slip off the pedal since they have no grip.
- Feet also sweat and become wet, making the pedals slippery.
- You need to apply more energy to push the pedal when barefoot than when with shoes.
- Repeated use of the clutch can cause cramps or spasms, which is painful, reducing your vehicle’s control efficiency.
Conclusion
Crash avoidance and bringing the car to a sudden stop requires effective brakes and the ability to react swiftly and apply sufficient pressure on the brake pedal. This reaction depends on the kind of shoes you are wearing. Go for comfortable, lightweight, thin soles with traction, breathable shoes for safe driving. Again, avoid driving barefoot as it has more associated risks.
