What kind of shoes are best for driving?

Jul 21, 2020

Moses Kayiira, a mechanic at Bakayiira Diesel Garage has one advice to motorists; “Stay away from fancy footwear. Stick to flat or low-heeled shoes to avoid causing accidents.”

MOTORING

When Rita Kaitesi was learning how to drive, she wore what she thought were comfortable shoes. Her shoes had thick rubber soles.

To her dismay, whenever she tried to press the clutch pedal, her shoe kind of stuck on it. Besides, she had difficulty turning her foot from the accelerator to the brake pedal. Her instructor, at the time attributed her difficulty to the fact that she was still learning how to drive.

Moses Kayiira, a mechanic at Bakayiira Diesel Garage has one advice to motorists; "Stay away from fancy footwear. Stick to flat or low-heeled shoes to avoid causing accidents."

Kayiira says some drivers say they find it easy and more comfortable to drive barefooted, which is not right. "Such motorists end up applying unnecessary pressure on the accelerator or brake pedal, which can have fatal consequences," he says.

He adds that driving barefoot causes the foot to sweat making the brake or accelerator pad slippery which impedes the driver's grip.

Driving instructors, he says, should insist that learners don't drive barefooted.  "It's dangerous. One must wear proper shoes for effective driving," he notes.

High heels/wedges

Umar Kasujja, a mechanic at Oxford Auto Centre in Nalukolongo another city suburb says high heels makes are perhaps the worst kind of footwear for drivers because they incline one's foot at a steep angle making it difficult to shift one's foot from one pedal to another.

He adds that heels also tend to press the motorist's feet. "Such discomfort makes it hard for the motorist to drive effectively and in the end, they cannot exert reasonable pressure on the brake or accelerator," he says.

He adds that anyone who wants to wear high heels, should carry an extra pair of flat shoes for driving.

Open sandals

Sandals without heel straps should be avoided by drivers, Kasujja says. He advises motorists to stick to the right shoes while driving. This does not only protect the driver but also protects other motorists and road users. He says drivers should lookout for the following when choosing a shoe for driving.

Avoid wide shoes

Much as most motorists find certain types of shoes trendy and fashionable, Kasujja notes that extra wide shoes should be avoided. These interfere with proper footwork as one moves the foot from one pedal to another.

He notes that big or oversize shoes can make one step on two pedals at the same time, which can cause serious trouble on the road.

The sole

Wilson Waako, a driving instructor at Ebenezer driving school says it's important that drivers look for shoes with soles that are not too thick or too thin. It should not be too soft or too flexible.

He adds that the sole should also have enough holds on the pedal to avoid slipping and ensure that it enables you to drive without straining.

He advises motorists to invest in shoes with thick or plain soles as these will help them drive comfortably without encountering any trouble or even inconveniencing other road users.

Weight

Waako explains that for any effective driving, a motorist is required to shift brakes and gears and this requires the use of both feet and hands.

"For those who use feet to ensure a car moves from one place to another, the shoe they wear must be light for easy foot movement from the brake to the accelerator, "says Waako.

Best driving foot tips

• Do not drive with bare feet, as it reduces your control over the pedals hence the car.

• Wear comfortable shoes that incline your foot at a 45-60-degree angle to the pedals.

• Plant your heels on the floor and use your foot to press the pedal, without moving your heel.

• Invest in flat shoes. Heels increase the angle at which your foot bends, which can cause pain.

• Avoid slip-on shoes like flip-flops or sandals, which don't have heel straps.

• Avoid sitting too close to the wheel, as it reduces the angle at which your foot bends

• While on long trips take breaks from driving to walk or flex your feet and ankles.

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