Serious Question

While not an exotic owner, I really dislike driving barefoot because I use the heel of the shoe to rest my foot on and as leverage for pressing the pedals easier. Depending on the car, I have found that if I'm not wearing shoes that I have to pick my foot up to move it to brake, while with the shoe my foot becomes long enough to roll it to the left and apply the brake.

That said, my favorite leather driving shoes have a nice sturdy heel, but a soft, thin sole. This gives nice feel on the ball of the foot pressing the pedals, but gives the support I want under my heel as a pivot point.

I do remember that when we met you were in surf shorts, barefoot, driving your black Phantom!

 

I have a hard time driving barefoot because, and this is silly I know, but in all seriousness it tickles. I am very sensitive, especially on my feet, and the way the pedals hit on my arch it tickles the crap out of me.

 

I love it barefoot as well!

 

I thought that the pedals were completely adjustable? Couldn't you take it to the dealership and have them suited to your driving position?

 

I'm not used to driving barefooted, but I can still do it. It feels strange because my feet can feel the pedal "too much" if that makes sense. I'm used to being a little disconnected with my shoes on. I actually rest my heel on the floor for the throttle and use the right edge of my shoe only on the pedal (only for the throttle).

It's also probably because of the spatial positioning of your feet. Your feet are closer to you if your shoes have thick soles. So when you remove them, your feet are still used to it. It becomes odd to press the the throttle and brakes up to 1" further in most cases.

 

i drive a chevy truck, but i definitely prefer to drive barefoot... better feel for the pedals in my opinion, plus i wear sandals 24/7 because i hate feeling restricted (and that includes wearing shoes), but i cant drive in sandals

 

I often wear sandals, so when I'm driving my M3 6MT I keep the accelerator sandal on but clutch bearfooted...

 

I often drive bare footed in my 550 because it usually takes a narrow shoe for the right foot only and when I want to take a quick drive usually don't think about what shoe I am wearing and well when I get in with my wide sandles I usually have to kick one off. Its not really a problem as sensitivity is enhanced an does not create any painful problems, however a nice light, thin driving shoe is certainly the best way and some states make it illegal to drive without proper foot protection.

 

When rarely I drive my dad's 355 I always drive barefoot the pedals are to close and offset for my wide feet with sneakers on. My favorite everyday shoes to wear to drive are probably boat shoes(sperry topsiders) they provide more pedal feel then shoes and are not wide.
Erik

 

That's not true at all, it's an urban myth... http://www.barefooters.org/

 

I have this thing about dirty floors and bare feet. I've tried it before, but the pedals always felt dirty and that freaks me out. I cannot walk around outside barefoot.

RMX

 

Driving barefooted rules!!!

Another advantage is that cold feet, cools the body, which can make you more alert... (...or do you think this is BS). Think about standing with only your feet in the see on a hot sunny day... definitely refreshing.

 

Me too. I have to, I have size 13 feet (UK) and I simply can't drive my car without hitting the accelerator when braking. It's also much better barefoot for heel & toe/double-declutching.

 

I found a new brand of shoes, not long ago, called Schmoove. I wear the Jamaica model while driving. No heel, and sole thinner than in sport shoes (puma type).
Plus they look out good, and are wearable with a suit.
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it's not that people can't drive barefoot.
it's more what you are used to doing.
since most people wear shoes a majority of the time, then most people are going to prefer driving with shoes a majority of the time.
and most people are not going to have calloused feet,
or take their shoes off at spago's!
jeff

 

You would be wrong...The person i live next to got a citation for not wearing shoes while driving.

 

I only wear shoes, you never know when you are going to have to get out of there in a hurry.

I bought a pair of Tod's driving shoes and found them to be similar in feel to driving with a pair of thick socks. No issues on any car tested yet.

 

No, driving barefoot is NOT illegal anywhere in America... If your neighbor got a citation ONLY for that they should have taken it to court, it would have been thrown out. They may have gotten a citation for something, but it could not have only been for not wearing shoes while driving. Ask your neighbor for the statute or code that was listed on their ticket and look it up.

From the website I listed regarding the state of PA...