If someone tells you that driving barefoot is illegal, they’re either misinformed or repeating an old myth. No laws in Canada or the U.S. explicitly prohibit driving without shoes. But just because it’s legal doesn’t mean it’s a wise choice.
I’ve kicked off my shoes while driving plenty of times. I’ve done it on long road trips when my feet sore, after a beach day, or just for convenience. It feels freeing, but it comes with risks. Damp or sweaty feet can slip on the pedals, and braking hard without shoes might not apply enough pressure compared to proper footwear.
That’s where the real legal trouble starts—careless driving. If a police officer sees that barefoot driving caused you to lose control or contributed to a crash, they can charge you with reckless or dangerous driving. That’s already happened in places like Ontario and Missouri, where drivers in accidents lost control due to improper footwear.
Bad footwear choices while driving
Even though barefoot driving isn’t illegal, bad footwear choices can be just as risky. Flip-flops are probably the worst offenders. They can slip off and wedge under the pedals, turning a minor inconvenience into a serious problem where someone could potentially die.
I know someone who had this happen. Her sandal got stuck under the brake pedal at a stop sign, and she rolled into the intersection. There were no injuries, but it could’ve been worse. High heels, work boots, and thick-soled shoes make it harder to feel the pedals properly.
For the best control, you should use proper shoes. Sneakers, flat-soled shoes, or even the lightweight “driving moccasins” car enthusiasts swear by all provide a good grip and let you switch between pedals quickly. If you must drive barefoot, ensure your car’s floor isn’t slippery, and keep a pair of proper shoes in the car, just in case.
Laws against driving barefoot
You probably won’t get pulled over for driving barefoot. But if something goes wrong, expect the police—and possibly your insurance company—to take a much closer look at whether your choice of footwear (or lack of it) played a role.
Many people assume there are laws against driving barefoot, but that’s not the case. No province in Canada or state in the U.S. bans it outright. But that doesn’t mean you won’t face problems if something goes wrong. I’ve spent years behind the wheel and have seen firsthand how footwear choices (or the lack of them) affect vehicle control.
The real issue isn’t legality—it’s safety. You could easily crash if your bare foot slips off the brake at the wrong moment or you don’t apply enough pressure. And if that happens, expect the police and your insurance company to ask questions.
Careless driving laws exist for a reason, and if an officer determines that your footwear contributed to an accident, you could be charged. There have been cases where drivers lost control because their flip-flops got wedged under a pedal, and they faced penalties for negligence.
Thick work boots and cowboy boots
Even among shoes, not all are created equal for driving. Thick work boots and cowboy boots limit ankle movement and make it harder to feel the pedals. High heels push your foot into an unnatural angle, making smooth braking and acceleration difficult.
Loose sandals and flip-flops? Those are an accident waiting to happen. I know someone whose sandal slipped off and got stuck under their brake pedal at a stop sign—thankfully, it was a minor fender bender, but it could have been much worse.
Both the Canada Safety Council and the National Safety Council have weighed in on the issue. They recommend wearing shoes with a firm grip. You should also have a flexible sole and a snug fit. Sneakers or flat-soled shoes work best. While platform shoes, stilettos, and oversized boots make proper pedal control challenging. The general rule? If your shoes make it harder to react quickly, they probably aren’t the best choice for driving.
And while we’re on the topic of weird driving rules, laws can be oddly specific depending on where you are. Alabama bans driving while blindfolded (which should go without saying), and Montana requires a chaperone if you’re transporting sheep. Some places have outdated or downright strange laws, but footwear regulations aren’t a thing.
Driving barefoot won’t get you a ticket, but it can put you at risk. If you ever get into an accident, expect your insurance company to look for any reason to deny a claim. This includes unsafe footwear. It’s one of those things that isn’t illegal but still isn’t the most brilliant move.
