
No, it is strongly discouraged and can be illegal to drive a car while wearing slippers in Canada. While there is no specific nationwide law that states "no slippers," your choice of footwear falls under the broader legal requirement to always be in proper control of your vehicle. Slippers pose a significant safety risk because they can easily slip off your foot, get caught under the pedals, or prevent you from feeling the brake and accelerator properly. This lack of precise control can lead to delayed reaction times in critical situations, potentially resulting in a collision. If an accident occurs and improper footwear is determined to be a contributing factor, you could be charged with careless or dangerous driving.
The primary concern is pedal control and feedback. Proper driving shoes have a firm sole that allows you to modulate pressure accurately. Slippers, with their soft, flexible soles and often loose fit, are unsuitable for this task. A sudden stop could see your foot slide right out of the slipper, leaving you unable to brake effectively.
| Footwear Type | Safety Risk Level | Key Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Proper Driving Shoes / Sneakers | Low | Firm sole, good grip, secure fit. |
| Boots (e.g., Winter, Work) | Medium to High | Sole can be too wide, potentially pressing two pedals at once. |
| High Heels | High | Heel can get caught on floor mat; foot positioning is awkward. |
| Flip-Flops | Very High | No heel strap; can easily fall off and jam under pedals. |
| Slippers (loose-fitting) | Very High | Similar to flip-flops; poor grip and high risk of slipping off. |
| Bare Feet | High | Lack of protection and grip; foot can slip off pedal. |
The best practice is to keep a pair of suitable shoes in your car specifically for driving, especially if your commute requires you to wear footwear like heavy winter boots or dress shoes that aren't ideal for operating pedals safely. Your safety and the safety of others on the road depend on your ability to control your vehicle without any distractions or physical impediments.

It's a bad idea, plain and simple. I tried it once when I was just moving my car down the street. The slipper almost got wedged under the brake pedal when I switched to the accelerator. It was a real wake-up call. They don't offer any grip or support. Now I just keep an old pair of sneakers in the footwell. It takes two seconds to change and it's not worth the risk.

From a safety standpoint, slippers are inappropriate footwear for driving. They compromise the three essential functions of driving shoes: control, grip, and stability. The soft sole dulls the tactile feedback you need from the pedals, making it difficult to execute smooth inputs. This can lead to jerky acceleration or braking, increasing wear on your vehicle and creating a potential hazard.


