Is it okay to wear thick-soled shoes while practicing driving?
3 Answers
It is not advisable to wear thick-soled shoes while practicing driving. Choosing shoes for driving practice: For men, the primary goals when selecting shoes for driving practice should be comfort and slip resistance. Options such as casual shoes, sports shoes, or leather shoes are all suitable. The theoretical exams for Subject 1 and Subject 4 explicitly state that female drivers should not wear high heels while driving. This is for safety considerations. During driving practice (especially for Subject 2), the left foot is often in a prolonged state of pressing the clutch, which can lead to fatigue over time. Shoe selection requirements: 1. Comfort: Flat-soled shoes are a must. 2. Slip resistance: During practice, the left foot repeatedly presses the clutch. If the foot slips or the pressure is not controlled properly, it may result in missing reference points or incorrect steering. 3. Durability: In summary, it is recommended that female drivers wear canvas shoes, sneakers, or sports shoes for driving practice.
As a frequent driver, I find that wearing thick-soled shoes during practice isn't ideal. Thick soles make it harder to feel the accelerator and brake pedals properly—it's like there's a cushion in between. Press too lightly and there's no response; press too hard and you might overdo it, which can be especially dangerous during sharp turns or emergency braking. From what I've observed, many beginners wearing thick-soled shoes tend to slip or miss the pedals, leading to mistakes. I recommend opting for thin-soled, well-fitted sports shoes instead, as they offer better sensitivity and quicker response. Additionally, wearing thick-soled shoes for long practice sessions can cause foot fatigue and reduce concentration. In short, safety comes first—don't let your shoes hold you back during practice. Developing good habits early is crucial for future driving.
When I first started learning to drive, I wore a pair of thick-soled sneakers, and my instructor kept shaking his head. I couldn't feel the changes in pedal pressure when accelerating—just a light tap and the car would lurch forward. Once, I almost hit a cone while turning. Later, I switched to thin-soled shoes, and my control became much smoother. As a beginner, reactions are naturally slower, and if your shoes interfere with your control, it’s easy to get nervous and make mistakes. I suggest new drivers avoid thick-soled shoes and opt for a pair of soft-soled, ordinary shoes instead—it’s less hassle and boosts confidence. Remember, details determine success. Prepare your gear properly for each practice session, and don’t let small things ruin the bigger picture.
