You bet!
It’s comfortable . . .
. . . offers greater pedal control
. . . avoids hazards associated with high heels and slippery soled shoes
. . . and it’s fun!
What does the law say about driving barefoot?
It says nothing–which means go ahead!
Traffic ticket urban legends in Edmonds.com explains (under Myth #4): “There is no state that regulates proper footwear for operating a motor vehicle, with the exception of Alabama, where it is prohibited to drive a motorcycle while barefoot.”
CDL Life article confirming the legality of driving barefoot in all 50 U.S. states (August 11, 2023).
The Zebra article confirming the legality of driving barefoot in all 50 U.S. states (April 5, 2023).
Is It Illegal To Drive Barefoot? – Article published by Bankrate which addresses both the legal and insurance angles. Short answer: neither U.S. state laws nor any insurance policies prohibit barefoot driving. So, it’s legal! (Published June, 2021)
Original “Urban Legends” research article confirming the legality of driving barefoot in all 50 U.S. states, often referenced in subsequent articles (written in 1994).
Missouri Highway Patrol article – Notes the legality of driving barefoot. The article also accurately explains, “…at times, it may even be safer to drive without shoes.”
Minnesota State Patrol article – Puts it plan and simple: “Q: Can a person drive a vehicle barefoot? A: Yes, a person can drive a passenger vehicle or a commercial motor vehicle barefoot.”
Wisconsin – Madison State Journal article confirms legality of driving barefoot.
Kansas, Missouri and the whole of U.S. and Canada (KCTV-5 news report) – Another clear police dept. confirmation: “…there are zero [U.S.] states or Canadian provinces that have any laws on driving while barefoot.”
OUTSIDE THE U.S. – These resources show that local laws do not prohibit barefoot driving in Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia (Australian article also confirming this) or France.
Does driving barefoot come with benefits?
Sure! . . .
More control: Barefoot driving offers fuller sensory feedback and more precise pedal control.
Better control: Ever try steering a car while wearing thick, stiff mittens? Maybe possible, but not ideal! A shoe creates the same problem. And high heels and loose fitting shoes can really interfere with safe driving.
Cleaner control: Ever have a shoe pick up grease, dirt or even a pebble, causing it to slip on the pedal? A barefoot driver will feel these impediments and brush them off before driving.
Oh, and did we mention: it’s fun and much more comfortable.
Helpful note: Just make sure you toss any footwear (assuming you brought any) into the backseat area–so it doesn’t get stuck under the pedals.
A helpful Blog article: Driving Barefoot is Safer than Driving While Wearing Footwear